BROAD Chalke has been named as one of the best places to live in the southwest by the Sunday Times. 

The judging panel is made up of contributors and writers with local expertise.

It's all part of the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.  The top prize for the southwest has gone to Cirencester.

The Sunday Times judges praised Cirencester for the "beauty of its historic buildings, its busy and useful town centre and easy access to Cotswold countryside".  

Apart from the regional winner, the other locations are not ranked. 

The panel describes Broad Chalke, roughly eight miles west of Salisbury, as “laid back”, setting an example to other villages as to how rural life should be done.

The village prides itself on a voluntary group called “the hub”, a group of 70 people which helps run the shop, café and post office for the local community.

It says: "With a population of just 680 people, Broad Chalke is known for its steep, green terrain, quaint thatch cottages and chalk streams that run through the area. With a variety of sports clubs, social groups and local amenities, it’s no wonder the village made the list; with a football pitch, cricket club, and numerous sports facilities, there’s no shortage of opportunity when it comes to getting active.

"The village also hosts an annual history festival running from June 26 - July 2 each year and is regarded as the main tourist attraction of the village; offering live history, music and camping."

Marlborough also makes the list. 

On Marlborough, the panel said: "Marlborough has excellent schools – state as well as private – beautiful countryside, lively sports clubs and the widest high street in the country, which is at the heart of life here.

"An impressive literature festival, a new cinema and standout shops such as the White Horse bookshop and indie record store Sound Knowledge keep it punching above its weight." 

Other places on the list include Penzance, the Chew Valley and Cornwall.

Helen Davies, the editor of Best Places to Live 2023, 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.” 

To read the guide in full go to thetimes.co.uk/bestplacestolive.