The picturesque village of Malpas in Cheshire has truly won over visitors and locals alike thanks to its quaint cobblestone streets and timber cottages – and now it’s been recognised for its charm.
Crowned as the top destination in The Times’ list of the top 20 ‘secret’ villages to move to, Malpas has been applauded for its irresistible allure and community spirit.
Celebrated for its « friendliest and prettiest under-the-radar spots to move to », Malpas is the lone gem from the north west shining on this prestigious list.
Malpas’ enviable ranking by The Times recognises not just the aesthetics of this delightful village but also its buzzing sense of community along with convenient amenities.
According to The Times: « With a hilltop church that can be seen for miles and a smattering of half-timbered houses, Malpas scores highly for looks as well as liveliness. »
The report also highlights Malpas’s connection to the equestrian world, boasting expansive countryside perfect for horse riding – a fact cemented by former Liverpool FC and Manchester United ace Michael Owen and his celebrated racehorse stables based in the very same village.
Towering over the village is the revered St Oswald’s church, a spot where one enjoys breathtaking views spanning across Cheshire, Shropshire, and even to the Welsh hills.
Joining Malpas in the limelight, other secret havens such as Barlaston in Staffordshire, Maenclochog in Pembrokeshire, Ebrington in Gloucestershire, and Bishop Wilton in East Yorkshire have also secured their places among the UK’s top 20 secret villages, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Caroline Waterhouse, a resident of Malpas, praised the village in The Times’ feature. She stated: « It’s got everything.
The schools are fantastic, all the shops are here, from a bookshop to a great bakery that champions local produce, and there’s a warm, loyal community. »
The article revealed that the average house price in Malpas is £393,000, with options ranging from a « substantial five bedroom new build for £600,000 » to an historic Georgian mansion priced at £1million for those with a larger budget.
The Times featured ’20 villages that aren’t well known across the country but are always in demand among those in the know’, with Malpas topping the list. The village is located at the southernmost point of the Mid-Cheshire Sandstone Ridge, near Chester, and just five miles from the Welsh border.
Malpas has a rich history dating back to medieval times. It is widely believed that its name derives from the French words « Mal-pas », meaning bad passage, although some suggest it was named after a former lord of the manor.
Once a bustling market town, Malpas has seen a unique reversal in its development compared to neighbouring towns like Whitchurch. Instead of expanding, the village has ‘retreated’ back to a smaller scale, with its once thriving weekly markets dying out in the 19th century.
The village of Malpas is home to two popular pubs, including the 300 year old The Lion at Malpas, which recently underwent a multi-million pound renovation.
Just across the street is The Crown, lauded as an ‘excellent village pub with good atmosphere’ on Tripadvisor.
In addition to these, the village boasts a chippy, a farm shop, and The Old Fire Station cafe and bar. A large Co-op store has also recently opened at the far end of the village.
The Times highlighted Malpas’ convenient location, noting that it’s just a 35-minute drive to Chester, with Liverpool and Manchester not much further away.
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