WHY?

Not only is Grantchester one of the prettiest (and most exclusive) places to live in the county, with its thatched cottages, riverside location and lovely pubs, it also has the added acclaim of being a major TV star.

It might have been made famous by the ITV series Grantchester, but actually this attractive village surrounded by meadows, was coveted by Muddy long before it became a celebrity (we’re not that fickle, Ok we are, but still, it really is gorgeous). Move here and you can eat afternoon tea in an orchard, go wild swimming in the River Cam or take scenic walks in the surrounding meadows – Cambridge is just a 30- to 40-minute, idyllic stroll away. Bonus points if you manage to bag a thatched cottage. 

EAT

The Red Lion is our kind of local; thatch-roof, seasonal menu full of dishes with gastro pub flair, like flat-iron chicken or pan fried seabass with samphire and chorizo. There’s a pretty garden too, including table tennis. The Rupert Brooke restaurant is worth making a move for, from the roof terrace to the garden tipi to the cheerful new interior (think striped chairs, yellow banquettes and bright blue lampshades) and delish dishes – we could live on the posh chips, with parmesan, truffle oil and Bernaise sauce. Great Sunday roast too. The Blue Ball Inn is where to sip a locally-brewed beverage in comfort, and the Orchard Tea Garden is a magnet for afternoon tea lovers.

SHOP

Ok there’s no shopping scene here, but with Cambridge a 20-minute bike ride away, you have the best of both world’s, right?

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS 

Er, will Cambridge do you? Also, sweeping Granchester Meadows (such a good spot for a picnic in summer), River Cam (wild swimming, SUP’ing). Check out the church, which you’ll recognise from the Grantchester TV series’ where crime-fighting vicar William Davenport hangs out. 

AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE 

Property prices seem to track the River Cam – anything beside it involves a hike. The average Grantchester price is circling £761,804.

HOT PROPERTY

The closest house for sale to Grantchester right now is this splendid three-bedroom terrace in Trumpington with on street parking and a gorgeous garden.

SCHOOLS 

Nearby Barton Primary is a good little school, but there are many amazing Cambridge schools on your doorstep here, including Muddy-reviewed, pastorally strong, The Leys School, and the academic powerhouse that is the Perse School for 3-18 years.

BEST KEPT SECRET 

The Cambridge Gin Distillery showroom’s based here, hosting regular events from poetry readings to pop-up restaurants, so you’ll have a supply of culture and the best botanicals on tap (hic). Oh and the village is said to have the world’s highest concentration of Nobel Prize winners (best not enter the pub quiz then…).

COMMUTE 

Cambridge is about 30 minutes by foot, 15 minutes by car or bike it like the locals. You’re close to the M11, so easy access to Stansted (40 minutes) and London (1-hour 40 minutes).

View the full Top 200 Best Places to Live