A picturesque village which sits on the River Blackwater in Essex has been named as one of the top places to live in the UK for 2026.
Muddy Stilettos, a lifestyle website recently released their 260 best places to live to live in the UK for 2026 and the best in each county.
There were eight places named across Essex, one of which was Bradwell-on-Sea.
Surrounded by nature, the village is described as a peaceful retreat with modest house prices yet still within reach of good food and shops.
Full list of best places in Essex to live for 2026:
- Bocking
- Bradwell
- Buckhurst Hill
- Chelmsford
- Leigh
- Little Oakley
- Saffron Walden
- Stock
More about Bradwell-on-Sea and why it makes the list
Bradwell-on-Sea is a village and civil parish which is on the Dengie peninsula.
It is located north-east of Southminster and is 19 miles east of the Chelmsford.
The village is in the district of Maldon and in the parliamentary constituency of Maldon.
On why it makes the list, Muddy Stilettos said: "Craving a slower Essex pace of life well away from bustling urban centres?
"Bradwell-on-Sea may be perfect for you.
"Just four miles from St Lawrence Creek and the River Blackwater, the estuary’s renowned for its salt marshes and mud flats, eventually meeting the North Sea.
"This is a place to watch sailing barges drift past, followed by a waterside stroll and a drink enjoying nature and the stunning views.
"It’s truly peaceful yet less than five miles from Maldon, with its bars, restaurants and indie boutiques."
Where to eat
- The Kings Head
- The Green Man Inn
- Bits n Bobs Tea Rooms (Southminster)
- Le Bouchon (Maldon)
- Sark (Maldon)
Shopping
Culture
The culture section states: "Visit the 19th-century Bradwell Prison Lock Up, once used to temporarily hold criminals for minor offences or drunks overnight.
"Also check out The Gallery Maldon with its contemporary paintings, ceramics and sculptures, while a half hour trip takes you to The Museum of Power, a former water pumping station with a miniature railway, model village and tea room."
Average house prices
Bradwell-on-Sea’s average house price is £415,286, with the majority of sales being detached, selling for around £495,000.
Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £338,500, with terraces fetching £370,000.
To find out more about why Bradwell-on-Sea makes up the top places to live, visit Best Places to Live Essex: Bradwell on Sea | Muddy Stilettos | Muddy Stilettos
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