5 reasons we love Woolton as it’s named The Sunday Times’ Best Place to Live in the North West

Liverpool’s very own Woolton has just been crowned the best place to live in the North West by The Sunday Times, and we couldn’t agree more.

From its beautiful green spaces to its rich history and buzzing independent businesses, Woolton has everything you need for a perfect place to call home.

Here are five reasons why we love it…

Stunning green spaces: Camp Hill & Woolton Woods

Woolton might be close to the city, but it’s packed with gorgeous green spaces where you can escape the hustle and bustle. 

Woolton Woods and Camp Hill are among the area’s most beautiful spots, offering stunning views over Liverpool and beyond.

Whether you’re after a peaceful dog walk, a scenic running route, or just a moment of calm, these green spaces make Woolton one of the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods.

Woolton’s food and drink scene

Woolton is home to some of Liverpool’s best independent bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Here’s just a few the village has on offer:

• The Elephant Pub & Bakehouse – A legendary local with top-notch food, great beers, and a brilliant atmosphere.
• One Percent Forest – A cosy coffee shop and cocktail bar with a Scandinavian-inspired vibe.
• Botanico – A stunning floral café with an incredible Italian menu.
• Dostana Indian Restaurant – From Mumbai Street Food to traditional curries.
• Istanbul Barbecue & Bistro – For a taste of Turkish Mediterranean dishes.

Whether you’re after a Sunday roast, a cheeky cocktail, or a relaxed brunch, Woolton’s got you covered.

Hub for independent businesses

It’s not just the food and drink scene that makes Woolton special – it’s also a haven for local, independent businesses just like:

• The Scotch Beef Shop – A family-run butcher that’s been serving up high-quality produce for over 50 years.
• Liverpool Cheese Company – A must-visit for cheese lovers, offering an incredible selection of artisanal cheeses from around the world.

Woolton has a real community feel, and its independent businesses help to keep the village thriving.

Birthplace of The Beatles

Woolton will forever be part of music history, as it’s the place where John Lennon and Paul McCartney first met.

On 6 July 1957, a teenage Paul McCartney watched John Lennon and The Quarrymen perform at St. Peter’s Church garden fete. After the gig, the two lads got chatting, bonded over their love of music, and the rest is history.

Decades later, a recording of that very first performance was found in an attic and sold at Sotheby’s for £78,500 – proof that Woolton played a huge part in shaping the world’s greatest band.

A Village with centuries of history

Woolton isn’t just a scenic suburb – it’s got a fascinating past. It was first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, when it was called ‘Uluentune’, meaning ‘Farm of Wulfa’. Over the centuries, it was ruled by medieval knights, confiscated by Queen Elizabeth I, and later became part of Liverpool in 1913.

From ancient farmland to a thriving, modern-day village, Woolton’s history is a huge part of what makes it so special.

With its beautiful green spaces, incredible local businesses, rich history, and strong sense of community, it’s no surprise that Woolton has been named the best place to live in the North West.

Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, enjoying a pint at The Elephant, or taking a walk through Woolton Woods, this Liverpool gem has something for everyone.

Read more features from The Guide Liverpool here.