Colchester has been named as one of the best places to live in Essex for 2024, according to Muddy Stilettos.

The women's lifestyle website creates a list of the 'best places to live' every year, and it has expanded its number of entrants from 250 to 260 on this occasion.

It draws upon its insight into the 28 most sought-after counties in England, guiding potential buyers to the local hot spots and up-and-coming areas.

In a statement on their social media, they shared: "Come on in! We're thrilled to launch our brand new Best Places To Live 2024 in association with @struttandparker.

"We’ve shortlisted 260 gorgeous villages, towns and cities across our 28 ‘Muddy’ counties and beyond using our insider local knowledge."

The full list of the 260 places can be found at the Muddy Stilettos website here, and here's why Colchester was featured.

Colchester included on Muddy Stilettos best places to live in Essex

Muddy Stilettos described Colchester as being a historic city which "has many charms" including "great amenities" and "outstanding education".

They wrote: "Sitting on the edge of Constable County, Colchester is within easy reach of London, as well as the coast and lots of gorgeous villages.

"This historic city has many charms, especially for families who want it all (and why wouldn’t you?).

"There’s outstanding education and great amenities, plus cobbled streets adorned with period houses and a bustling high street."

Colchester's independent shops and eateries were also commended, including Red Lion Books and Church Street Tavern.

Gazette: Church Street Tavern is considered to be one of Colchester's finest eateries according to Muddy StilettosChurch Street Tavern is considered to be one of Colchester's finest eateries according to Muddy Stilettos (Image: Google Streetview)

Elsewhere, its attractions were seen as a high point, with Colchester Zoo among the obvious mentions.

In terms of the city's best-kept secret, Muddy Stilettos shared: "Love a literary connection? Nursery rhyme Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star was written by Jane Taylor, aged 23, in 1806 in her attic, which still exists in Stockwell Street, Colchester."

What were the ten best places to live in Essex?

  • Stock
  • Wivenhoe
  • Chelmsford
  • Saffron Walden
  • Thaxted
  • Leigh
  • Brentwood
  • Great Dunmow
  • Frinton
  • Colchester

Speaking about Essex overall Muddy Stilettos wrote: "Hugging 350 miles of blonde-beach coastline, Essex is home to a whopping 87 nature reserves, a buzzy cafe culture and ruins rich in Roman history (Colchester is, after all, Britain's oldest recorded town).

"Short train hops into the capital are convenient, but you'll soon relish life beyond London: swish spas, gourmet gastros and a labyrinth of salt marshes to kayak through on a sun-dappled morning come as standard here."