The pretty UK town filled with independent shops - ‘best place to live’

Hidden in the Midlands is a pretty town that’s often overlooked. Bewdley is a quaint town with plenty of amenities and things to see and do for residents and visitors. It has been named as one of the best places to live by Muddy Stilettos - and it's easy to see why.

Muddy Stilettos says: “Perched on the River Severn with all the charm of a period drama but none of the pretence, Bewdley is a small Worcestershire town with big pull. Its riverside setting oozes character, with indie boutiques, cosy coffee shops and artisan markets adding to the laid-back buzz.”

The town is only a 46 minute drive away from Wolverhampton, and you can reach there via A449, according to Google Maps.

For anyone looking to do some shopping, the town offers a varied shopping experience.

Load Street is known for its large concentration of independent boutique shops, and many locals enjoy traditional speciality stores against a historic Georgian backdrop, reports Express and Star.

A popular place to grab some fish and chips is Merchants, which has gained a huge reputation online after going viral.

La Fragancia is another popular store in the area. The fragrance shop has garnered a huge amount of positive reviews online.

One person said that it is one of the “best” fragrance shops in the country.

They said: “La Fragancia in Bewdley is one of the best independent niche perfume shops in the UK”.

Alongside independent shopping, there’s a huge amount to see in Bewdley.

If you’re looking to enjoy nature and the outdoors, one must-visit spot in the area is Arley Arboretum and Gardens which is perfect for enjoying a stroll through.

The pretty gardens are filled with rare and ancient trees, “exquisite” walled gardens and panoramic views at Arley Arboretum.

It has around 30 acres of grounds, which make for a picturesque escape from busy daily life.

A visitor on TripAdvisor said: “What a lovely, calming place to spend an afternoon. We enjoyed every part of our visit.

“The gardens and range of trees were lovely and there were so many interesting paths to explore. The Severn view was a lovely place to sit and watch the Severn Valley Railway steam train go past.”

The person adds: “We enjoyed a cake and a cuppa in the tearoom which was delicious and very welcome on a hot summer day.

“I think this is a hidden gem as it was not at all busy despite the good weather.”

Another place to visit is West Midlands Safari park which is also in the area. The park is a popular destination that’s visited by people from all over the country.

One visitor on TripAdvisor said: “A fantastic family day out. The experience with animals was incredible and we saw such a huge variety up close!

“There was a great selection of rides which we all enjoyed and we enjoyed every minute and spent a whole day there. We will be back again.”

According to RightMove, house prices in Bewdley had an overall average of £317,457 over the last year.

Bewdley is a place that’s perfect for a day trip as the weather gets warmer.