The Isle of Anglesey has been named one of the best places to live in the UK by The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026 guide. The island is one of seven Welsh locations featured in the annual list, which judged locations on amenities, green spaces, high streets, schools, transport, broadband and mobile signal.
The guide praised Anglesey for its “own pace of life, affordable homes, and a strong sense of identity”, describing it as a “lively island” with breathtaking seaside scenery. It noted interesting shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as secret spots for swimming, watching porpoises and red squirrels. Beaumaris was highlighted for its shopping, dining and the historic Beaumaris Castle.
Across Wales, Usk in Monmouthshire was named the best place to live in Wales, commended for its community spirit, including volunteer-run flower planting and the annual Usk Show. Aberystwyth was also recognised, having been named Wales’ first Unesco City of Literature in October 2025. Other Welsh locations in the guide were not specified in the source.
House prices on Anglesey average £256,194 over the past year, rising to £370,467 in Beaumaris and £467,667 around Red Wharf Bay and Trearddur Bay. In Usk, the average house price is £395,172, significantly above the Welsh average of £215,000. The Sunday Times selected 72 places across the UK, with Norwich in Norfolk taking the overall top spot.
