The Sunday Times published its annual Best Places To Live list last weekend and two Hampshire locations made the top 10 of the Southeast category. Well, tell us something we don’t know, right?!

Local knowledge and seeking out the fun stuff is Muddy’s speciality obvs, so here’s our take on those two hotspots, with some suggestions in case you want to go have a nosey this weekend. And if you’re lucky enough to live in one of the winning locales, let us know if you’ve been overrun by over-excited Sunday Times readers!

Winchester

Winchester Cathedral © Winchester Cathedral

The county’s capital – steeped in millennia of history and once the capital of England. We’re absolutely not surprised Winchester made the list. With its wealth of independent boutiques, fabulous foodie spots and oodles of history and culture its a place that always has that bit more to discover. Personal faves are the Bistro at Hotel du Vin, with its fantastic Hampshire-sourced menu for a relaxed dinner (review here). There is also another Muddy fave, The Little Kitchen Bistro with its varied menu and pop up supper clubs. Winchester is also home to Hampshire’s only Michelin Star restaurant, The Black Rat. For drinks (plus a whole host of great events) it’s got to be The Cabinet Rooms or the gorgeously quirky Incognito. And, if you’re staying a little while definitely check into either 16a (formerly Hannah’s B&B) or it’s neighbouring property, Two Bare Feet. That’s before you even check out Winchester Cathedral, King Arthur’s Round Table and the numerous museums around the city.

Meon Valley

The Thomas Lord, West Meon

This area, made up of a number of different villages, is located within close reach of Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester and is absolutely beautiful (plus, I’ve also heard a rumour Tom Hardy lives near here…). With plenty of places to head for a relaxing walk, it’s also scattered with some great establishments to eat and drink at. I absolutely love the Thomas Lord in West Meon for its wonderful country-pub vibes and fantastic gastropub fare. The Shoe in Exton is another lovely spot (and named after one of our favourite things) with great food and the gorgeous River Meon running right past it.

Anywhere in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight that you think should have made it onto the list? Let us know!

Do you live in the best place in Britain?

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