Malpas in Cheshire named the UK's best secret village

Introducing the list, the newspaper said: “Where are the places few have heard of but where everybody wants to live? With more than 6,000 villages in the UK of every shape, size and situation, there’s a community out there for anybody looking for life on a smaller scale.

“How do you find the one that’s right for you? This list should be a useful starting point, highlighting 20 villages that aren’t well known across the country but are always in demand among those in the know.

“They all have useful amenities, appealing locations and great communities — and often house prices that reflect their popularity.”

Malpas in Cheshire has been ranked in 1st place, beating the likes of Ebrington, Gloucestershire and Hildon in Cheshire which both ranked further down in the list.

Why is Malpas the best secret village in the UK?

The Times said: “Chester is a commutable 35-minute drive away, Liverpool and Manchester not too much further. Substantial five-bedroom new-builds fetch about £600,000.

“A top-of-the range Georgian detached house will cost about £1 million, more if you need enough land for the horses — which you may well as this is an area with serious equestrian credentials, and not only because it’s where the former footballer Michael Owen has his racing stables.”

Malpas is said to have everything including fantastic schools (Image: NQ Archive)

It added that Caroline Waterhouse, who has lived in the village for the last 20 years with her husband and three children, said: “It’s got everything. The schools are fantastic, all the shops are here, from a bookshop to a great bakery that champions local produce, and there’s a warm, loyal community”.

You can find the full list of the UK's best secret villages via The Times' website.

Recommended reading:

• Warrington house located in 'one of Cheshire's most charming villages' is for sale
• Cheshire village's 'well-kept secret' walk which is perfect to try this autumn

Caroline sells homemade “Caroline’s pesto” via farmers’ markets, farm shops and veg box schemes.

The Times added: “With a hilltop church that can be seen for miles and a smattering of half-timbered houses, Malpas scores highly for looks as well as liveliness.”

Waterhouse went on to say: “It’s pretty, unspoilt and there’s loads going on. There are great sports clubs and every group you can think of is here”.

The average price of a property in Malpas is £393,430.