But Essex has a top-rated town dubbed the best alternative to the Cotswolds. More than 100 miles from the Cotswolds, Saffron Walden sits in the Essex countryside. The Times named it one of the “best places to live in the UK” in 2025, and it has a Cotswolds feel. With Tudor houses, historic streets and plenty of independent shops, Saffron Walden packs in a lot. Buildings - Historic buildings in Saffron Walden (Image: Getty Images)The town has run an outdoor market every Tuesday and Saturday since 1141, a tradition locals still cherish.

Source: The Times February 11, 2026 03:22 UTC