Pretty UK town with independent shops was ‘one of best places to live’ | UK | Travel
This pretty town has been named as ‘one of the best places to live’ (Image: Getty Images)
A charming market with a treasure trove of independent shops and a flourishing culinary scene has been named ‘one of the best places to live’.
The picturesque town of Stamford, nestled in Lincolnshire, is made up of cobbled lanes, independent retailers, trendy pubs and picture-postcard scenes. Its location means it’s often overlooked by its nearby city, Cambridge, yet its captivating appeal has served as the backdrop for major film and television productions, thanks to its 17th-century stonework and grand architecture.
Its Georgian buildings are one of the town’s most distinctive features, with its narrow, cobbled streets lined with honey-coloured townhouses. Its characteristics have often earned it the nickname a “mini Bath”, referencing the Somerset city renowned for similar features, and it was named one of the best places to live in the UK by the Sunday Times in its 2024 guide.
In the guide, the publication noted that Stamford “looks a million dollars and it’s the picturesque backdrop to a strong, proud community”. The town has also been hailed for its commutable links to London, thanks to its own train station and journey that takes just over an hour.
The grand Georgian architecture is a standout feature in Stamford (Image: Getty Images)
It’s easy to spend time wandering along the charming streets of Stamford, which are brimming with independent boutiques offering everything from soy wax candles and ceramic vases to vintage furnishings and gifts for a loved one. The homeware store, Nook, tends to be particularly popular among visitors, along with St Martin’s Antiques Centre, which has gorgeous vintage items you won’t find anywhere else.
Stamford also has an array of high street stores, including Oliver Bonas, White Stuff, Mountain Warehouse, New Look, Mint Velvet and The White Company, to name a few. Dotted among the shops is an impressive selection of coffeehouses that deserve special mention.
One of the popular spots to grab a delicious brunch or coffee is the delightful Fika, on the main high street, while the cosy Scandimania Coffee House is ideal for people-watching or grabbing a coffee before a winter stroll. The Cornish Bakery has a tantalising array of savoury and sweet treats on offer, along with the chic Freckleface Coffee Co., with its golden croissants and pastel de nata.
The town is brimming with independent shops and cosy pubs (Image: Getty Images)
While Stamford may be small, its food scene is nothing short of perfection, and you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice on where to dine. There’s the towering Paten & Co., which serves up a mouthwatering beef brisket during their Sunday lunch service, complete with all the trimmings, or Tobie Norris, where you can feast on a whole chicken between two!
Alternatively, there’s the King’s Head, renowned for its juicy burgers – we suggest the gravy dipping burger, or burger crumpet for a unique twist! They also offer a wide range of beers to savour in their homey pub nestled behind a Stamford church.
The Slanted Door is another popular choice, offering small plates that can be enjoyed on the terrace during summer, or their fine-dining experience in their stylish restaurant. Orbis Stamford is another top pick, with tapas dishes boasting “flavours around the world”, or the Turkish eatery Zada for lamb koftas or charcoal-grilled chicken.
Another standout feature in this town is Burghley House, hailed as “one of the grandest houses of the 16th century”. Just a short walk from the town centre, the majestic manor invites visitors to tour its opulent interiors, wander through its beautiful gardens, or simply roam its surrounding grounds at no cost.
Burghley House has served as a filming location for TV and film (Image: Getty Images)
It’s gorgeous during the summer, with its gardens offering a majestic journey, while its grounds provide an idyllic spot to walk the dog or enjoy its annual events, including the food market, a classic Ibiza concert, and horse trails. The splendour of Burghley House has even made it a sought-after filming location for both television and film.
Its impressive list of credits includes Pride & Prejudice, The Da Vinci Code, The Flash and the 2025 film Frankenstein. It’s also graced the small screen in the immensely popular Netflix series The Crown and featured on Top Gear.
With its gently humming atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Stamford has been ranked as ‘one of the best places to live’, where locals catch up over a coffee or take a leisurely stroll in Burghley House to start their day. It’s peaceful, calm, and free of city chaos, yet it offers all the exceptional amenities, so you never need to wander far.
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