The village named a 'best place to live' with a spectacular Christmas lights display

While Linton has all the hallmarks of a quaint, pretty village, there are a few features that set it apart from the rest - and make the area deserving of its position as one of Muddy Stilettos' 2024 best places to live. These are: one of England's oldest vineyards and a zoo that boasts a snow leopard, lions and lemurs.

The first vines at Chilford Hall Vineyard were planted in 1972, and the site now has 20 acres covered in nine different varieties of grape. As well as a shop selling its wines, the vineyard offers tastings to visitors.

For those who prefer a pint of beer to a glass of wine, Wylde Sky Brewing is based in Linton. This popular craft beer company boasts six beers that have won SIBA Independent Beer Awards, including Saison - which came bronze in the national awards this year.

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Wylde Sky Brewing sells its beers to Linton locals in its onsite shop, as well as at its taproom. Villagers are spoilt for choice when it comes to spots for a drink, with Muddy Stilettos describing the thatched-roofed Dog and Duck as "the cutest pub around" and The Crown Inn as "a really decent pub".

These pubs also serve meals, from upmarket crab pasta and braised duck leg to more basic burgers and pizzas. The village also has an Indian restaurant, Bengal Lounge, and charming cafés, The Linton Kitchen and Jigsaw Bakery.

When reporter Nadia Lincoln visited Linton Zoo, she discovered some "gorgeous animals", including grazing zebras, snoozing tapirs, squawking exotic birds, climbing binturongs, and dawdling giant tortoises. The site also boasts Nefeli, a female snow leopard; Katinka, an Amur tigress; and Kali and Nabulaa, two African lions.

Linton zoo could provide the perfect way to keep your children entertained for a couple of hours. Another awe-inspiring destination is available in the village during the festive season.

Each year, Linton local Jordan Cooper displays a show-stopping arrangement of Christmas lights at his home, in memory of his granddad. The switch-on event raises money for equipment at Royal Papworth Hospital, and was held on Friday, November 22, this year.

If you decide to take Muddy Stilettos' word for it and move to Linton, the bustle of Cambridge City Centre will not be too far away - with the journey taking around 25 minutes by car. However, with its enticing opportunities for a day out alongside top-notch food and drink options, you may find little reason to leave Linton.