The online lifestyle magazine Muddy Stilettos set up a regional vote across 29 English counties as part of its annual Top 300 Places to Live guide.
The insider guide covered more places than ever before, sharing local knowledge and insights into the most sought-after counties in England.
Dursley in Gloucestershire was crowned the Best of the Best 2025, while Bristol’s Southville was featured among the top 10 list for Bristol and Somerset.
Scroll through to learn about the top 20 places to live in Bristol, Somerset and Gloucestershire revealed in new Muddy Stiletto Guide, and why:
5. Tetbury, Gloucestershire
"One of the most stylish postcodes in Gloucestershire, Tetbury is a small market town with big appeal. But don’t just take our word for it, King Charles and Queen Camilla are big fans, Highgrove Estate sits just on the town’s outskirts. Although Tetbury may have an ultra posh CV, it’s not stuffy. It’s actually a friendly, family-centred type of town – just take the famous, annual Wacky Races which sees homemade carts career around the town every May Day. Its handsome Georgian centre is home to a mix of proudly independent shops, quality cafés, and a regular market. There’s a practical side too: good schools, reliable transport links, and a strong sense of community. It’s the kind of place where you’ll get to know your greengrocer, find excellent bread or brunch without trying, and still have miles of countryside on your doorstep to explore." | Mike Gibson via Google Maps
6. Wells, Somerset
"Located on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills National Landscape (aka Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), England’s smallest city may be packed with historic buildings – including a 13th-century cathedral – but it’s not stuck in the past. Wells has a vibrant community, heaps of independent shops and eateries, a thriving cultural scene and excellent schools." | BristolWorld
7. Lechlade-on-Thames, Gloucestershire
"The historic town of Lechlade sits in an enchantingly beautiful spot on the River Thames. Outdoorsy types, keen runners, ramblers and dog lovers will adore the easy access to scenic river walks and easy access to the Thames Path – all 184 miles of it (if you’re feeling energetic). Enjoy a lazy boat trip, take a stroll across the charming Halfpenny Bridge or explore the Thames Path National Trail from the town centre. Perks? Known as the Gateway to the Cotswolds, Lechlade is decidedly less touristy than other Cotswold towns, yet with all the benefits of one still. There is a thriving market square, the pretty 15th century church of St Lawrence with stunning stained glass windows, and a high street sprinkled with visit-worthy indie cafés, pubs, shops and an excellent boating marina." | Layne Shutt via Google Maps
8. Castle Cary, Somerset
"Cary, as the locals call it, is a pretty market town in South Somerset with historic buildings – 19th century Market House, 18th century lock up and thatched George Inn – and a fab collection of indies supplying all you desire. You need never leave (although if you do, the connections are good). " | Google