Two villages close to Birmingham named among UK's most desirable places to live

Two villages near Birmingham have been named among the UK's 30 most desirable places to live in the UK. The new list also features a picturesque Cheshire village known for its celebrity residents.

Property experts from across the country have spoken to the Mail about UK's most desirable villages - with Ombersley, Worcestershire, and Barston, Solihull, making the list, reports the Mirror.

As well as mentions for Greater Manchester and Cheshire, the list also features Roundhay in West Yorkshire, famed for its parkland and 'prestigious' properties, and Bishopthorpe in North Yorkshire, a historic spot known for its tree-lined streets and charming cottages.

Further away, Chipping Norton, the home to former Prime Minister David Cameron makes the cut as is described as "posh as it gets". Meanwhile, Abersoch, a seaside village on the Llyn peninsula, which is known for attracting holidaymakers and day-trippers from across the North West, also features.

Here's the list of the 30 most desirable villages in the UK:

Ombersley, Worcestershire.

Along with its distinctive black and white timber structures contrasting to other locales, Ombersley overlooks the serene Shropshire and Malvern Hills. Local scenery includes charming meadows and woodlands, with peaceful yet stimulating country walks aplenty.

Barston , West Midlands

Barston, just 11 miles away from busy Birmingham, offers the rural lifestyle found in magazines. Bordered by the River Blythe, the village has numerous historic buildings such as the Church of St Swithin, dating back to 1721. A cosy local pub and a close-knit community are central to this village's charm.

Roundhay, West Yorkshire

Famous for its parkland and array of prestigious properties, Roundhay in West Yorkshire offers great country walks and lake-side picnics. Tom Kirk, CEO at Preston Baker Estate Agent said: "With its excellent schools, thriving local shops and proximity to the vibrant amenities of Oakwood and Moortown, Roundhay provides an enviable lifestyle for families and professionals seeking a peaceful retreat within easy reach of the city."

Dirleton, East Lothian

Dating back to the 12th century, Dirleton is famed for its historic and picturesque castle. As well as a rich heritage, the peaceful countryside offers the perfect spot for golfers. Bespoke estate agent Liam Gretton noted that the area attracts a mix of affluent locals, retirees and holiday-home owners. The firm said: "Prices range from about £400,000 for traditional cottages to over £2.5 million for larger country homes."

Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

Home to former Prime Minister David Cameron, Chipping Norton "is as posh as it gets," according to Michelle Niziol, director and owner of IMS Property Group. The town itself looks like it has been plucked from a postcard and is complete with cafes, restaurants and independent shops.

Scarcroft, West Yorkshire

Home to around 1,000 people, Scarcroft is great for horse lovers thanks to the Hellwood Racing Stables and a riding centre at Scarcroft Hall. The village itself is only six miles from Leeds city centre and for those who love a cosy pub, the Inn at Scarcroft dates back to 1852.

Newtown Linford, Leicestershire

Newtown Linford has become a magnet for millionaires. Gated mansions and a private members' club make it ideal for those with a few more coins in the bank. The village itself is also home to a rare police box! According to Rightmove, most sales over the last year were detached properties and averaged at a price of £1,975,600.

Alderley Edge, Cheshire

Sat within the Cheshire Golden Triangle, Alderley Edge has attracted many Premier League footballers, actors and multi-millionaire businesspeople over the years. In fact, it is one of the most expensive and sought-after places to live in the UK outside of London. "Alderley Edge has become a favourite location to call home by footballers and TV stars for its high-end shops and private homes," commented Liam Gretton. "David and Victoria Beckham have been associated with the area before their move to Spain in 2003."

Haigh, Greater Manchester

This small village and civil parish is actually located in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, Greater Manchester. Despite Wigan's less glamorous reputation, Haigh's history and landscape offer a posh setting outside of city of Manchester. Home to the only remaining windmill in Greater Manchester, the village is the perfect quiet spot for a day trip.

Bishopthorpe, North Yorkshire.

A mere three miles South of York lays Bishopthorpe, exuding charm with its tree-lined streets and cosy cottages. As Preston Baker CEO Tom Kirk noted: "The village boasts tree-lined streets, charming cottages, and a vibrant community atmosphere. There are great local amenities including cosy pubs, artisan shops, and scenic riverside walks along the River Ouse."

Abersoch, Gwynedd.

Embedded on North Wales' Llyn peninsula, Abersoch offers more than just astonishing seaside views. Along with being home to Wales' priciest street, Benar Headland, it raised eyebrows last year when a humble beach hut fetched a staggering £191,000.

Solva, Pembrokeshire.

Solva, an erstwhile fishing village in Pembrokeshire, invites visitors for captivating adventurous days out with unforgettable views of its harbour and sandy beach stretching along St Brides Bay. With colourfully hued homes lined next to boutique gift shops, and art galleries, it promises a rich sensory feast for any visitor.

Shalbourne, Wiltshire.

Shalbourne, a charming village nestled in the North Wessex Downs, offers an upscale community lifestyle with amenities such as a cricket club, tennis club and gardening groups. Certain parts of the village, including its thatched-roof houses, hark back to the Elizabethan era.

In the previous year, the average property was sold for £839,971.

Beaulieu, Hampshire.

True to its name, Beaulieu is a picturesque village that encompasses the sprawling 9,000-acre Beaulieu Estate. The 16th-century high street is home to artisan shops and enjoys a prime location near both the New Forest and Buckler's Head, a hamlet situated on the banks of the Beaulieu River.

Elie, Fife.

Elie is one among many harbour villages located in Fife. Its diverse architecture, dating back to the 17th century, is beautifully offset by its five beaches.

The village boasts numerous restaurants offering a broad spectrum of cuisines for visitors to savour.

Warkworth, Northumberland.

The village of Warkworth can be best described as a natural beauty spot with a fairytale-like setting. The medieval Warkworth Castle provides a stunning backdrop to the bustling high street, which is lined with artisan shops.

Brancepeth, County Durham.

Situated in a conservation area just five miles from Durham, Brancepeth is home to a 12th-century castle, cottages draped in ivy and a golf course designed by the same architect who crafted Wentworth.

Virginia Water, Surrey.

Famous for its large lake - a frequent scene in various film productions including the Harry Potter series - Virginia Water boasts fantastic transport links to London Waterloo. Known to be the residence of music legend Elton John, property values here fluctuate between £900,000 up to an astonishing £15 million mark.

Liam Gretton mentioned: "The area houses some of the UK's most expensive streets amidst Windsor Great Park."

Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire.

A treasure trove of history, Great Missenden lies 33 miles from London in the Misbourne Valley. The villages narrative lives on through its medieval structures, heritage coaching inns, ancient streets, and more.

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre makes it a popular destination for followers of the much-loved author.

Sunningdale, Berkshire.

Offering the best of both worlds, Sunningdale stands out with breath-taking countryside scenes while maintaining seamless connectivity to London. Locals enjoy a short walk to Windsor Great Park and Chobham Common, as well as top-notch education provided by local schools.

Kingham, Oxfordshire.

Residing in the Cotswolds, scenic Kingham offers not only charm but also strong links to opera, organic farming, and gourmet pub food. A dreamy place to reside indeed.

Daylesford Farm, often hailed as the nation's most upscale greengrocer, is just a stone's throw away. Additionally, the local train station offers direct services to London, which is just over an hour's journey.

Biddestone in Wiltshire.

Once crowned 'best kept Wiltshire village', Biddestone is a Saxon settlement that Francesca Watson, co-founder of Otters Home Search, calls "picture perfect".

The village is adorned with grand Cotswold Stone houses encircling The Green, charming cottages, a picturesque duck pond, the welcoming White Horse pub, ample cricket grounds and tennis courts, and a historic Saxon church.

Shipton Moyne in Gloucestershire.

Not far from the esteemed Westonbirt School and the renowned Westonbirt Arboretum lies Shipton Moyne, also in proximity to Highgrove House, the country abode of King Charles. Its scenic high street is lined with stately country homes and quaint cottages, while the Cat and Custard Pot Inn adds to the village's charm, owned by local villagers.

Beckington in Somerset.

Beckington, nestled in Somerset, is known for its easy access to Bath and boasts a village pre-school, an Ofsted-rated Outstanding primary school, and the independent Springmead prep school. It's also home to active tennis and cricket clubs, not to mention two well-regarded pubs.

Llandough in the Vale of Glamorgan.

For those seeking the idyllic countryside yet close to urban amenities, Llandough in the Vale of Glamorgan is the ideal retreat. Located near Cardiff, Llandough has become a coveted location for city workers.

Property prices in the region range from £300,000 to a staggering £1.5 million.

West Kilbride, North Ayrshire

Known as Scotland's 'craft town', West Kilbride is steeped in culture and brags breathtaking sea views. "It's a hub of creativity with exhibitions, galleries and studios scattered throughout," Caryl Spiers, sales manager at Westpoint Homes said.

Studland, Dorset

This small Dorset village is found on a peninsula in the Isle of Purbeck and is close to both Swanage and Corfe Castle. Average house prices soared by 47% in the last year, according to Rightmove, with the average home selling for £1.9 million. Studland is famous for its long, sandy beaches and for the more daring, it even has a nudist beach.

Barrington, Cambridgeshire

This South Cambridgeshire community has one of the longest village greens in Europe, at 22 acres, according to the parish council. The green is surrounded by thatched cottages and a historic pub. It also boasts an easy commute to the city of Cambridge.