A colourful Pembrokeshire town’s high street has been praised after it was named in The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live in the UK.

Narberth was chosen with six other locations in Wales in the comprehensive guide, with Abergavenny in Monmouthshire named the ‘Best Place to Live in Wales’ in the annual guide.

The Sunday Times judges said on Narberth: “High streets across the UK may be struggling, but not so in Narberth. This colourful market town continues its upwardly mobile, upmarket march, with an increasingly turbocharged selection of delis, restaurants and galleries. But Narberth is practical and pragmatic, too.

“There's a station, proximity to Pembrokeshire’s magnificent coast, good sports facilities and butchers, bakers and greengrocers on the high street.”

Cardigan, Conwy, Mumbles, Presteigne in Powys and Vale of Glamorgan also made the list.

On winner Abergavenny, judges said: “Few locations in the UK are as friendly, practical and picturesque as this friendly market town on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

“There has been a market here since the 13th century and food remains a strong point, with the Abergavenny Food Festival celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Community spirit is off the charts and there’s a strong and varied sporting scene.”

The expert judges have visited all the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street.

Narberth Carnival
(Pic. Gareth Davies Photography)

“What makes our guide unique is that we actually visit all the places we choose and talk to locals to find out what life is really like there,” said Helen Davies, the guide’s editor.

“That means we can see what people really love about the places they live. That might be fast commutes and high-achieving schools but also clean water to swim in, lively town centres with useful shops, the possibility of earning a living and being part of a friendly community.

“Different people may be looking for different things, but what all our best places have in common is that people love living in them and are proud to call them home.”