RESIDENTS who live in the UK’s “best” town say it’s full of friendly people and fantastic culture.
Barnard Castle in County Durham boasts picturesque views, a close-knit community and has been named one of the finest places to live in the country.
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But the dignified village, located next to the rushing River Tees, also hides a spectacular secret.
The beautiful town is surrounded “by some of England’s grandest yet least-visited countryside”, reports The Times.
The largely untouched outdoor sights are just round the corner for locals who get to enjoy fresh air and breathtaking views.
Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the Teesdale countryside, the town is surrounded by rolling hills, meandering rivers and lush greenery.
This provides a serene environment and makes Barnard Castle an ideal place to live for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The quiet village itself has a close-knit and welcoming community.
And the area hosts various local events, festivals, and gatherings throughout the year, fostering a sense of community spirit.
The town also has a life-sized mechanical swan and boasts the extravagant Bowes Museum.
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Streets feature a variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, ensuring convenient access to everyday essentials and leisure activities.
Not only is the town a sight to behold in the present, it also boasts a rich history dating back to the 12th century.
It is named after the imposing medieval fortress which still stands as a testament to its past.
And Charles Dickens holed up at the King’s Head pub, now part of a retirement home, while researching his novel Nicholas Nickleby.
Despite its rural charm, Barnard Castle is not too isolated for commuters hoping to visit bigger cities.
It benefits from its proximity to major transportation routes with convenient access to neighbouring towns and cities, such as Darlington, Durham, and Newcastle.
Mike Sweeting, 72, a former bank worker, uprooted from the Southwest to retire here in 2017.
And he has nothing but praise for Barnard Castle.
He said: “Until last year tourism was mainly local, but we’ve been seeing lots of people coming from further afield.”
“There is a wide cross-section of people here, but it’s an ideal town to retire to because there is so much going on and it’s easy to integrate.”
It comes as those in England’s “prettiest village” have slammed hordes of tourists who peer into their windows and picnic in their gardens.
And locals in this village say they wouldn’t live anywhere else thanks to the friendly residents and cheap houses.
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