Ruthin has been named the best place to live in Wales in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide. 

The Sunday Times judges praised Ruthin, located in Denbighshire, for its historic town, medieval and Victorian buildings, atmospheric setting surrounded by the Clwydian hills, as well as its community hubs and excellent schools.  

A Sunday Time spokesperson said: “This beautiful, historic corner of the Vale of Clwyd provides the very best of small-town living.

"It may look sleepy from the outside, but scratch the surface and it’s a hive of activity.

Great British Life: Ruthin was praised for it 'historic town' by Sunday Times judges.Ruthin was praised for it 'historic town' by Sunday Times judges. (Image: The Leader / Newsquest)

"The market hall is the place for food and craft markets and pop-up restaurants, a disused bank has been converted into a repair cafe and the old courthouse is now a visitor hub and co-working space.

"There are all kinds of interesting independent businesses, producing everything from ice cream to roads.” 

Ruthin placed ninth overall out of 72 locations across the UK in the comprehensive guide. 

Editor of Best Places to Live Guide 2023, Helen Davies, said: “When times are tough, where we live matters more than ever.

"Attractive surroundings, good neighbours and a comfortable home are the best defences when the stresses of modern life seem overwhelming. 

“This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2023 from Orkney to Felixstowe, the Chew Valley to Manchester city centre. Whether you’re downsizing, trading up or getting onto the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you.” 

This year’s guide – the 11th – features more new entries than ever before.

The Sunday Times’ expert judges have visited all the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street. 

Wadhurst in East Sussex was named the overall winner of Best Places to Live. 

Great British Life: Wadhurst was named the best place to live in the UK by the Sunday Times.Wadhurst was named the best place to live in the UK by the Sunday Times. (Image: PA)

Six other locations in Wales are featured.

Best places to live in Wales

Ruthin, Denbighshire 

What The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide said: "This beautiful, historic corner of the Vale of Clwyd provides the very best of small-town living.

"It may look sleepy from the outside, but scratch the surface and it’s a hive of activity.

"The market hall is the place for food and craft markets and pop-up restaurants, a disused bank has been converted into a repair cafe and the old courthouse is now a visitor hub and co-working space.

"There are all kinds of interesting independent businesses, producing everything from ice cream to roads."

Great British Life: Ruthin has been named best place to live in Wales and ninth best in the UK.Ruthin has been named best place to live in Wales and ninth best in the UK. (Image: North Wales Wildlife Trust)

Abergavenny, Monmouthshire 

The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide said: "From the scenery to the high street and a busy community eager to get involved in everything from choirs to litter picks, there’s something to admire everywhere you turn.

"This is a proper market town which along with the food festival and the many excellent restaurants, makes this a particularly good spot for anyone keen on eating well."

Barmouth, Gwynedd 

The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide said: "This beautiful resort, with its famous viaduct and stunning mountain backdrop, is rapidly turning from a kiss-me-quick holiday getaway to a sophisticated coastal retreat.

"It’s now a great place to enjoy the scenery all year round,  helped by an influx of interesting shops and restaurants, such as the beachfront Celtic Cabin, which serves the best street food in the country."

Gower Peninsula, Swansea

Great British Life: The picturesque Gower Peninsula was among the best places to live in Wales.The picturesque Gower Peninsula was among the best places to live in Wales. (Image: Big Blue Adventures)

The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide said: "This 70 sq miles of prime scenic seaside is worth its place on beauty alone, but it has even more to offer than its beaches, cliffs and moorlands.

"It’s a busy hive of community projects - village shops, organic farms and much more. From the smart Swansea suburbs of Caswell Bay and Langland to village life at its best in Llanmadoc or Llangennith there’s something for everyone - especially families who can enjoy the outdoor lifestyle while keeping Swansea on the doorstep."

Cardiff, Pontcanna

The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide said: "Small, friendly and unpretentious, Cardiff is the UK’s most likeable capital city.

"Leafy Pontcanna is our favourite neighbourhood in the Welsh capital, thanks to its  combination of beautiful parks, elegant Victorian terraces and some exceptional independent shops, cafes and restaurants as well as easy access to the city centre."

Solva, Pembrokeshire

The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide said: "The location is beautiful, but it’s the community spirit that earns this village its spot.

"From Bayview Stores, the brilliant village shop that became a lifeline during lockdown, to the annual fireworks display or the Solva Edge festival, there’s a rare determination among the population to take care of each other and keep Solva buzzing all year round."  

Narberth, Pembrokeshire

The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide said: "An exciting new food hall and a new cafe that offers mental-health support are just the latest additions to a town centre that punches far above its weight.

"Easy access to Pembrokeshire’s spectacular beaches, a swimming pool, lively community centre and a strong cultural offering add to the appeal."