Somerset locations named ‘the best places to live for 2025’

The acclaimed women’s lifestyle website recently launched this year’s list of "the top 300 best places to live", and after collating the votes from loyal Muddy Stilettos readers, eight Somerset entrants have been listed.

The full "top 300 best places to live" list, including all the counties in England, can be seen on the Muddy Stilettos website here.

Where are the best Somerset places to live in 2025?

The eight Somerset entrants included in the Muddy Stilettos list are as follows:

1. Bruton

On the Muddy Stilettos website, a spokesperson said: “Low key but cool Bruton, aka the Notting Hill of the South West, has more than its fair share of cultural highlights, great food and famous people. There’s a strong community feel and the annual Packhorse Fair in May is fun.”

Restaurants such as At The Chapel, Roth Bar and Osip, alongside two gastro-pubs: The Blue Ball and The Three Horseshoes, were also mentioned.

2. Castle Cary

Voted as the “Best Place to Live” across the Muddy counties this year, the spokesperson said: “Enjoy all this pretty South Somerset town has to offer and Bruton’s culture/foodie scene on the doorstep (but without the price tag to live there).

“Cary, as the locals call it, is a pretty market town in South Somerset with historic buildings – 18th century Market House, 19th 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).”

Popular local pubs The George and Alhampton Inn were also referenced.

3. Clevedon

On the topic of Clevedon, the spokesperson added: “An independently minded, lively little seaside town overlooking the Bristol Channel and beyond as far as Wales, with elegant Victorian villas, indy shops and eateries and possibly the country’s prettiest pier – and only 15 miles from Bristol, if you need a city fix.”

The Fallen tree, Clevedon Brewery and The Salthouse were also named as the "best pubs" in the area.

4. Dulverton

When describing Dulverton, the Muddy Stilettos spokesperson said: “Get back to nature by living in one of the UK’s most spectacular natural landscapes – Exmoor National Park – and close to the North Devon/West Somerset coast. Known as the gateway to the Exmoor, the market town lies between the rivers Barle and Exe, close to the Devon borders.”

Award-winning restaurants such as Woods bar and restaurant, Zekki, Michelin starred pub The Mason’s Arms and Top 50 Gastropub The Swan in Bampton were also listed.

5. Frome

When discussing Frome, the spokesperson said: “The community-minded town’s packed with arty, artisan indie businesses and cafes including an indie cinema and a music venue where the likes of Paul McCartney ‘just pop in’ – and it hosts the best designer-maker-producer street market in the West.”

Although there were “too many good restaurants to list”, The High Pavement, Bistro Lotte and The Talbot Inn were also suggested for visitors/aspiring Frome home-owners.

6. Glastonbury

On the topic of Glastonbury, the spokesperson added: “Made famous by the UK’s largest music festival which takes place on a farm outside of the town, Glastonbury is a unique, super laid-back place on the mystical ‘Isle of Avalon’, aka a plateau on the Somerset Levels. Expect a high street full of quirky independent shops and eateries, one of the most iconic landscapes in the West Country, and an alternative vibe in the air.”

Even when “spoiled for choice with cafés and restaurants”, Rainbow’s End, Fara, Michelin listed Queen of Cups and The Sheppey Inn - "voted one of the best pubs in Somerset", are included in reasons why Glastonbury is a top place to live.

7. Larkhall, Bath 

In regards to Larkhall, the spokesperson said: "Located on the north east edge of Bath, this urban village with a cluster of indie food shops, cafés, fringe theatre, bookshop and other local businesses at its heart, has a cool quirky vibe and a strong community. Though it’s got its fair share of Georgian terraces, it’s not too ‘perfect’; it feels down to earth. You can walk into the centre of the city in one direction and into lush, undulating countryside in the other. Young – and not so young – professionals, arty types and, because of its proximity to good schools and green spaces, families all flock here."

Ma Cuisine bar and bistro and Larkhall Deli are also listed in the pros of living here -along with the three local pubs. 

8.  Wells

When explaining why Wells, the spokesperson added: “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, with a vibrant community, heaps of independent shops and eateries, a thriving cultural scene and excellent schools.”

Described as a place of “laid back brunches and wood-fired supplies”, Muddy Stilettos suggests the Loaf bakehouse, Bishop’s Eye and “the excellent country pubs”: The Litton and The Sheppey for all looking to live in Wells.

Hero Brown, the founder and editor-in-chief of Muddy Stilettos said: “When people decide to move, they’re searching for more than just a house - they want a home, a lifestyle that works for them and their family, and if they’re strategic, a long-term investment too. Our 2025 ‘Top 300 Best Places to Live’ guide will give them that extra reassurance they need to make their search easier in these difficult economic times.   

“We’ve built our reputation on our first-hand knowledge of the most exciting, vibrant places to go and things to do outside London. Now, with London, Yorkshire and Cheshire added to the guide and new information added on important considerations such as nursery education and nearby culture, the 2025 list is a natural step for us to continue to expand our authority in this area. Combined with up to the minute listings of desirable properties, we think it’s a unique reference point in a turbulent yet hopefully resilient property market.” 

 James Cleland, head of country business at Knight Frank said: “With hybrid working promoting greater flexibility and an enhanced work-life balance, new hotspots are emerging nationwide as the demand for more space continues. When it comes to where to live, more than ever people want a vibrant and tight-knit community. It’s a trend that deepened during the pandemic and is likely to remain a leading factor for those looking to relocate. Excellent schools, ease of commuting, and access to local amenities also continue to be significant factors.  

“When planning a move, thorough research is crucial to finding a location that aligns with your lifestyle. The Muddy Stilettos Best Places to Live 2025 directory is an invaluable source of in-the-know information to guide these decisions. Knight Frank is excited to collaborate with the team over the coming year to provide this useful insight.”