It’s ‘perfect for city workers who crave the country life’
Clitheroe has been named one of the ‘best places to live’ in 2026(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
An hour from Manchester lies a picturesque market town that has been named one of the ‘best places to live’ in the UK in 2026.
For those wanting a slice of the calmer, country life, yet with a bustling market, hilltop castle and artisan food scene on your door step, Clitheroe in Lancashire is the perfect place to reside.
The quintessential town nestled in the Ribble Valley was ranked as one of the top 260 places to live in 2026 by Muddy Stilettos, listed alongside an array of peaceful villages and cities bursting with culture and community.
Featured in the ‘best of the rest’ category alongside Stockport, Clitheroe was highly commended for its commuting, top schools, affordable house prices, endless amenities and vibrant culture.
Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE
“Clitheroe is famous for its dinky yet delightful castle, perched on a little hill that looks down over the bustling market town,” the Middle Stilettos guide says.
“It’s the kind of place where you pop out for milk and end up chatting with the butcher, baker, and candlestick maker. Plus, it’s slap-bang in the Ribble Valley – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
“No wonder it’s been named as one of the ‘healthiest and happiest place to live’ in the UK. You’ll find walkers, foodies, and Instagrammers alike getting misty-eyed over the sunsets here.
“With more independent shops and delis than you can shake a baguette at, Clitheroe is the place for your artisan coffee and sourdough fix, without the big city chaos. It’s all about community vibes, and whether you’re after a morning hike on Pendle Hill or a cheeky gin cocktail (or three), Clitheroe delivers.”
View down Castle Street in Clitheroe(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
Clitheroe is a town with community at its heart with events in abundance from local farmers markets and craft fairs to town festivals.
The town’s market has been running since the 12th century, available to visit every Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturday.
Here you’ll find a plethora of goods from artisan cheeses and locally-sourced meat to freshly basked pastries as well as handmade arts and crafts.
The yearly Clitheroe Food Festival also attracts visitors from far and wide to taste the best local produce.
The town has an array of independent shops, cafes and restaurants (Image: Robbie MacDonald LDRS)
Lining Clitheroe’s historic streets you’ll find independent cafes, shops and restaurants all offering their own individual flair.
The gem of the town is the tiny yet distinctive 12th century Norman castle which sits at the top of a hill overlooking the Ribble Valley, with Pendle Hill seen in the distance.
With Clitheroe just over an hour’s drive away from Manchester, or around the same time via a direct train to Victoria, it’s an ideal place for commuters who ‘crave the country life’.
Houses are priced cheaper than in Manchester too, selling at an average price of £253,961 compared to £273,040 in the city.
Houses sell for around £253,960 in Clitheroe on average(Image: Getty Images)
Terraced houses are the most popular property type, with an average price of £181,611 over the last year.
Semi-detached properties sell for £265,218, while detached properties are priced at £407,236 on average.
For those with children, Clitheroe has a strong offering of schools schools including St Michael & St John’s Primary School, rated Ofsted ‘Good and Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Sign up to our Manchester property newsletter here