The best places to live in Wiltshire in new ranking

Lifestyle guide Muddy Stilettos has drawn up its 2024 list of the best 260 places to live in the country, with several of the county’s towns and villages cutting.

Wiltshire is described as a county with multiple popular places to visit and “oodles of cool gems hidden amongst rolling plains”.

Muddy Stilettos highlighted several visitor destinations and events across the county for special praise, including Longleat, Center Parks, Lacock Abbey, Whatley Manor, WOMAD, The Manor House at Castle Combe, and Lucknam Park.

But the official list focuses on the very best towns and villages in the county for residents and highlights their best features.

The full shortlist of the best ten places to live in the area can be found below.

Marlborough

Marlborough Marlborough makes the cut thanks to its “original rustic charm”, characterised by its alleyways, coaching inns and half-timbered cottages.

The town is also praised for its “refreshingly forward feel”, driven by the local arts and independent retail communities.

Lacock

Lacock Abbey Just minutes from Chippenham, the village of Lacock is best known to tourists for its appearances in hit TV shows and films such as Harry Potter and Downtown Abbey.

But Muddy Stilettos also claims the area has become popular with young professionals and families thanks to its arts scene and boutique shopping.

Malmesbury

Malmesbury Famous for its preserved historic buildings, Malmesbury is described as a “buzzing market town” with a busy music and arts calendar.

The town is also praised for the variety of its High Street offering and for being the home of England’s oldest hotel, The Old Bell.

Corsham

Corsham Court Described as having “a hint of Bath” without the price tag, Corsham makes the list thanks to its “ever-expanding” selection of independent businesses including bookshops, homeware stores and markets.

The town’s resident peacocks also got a shoutout in the latest guide.

Salisbury

Salisbury Salisbury is showered with praise for its “medieval splendour” and its array of “funky independent shops and restaurants.”

The lifestyle guide awarded the city bonus points for being just miles from the ultimate heritage attraction of Stonehenge.

Pewsey

Pewsey The largest village in the Pewsey Vale boasts some “staggering views” and countryside walks thanks to the rolling hills and rivers.

Pewsey’s architecture is also highlighted as a plus, including the quaint thatched cottages that can be found in the village.

Bradford on Avon

Bradford on Avon The historic town has reportedly seen a recent influx of new residents thanks to its transport links to Bath, Bristol, London, and the south coast.

But the town itself also contains “great places to eat, drink and shop.”

Box

Box High Street (Image: Google Maps)Near the edge of Wiltshire, Box is described as a “vibrant village immersed in idyllic countryside.”

Reviewers were full of positivity when discussing the food and drink options on offer in the area, with The Birdhouse Cafe, Bengal Bear, and the Quarrymans Arms all mentioned.

Tisbury

The historic village is placed in the picturesque West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but Muddy Stilettos also claims it has a “cool edge.”

While the 12th century parish church hosts a 4,000-year-old ancient yew tree, there is also a modern side to the village’s “thriving High Street.”

Mere

Mere (Image: Google Maps)Just south of the A303, Mere lies beneath the scenic South Wiltshire Downs and also has its own “picture-perfect market square.”

The town is ideal for walkers, with stunning views available at Great Bottom or Castle Hill, while there are also plenty of shops and facilities to meet people’s everyday needs.