We loved reading your comments in response to our recent article about the UK’s loveliest high streets — especially those who felt that their favourite had been missed. There was also some lively debate about what makes a great high street. Robert Hayward points out “it’s no coincidence” that of the places on our list “pretty much all of them exclude cars from the street”. Bill Bradbury went as far as daring us to rank Britain’s worst high streets (“you will be inundated with claims”) while J Smith kept their cards closer to their chest, commenting: “Phew … the Times has missed my favourite local high streets.” Here are the top high streets you felt were worth a mention.
1. Marlborough, Wiltshire
This north Wiltshire market town has form when it comes to best-of lists. In 2022 it came second in the British Harper Dennis Hobbs Vitality Ranking, which tracks the health and prosperity of town centres. Readers felt that Marlborough — with its thriving twice-weekly markets, spacious high street and 15th-century church — had been overlooked. “Marlborough must be near the top high-street ranking,” Vergil Berger said. Alan Jackson concluded: “Second-widest high street in the UK, lovely range of shops, picturesque town hall at one end and beautiful church at the other end, all with views to neighbouring hills. Picture-perfect town.” What’s not to love?
2. Sherborne, Dorset
Merrick Moseely thinks that they have the obvious addition to the list: “Sherborne — [I] was there yesterday. Perfect.” A regular farmers’ market and vintage market are two of the draws to this sleepy Dorset town, where you’ll also stumble upon tiny galleries, cafés, delis and antique shops. It’s blessed with several fantastically preserved historic buildings, such as Sherborne Abbey, the Sherborne arts venue and 12th-century castle ruins on the outskirts of town. Andrew Tarrant agreed: “Loved strolling down Sherborne’s main street and around the Abbey grounds when I lived in Somerset. Used to visit at least once a month.”
3. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Northallerton was another standout. Hazel Jillings shared how her visit was serendipitous. “Looking for a place to stay overnight en route from Scotland to London, we booked one night in Northallerton at the Northallerton Inn,” she said. “What a lucky find. Not only was it a great place to stay but a gem of a town for shopping.” She also praised its “excellent department store, in the same family since 1882 … wonderful deli (Lewis & Cooper)” and “a branch of Bettys Tea Room”. There’s plenty of variety along the high street, from musical-instrument specialists to wine merchants and arts and crafts supplies.
4. Wells, Somerset
“Where is Wells, I ask myself?” Jane Tully wondered on reading our list. Indeed, the small cathedral city topped a Which? poll of Britons’ favourite inland towns and cities last September. Pretty enough to have starred on screen in the Wolf Hall series, Elizabeth: The Golden Age and Dungeons and Dragons, Wells is also known for its local retailers. Its historic high street is peppered with olde-worlde sweet shops, independent clothing boutiques, bakeries, cafés, butchers and bistros — certainly enough to while away a weekend break. “Nice little town (city?) and a magnificent cathedral!” Peter Evans agreed.
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5. Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Too often overlooked for the historic charms of Bath, York or Oxford, Lincoln has its own buzzy high street with plenty of locally-owned shops and dining spots. “Lincoln High Street is beautiful and links to Steep Hill,” S Parker said. “Missed opportunity in this article.” From the Agatha clothing boutique, which has appeared in Vogue, to Curtis of Lincoln’s local-speciality plum bread, it’s a scene with its own identity. The spectacular cathedral is not to be missed, while the Norman-era Lincoln Castle is famed for its Magna Carta vault.
6. Ludlow, Shropshire
Traditional markets on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays layer on the opportunity to shop at small businesses in Ludlow, but this Shropshire town’s high street is also blessed with plenty of indies. Castle Bookshop, the homewares boutique Velvet Fern, Harp Lane Deli and the clothing treasure-trove Fenella are just some of the local favourites. P Nuttall thought it was a glaring omission from our list. “There is no mention of what is thought to be the finest street in the UK, and that is at Ludlow,” they said. Crowned by the 41m (135ft), English perpendicular-style tower of St Laurence’s church, Ludlow is also noted for its festivals and events, including the Medieval Christmas Fayre and September Food Festival.
7. Rye, East Sussex
Tim Read puts in a vote for this quaint south-coast town, which is known for its photogenic, half-timbered streets and colourful smuggling history. Derek Crompton agreed: “Yeah, Rye isn’t bad. I keep meaning to go into that little pub tucked out of the way by the castle.” We think he means Ypres Castle Inn. The high street here cuts diagonally just south of the town’s station, with cute shopping spots such as the gift shops Curious & Curiouser and Penny Royal, the handsome Rye Bookshop, the homewares and clothing favourite Sailors of Rye and the Apothecary coffee shop catering to the day trippers and tourists. Rye may not feel as top-secret as some that made our list, but it’s undeniably picturesque — nearby are Rye Castle, Tillingham Winery and, a ten-minute drive away, the glorious beaches of Camber Sands.
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Where else should be included? Let us know in the comments below
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