Best seaside town to live once slammed as 'depressing' resort turns itself around

A charming seaside nestled between rolling countryside hills and sugar-like beaches has been named the best place to live in the UK. Situated on the Fal Estuary in Cornwall's idyllic south coast, and believed to be the inspiration behind the classic children's novel The Wind in the Willows,Falmouth offers the perfect balance of history and modern amenities.

Originally developed around its deep natural harbour which once acted as a key port, the town has now developed into a bustling coastal gem, and attracts swathes of tourists every year. "Falmouth offers not only a rich cultural scene but also breathtaking natural surroundings," states Visit Cornwall, the area's official tourist board.

"The area's mild climate supports beautiful subtropical gardens, perfect for exploring year-round. Renowned as a sailing town, Falmouth hosts a variety of regattas and festivals throughout the year."

The town has also gained a reputation for being a 'foodies paradise', thanks to a slew of cosy pubs, award-winning restaurants and numerous food festivals. However, in 2024 Falmouth suffered a major blow after it was unexpectedly ranked the most 'depressing' place to live in Britain.

Branded as 'bland and boring' in a survey conducted by iLiveHere, the region was slammed for having a 'soul-destroying mediocrity with a gaping cultural void'. However, locals were quick to debunk the poll's results, arguing it couldn't be further from the truth.

"The coastal walks are epic," hailed one local. "It's fairly diverse class-wise and even in the summer when it's packed, it's still a pleasant place to be, unlike Looe and St Ives which while they are both beautiful places to visit, parking is a total nightmare."

Another agreed, raving that the locals are friendly, the food is good, and that there are 'loads of decent restaurants'. Even the team over at iLiveHere was baffled by the poll - which allows users to leave their comments about their hometown online.

"We have to admit, we know absolutely nothing about Falmouth," they said. "We Googled it and it looks picturesque – but we’re sure it’s a facade it trades on, and who are we to question the wisdom of the crowd?"

Some blamed the town's suddenly bleak reputation on its high street, which like most parts of the UK has witnessed shops close following the Covid-19 pandemic. "It's going downhill, that's for certain," a couple of tourists told the Telegraph.

But, the damming poll has now been put under even more speculation, after Falmouth was crowned the best seaside town to live in the UK in 2025 by The Times. "Falmouth has everything you need for a happy life by the sea," the publication hailed. "[It has] four great beaches, sparkling views at every turn and a town centre that's like the coolest bit of a cool city, along with a young, fun and creative population."

Located just under 300 miles from the Big Smoke, it takes almost six hours to travel to Falmouth from London by car. Indirect train journeys departing from London Paddington, which usually involve a stopover at Truro, slash around an hour off the journey - but tickets can be pricey.

For example, a single adult fare on Wednesday, July 23, is currently priced at £79.50. However, if you have a railcard, you may be able to find a better deal.

Luckily, once you've arrived in Falmouth - you won't have to spend a fortune. The town is filled with affordable accommodation types, from no-frills hotels to cosy B&Bs. A weekend's stay (Friday, August 22 -24) at the Prince of Wales Pub, for example, will only set you back £158. This is based on two adults sharing a Double Room with a communal bathroom.

If you're looking for something a bit more luxurious, check out Merchants Manor Spa. This five-star resort features sleek rooms with stunning sea views, an award-winning restaurant, a modern leisure club, an indoor heated swimming pool, a spa, and sub-tropical gardens. Staying in a Deluxe Queen Room on the exact same nights costs £541, and includes breakfast.

*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing. The Mirror has contacted Falmouth Town Council for comment.

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