The Chew Valley has been named the best place to live in the South West in The Sunday Times’ annual Best Places to Live guide.

Judges chose the area for its historic looks, state schools, rich cultural offering and an exploding food scene, as well as its convenient commuter links to both London and Cambridge.

The judges said: “A combination of beautiful landscapes and forward-thinking rural enterprises make this hunk of prime English countryside the perfect place to put down deep rural roots.

“Community is to the fore in its picture-perfect villages and the proximity of Bristol brings creative energy and keeps the buzz and convenience of the city within easy reach.”

Published by The Sunday Times, the guide includes 72 locations across the UK, eight from the South West. These are:

The judges assessed factors such as schools, transport, broadband speeds, mobile signal and culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street.

Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “The health of the high street is important, but more than anything else, what we are looking for are towns, villages and cities with strong communities who work hard to make the best of where they live, and play hard too.

“We also consider affordability. High house prices are no barrier to inclusion - as long as they provide value for money. Different people will be looking for different qualities when they are choosing a place to live. One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.”

The guide is sponsored by the mortgage lender Halifax.