One little-known village has been named among the “best places to live in the UK” in a new ranking. While no North East locations featured in the top 40, one town secured the 41st position, becoming the top-rated place in the region.

The Gateshead village of Whickham finished nine places higher than last year’s champion, Alnwick, with Newcastle one place behind the historic Northumberland town in 51st, and Barnard Castle in County Durham, next highest in 53rd position, according to property experts Garrington. Celebrated for its welcoming residents, stunning surroundings and excellent establishments for food and drink, it’s hardly surprising the village, brimming with character and appeal, made the ranking. 

Speaking to Chronicle Live, Frazer Anderson who works at Elliott’s Fruit and Veg, said: “People in general are happy here, even on days like this when it’s raining, there are still people out – only one shop [has] closed down when a lot of high streets can’t say the same.

“The village is a lot better than others in the North East but has sadly seen a bit of a downfall since the council stopped funding Britain in Bloom. The volunteers that run it now, they’re great. They organise the Christmas lights, litter picking and all sorts.”

Throughout this period, the grocer has cultivated a devoted customer base with whom the establishment has developed strong connections.

Frazer continued: “There has been changes brought into the area, the council have announced free 20-minute parking which is a massive help and benefits the shop, but if it was an hour it would allow people to go to the dentist or drop something off at the post office. Maybe it’s more of a token gesture but it’s better than nothing.”

Local resident Phillip Couley, who has called Whickham home for 35 years, says he “loves” the village, describing it as wonderful for families and children.

Though he jokingly remarked “it used to be” the finest place to reside, he added: “There’s still loads of lovely people around and the volunteer-led Whickham in Bloom keep the area looking nice.”

Phillip revealed his wife’s relatives have inhabited Whickham for generations, and gesturing towards a towering tree on the green outside the Front Street shopping precinct, he continued: “That was planted by my wife’s great-great-grandmother after World War One. The kids all call it the family tree!”

Acknowledging the community spirit that remains integral to Whickham, Phillip continued: “It’s a nice area for kids and there’s good little shops. Even in Milligans there’s a group that meets up regularly; we call [it] the ‘youth club’ – they all gather at a big table and they range from in their 30s to their 90s.”

Ann Lumley has lived in Whickham her entire life and has witnessed numerous transformations over the decades. “It was once small and now its grew very big, and even lots of footballers have moved in and lived here.

“There’s lot of interesting places to visit in Whickham; behind the church at the back there’s a monument to Harry Clasper [a professional rower and boat builder from Tyneside] and there’s a statue to Lang Jack, too [the 6ft 4in construction worker who had enormous strength]. I still remember the history. Before the shops were here this was all houses.”

Whilst Ann acknowledges that personally “it was better in the 60s – shop wise”, noting “it feels like one opens and one shuts”, she continues: “But everyone likes to come visit here for the pubs and the surrounding areas on offer like Gibside.”

Meanwhile, Emma Doyle acquired Irvine’s Cafe and Bistro on Front Street in November 2024. The dog-friendly establishment serves freshly baked treats and traditional sandwiches. Since launching, Emma reports trade has been exceptionally positive.

“We have a real mix of regulars, young couples visit, and you become friends with them all. You get to know people and they tell you about their day,” added Emma.

Staff member Millie Unwin also resides in Whickham and states she cannot envisage relocating elsewhere. “It’s full of life and lovely people. I Love [Whickham]. With the new Savers opening up too, it pretty much has everything you need – good shops, restaurants, pubs.”

Rodger Martin from R.Martin and Son Butchers describes Whickham as a “fantastic” location. “We’re a busy third and fourth generation butchers and have been here for 32 years.

“The place gets busy with shoppers and not many places around this area with shopping precinct like this – even in the dire weather people still come out and support local.”

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