Cheshire’s Idyllic Malpas Captivates the Nation with Timeless Charm Earning Its Spot Among the Most Desirable Places to Live in the UK for 2025

Cheshire’s Idyllic Malpas Captivates the Nation with Timeless Charm Earning Its Spot Among the Most Desirable Places to Live in the UK for 2025

Cheshire’s Malpas, once a hidden gem, now shines as one of the UK’s top places to live in 2025, offering a blend of history, charm, and countryside beauty.

Tucked away in the serene countryside of Cheshire, the quaint village of Malpas is no longer flying under the radar. Once considered one of the UK’s best-kept secrets, Malpas has now stepped into the limelight by earning a coveted spot on The Sunday Times “Best Places to Live in the UK” list for 2025.

Positioned among just seven destinations in the North West to receive this accolade, Malpas is turning heads with its charming blend of historical richness, rural tranquility, and community spirit.

History Woven into the Landscape
Dominating the skyline is the striking spire of St Oswald’s Church, which rises from the village centre where a medieval castle once stood. Although the castle itself has long vanished, its Motte still lingers—now covered in grass and foliage—offering a glimpse into the village’s storied past. A walk around the churchyard reveals sweeping views stretching across Cheshire and Shropshire, and on a clear day, even the distant hills of Wales.

Malpas, resting atop the southernmost tip of the Mid-Cheshire Sandstone Ridge, lies just five miles from the Welsh border and not far from the historic city of Chester.

A Village with Deep Roots
The name “Malpas” is thought to stem from the French term mal-pas, which translates to “bad passage,” a reference to the area’s once-challenging terrain. Others speculate the name originated from a former local lord. In its heyday, Malpas was a bustling market town, but unlike neighbouring towns like Whitchurch, it didn’t embrace large-scale development and instead maintained its charming, village-like character.

The town’s market faded out by the 1800s, and its railway station closed in the 1950s. Today, only the ancient Market Cross at the heart of the village hints at its former commercial bustle. Nearby Market Houses have since been converted into quaint homes.

Family-Friendly Charm with a Touch of Modernity
At the top of the high street lies The Rec—a free, family-friendly play area that’s popular with locals. It features a large sandpit, a well-equipped playground for children, an open playing field, and tennis courts, making it a lively hub for outdoor fun.

Despite its modest size, Malpas offers a vibrant mix of amenities. There’s a farm shop, a beloved chip shop, and The Old Fire Station café and bar, which has become a local favourite. A large Co-op supermarket is also located at the edge of the village, catering to daily essentials.

Pub Culture and Historic Hospitality
Malpas is home to two standout pubs that contribute to its appeal. The Lion at Malpas, a 300-year-old inn, recently underwent a major renovation, transforming it into a stylish pub with boutique hotel accommodations. Meanwhile, The Crown continues to attract visitors and locals alike, often praised on TripAdvisor as an “excellent village pub with a great vibe.”

Journey Through Countryside Beauty
Travelling to Malpas is an experience in itself. Those driving in from Manchester are treated to picturesque views of Beeston and Peckforton Castles along winding lanes, adding a touch of fairy tale magic to the journey even before reaching the village.

Attractive for Homebuyers Seeking Peace and Value
Malpas has become increasingly popular among homebuyers seeking the charm of rural Cheshire without the inflated property prices found elsewhere in the county. According to Rightmove, the average home in Malpas sells for around £394,326, with detached homes averaging £538,374. Its variety of property styles and peaceful surroundings make it an attractive option for families, retirees, and professionals alike.

From Hidden Treasure to National Favourite

Malpas’s moment in the spotlight is well-deserved. With its rich history, welcoming community, and beautiful countryside setting, this formerly overlooked village has firmly secured its place among the UK’s top destinations to live in 2025. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend escape or looking to make a permanent move, Malpas is a reminder that the best places often lie just off the beaten path.

The post Cheshire’s Idyllic Malpas Captivates the Nation with Timeless Charm Earning Its Spot Among the Most Desirable Places to Live in the UK for 2025 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.March 21, 2025 at 10:54PM