A former mining village in Northumberland has outshone its larger and more renowned neighbours to secure a spot in the top 100 of a new ranking of the best places to live in the UK. Property experts at Garrington, as they did last year, have compiled a list of what they consider to be the most desirable postcodes in England and Wales.
The 2025 standings brought good news for the North East, with Whitburn being the highest-ranked location in the region, securing third place, while the historic Northumberland town of Alnwick also made it into the top 10. Newcastle, despite being labelled one of the UK’s ‘worst cities’ just a week ago, made it into the top 40. Meanwhile, other Northumberland locations such as Morpeth, Hexham, and Berwick-upon-Tweed ranked much lower than expected, at 821, 619, and 146, respectively.
However, all three were surpassed by the Northumberland village of Seaton Delaval.
Despite its size, this often-overlooked village clearly has a lot to offer, according to Garrington’s list, which considers factors such as house prices, heritage and culture, well-being, and natural environment.
Seaton Delaval secured the 95th position out of a possible 1,447.
Seaton Delaval, with its cultural charms and historical significance, is turning heads, particularly thanks to the majestic Seaton Delaval Hall, reports Chronicle Live.
Boasting a Trip Advisor rating of 4.2 out of 5, visitors rave about the site, with one praising: “The hall and it’s history are fascinating.”
The centrepiece of the hall, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, towers with English Baroque splendour and features a giant mirrored sphere that dangles dramatically from the ceiling.
The Hall also houses an impressive Drawing Room, a quirky ‘upside down’ room, a vast basement and the iconic cantilever stairs, over 300 years old, perfect for a striking snapshot.
Beyond the architectural marvel, Seaton Delaval sports The Keel Row, a pub celebrated as the best in the northern division by Stonegate and winner of the Feeding the Community category at the Great British Pub Awards Pub Heroes in 2020.
As the largest village in the Seaton Valley, it not only offers an Arts Centre but also fame on the small screen; it featured as a location on the popular series, Vera, in the episode ‘The Rising Tide’.