Is this the best village in Wales?

A church in St Hilary, near Cowbridge. Credit: Google Maps

St Hilary near Cowbridge has been voted one of the best places to live in the UK.

The village, which is residence to around 260 people, was named 5th best in a list of 30 places according to a new ranking compiled by The Times. It was praised for its atmosphere, picturesque appeal and property market.

Despite its appeal, the village is comprised of only a few houses, a pub, a church, a village hall and nursing home.

St Hilary is home to around 260 people. Credit: Google Maps

St Hilary - why the appeal?

  • St Hilary has a 12th-century church, active village hall and the thatched grade II listed pub, The Bush Inn.

  • It's about two miles from Cowbridge, the market town with Georgian houses and home to one of the best performing secondary schools in Wales, Cowbridge Comprehensive. Sir Anthony Hopkins was a pupil when it was a grammar school.

  • Just 260 or so people live in 80 houses.

  • The average house price, according to Zoopla, is £184,169.

  • Knight Frank estate agent named it the Best Village in Wales.

St Hilary is home to this 12th century church. Credit: Google Maps

Our reporter Nicola Hendy has been to St Hilary to ask villagers what makes the place so special. Watch her report: