Caversham named among best places to live in Sunday Times guide

Caversham has proudly claimed its place as one of the South East’s 11 best ‘Best Places to Live,’ according to the Sunday Times’ newly published guide for 2026.

The picturesque north Reading suburb came highly recommended as one of the region’s standout locations, recognised for its ‘best of both worlds’ offering of peaceful riverside living near to the economic and cultural hubs of Reading town.

Judges praised Caversham’s elegant Victorian and Edwardian streets, access to the River Thames and nearby Chilterns and its balance of calm residential charm with excellent transport links and job opportunities across the river.

The annual guide, now in its latest edition and sponsored for the first time by Lloyds Banking Group, showcases 72 locations across the UK, assessing entries from vibrant cities to rural retreats, chosen by expert judges who visit each area in person.

Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said the list celebrates communities where people are proud to live. She added: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain. It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.

“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live. These judges have traveled the length and breadth of the UK, from the Scottish Highlands to the Cornish coast, selecting the top towns and villages, suburbs and cities for the 2026 guide. One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.”  

Alongside Caversham, other South East locations featured include Amersham, Cookham, Deal and the Surrey Hills.

The judges assessed a wide range of factors, including schools, transport, broadband speeds, mobile signal, green spaces and ‘the health of the high street,’ with a clear focus on places that offer a genuine sense of belonging rather than just high property prices.

The annual supplement will be published digitally this Friday, March 20, and will be in the paper on Sunday March 22.

For the full list and detailed reviews, visit: https://www.thetimes.com/best-places-to-live