Arnside and Kirkby Lonsdale among 'best places to live in North West' according to new guide

The Sunday Times’s judges assessed a wide range of factors, from schools, transport and broadband speed to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street to produce their guide to the UK's finest locations to call home.

The judges have travelled thousands of miles around the UK, visiting the locations and talking to locals.

They look for improving towns, villages or city centres, for attractive, well designed homes, and locations bursting with community spirit.

Bollington in Cheshire won overall in the North West. The national winner will be announced on March 22.

Arnside is listed as having an average house price of £315,000, and an average monthly rental price of £625.

Kirkby Lonsdale comes in at number three, with an average house price of £315,000, and an average monthly rental price of £625.

The rural locations have been picked as they "offer access to mountains, forests and rivers — and all the comforts you need when you come home".

The list also includes Knutsford, Cheshire, Liverpool: Georgian Quarter, Manchester: Levenshulme, Southport, Merseyside, Threlkeld, Cumbria, Waddington, Lancashire and West Kirby, Wirral.

Helen Davies, The Sunday Times Home editor said, "Our advice is simple. Think about everything you love and everything you hate, then make sure you have access to the good things while minimising exposure to the bad ones. And we’re here to help. Today we champion 101 locations across the UK and crown one lucky winner.

Never has where you live felt more important. This year we have, along with house prices, air quality, good schools and access to green spaces, championed locations that have showcased great community spirit.

The feeling of involvement in and concern for one's local community is being challenged — and celebrated — as never before. We wish everyone well wherever they live."