This coastal 'gem' town was once home to a smuggling empire, but is now one of the 'best places to live'.

Henry Pease, one of the fathers of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, once described seeing “a prophetic vision of a town arising on the cliff and the quiet, unfrequented and sheltered glen turned into a lovely garden.”

Today, Saltburn is better known for its colourful beach huts, quirky funicular cliff lift, and Victorian charm.

The town's history, once linked to smuggling, is centred around the Ship Inn.

John Andrew, the pub’s landlord in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was known locally as the "King of the Smugglers."

Now, the town perched on the North Yorkshire coast, has been named one of the top places to live in the UK.

A guide from Muddy Stilettos shines a light on the country’s “loveliest city spots, towns and villages” with the best schools, shopping and pubs.

Muddy Stilettos described Saltburn as having: “A cool, laid-back vibe.

"This seaside gem ticks all the boxes.”

The town also boasts a thriving surf scene and a growing creative community.

Its attractions include the only remaining pleasure pier on the North East and Yorkshire coast as well as one of the oldest funicular lifts in the world, the Saltburn Cliff Tramway.

Saltburn has recently attracted high-profile visitors, including Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant.

Mr Plant stayed at the Spa Hotel over Christmas while touring with his band Saving Grace, and performed a sold-out show in Middlesbrough Town Hall on the Sunday before Christmas.

It appears the "prophetic vision" of a thriving town on the cliff has well and truly come to life.

Whether you’re looking to rent or own, the UK property market is notoriously challenging.

In their droves, young people are being locked out of ever owning their own homes, with the average cost of a flat in London coming in at £419,800, according to figures from Zoopla.

But despite the horrendous state of the housing market in the capital, there are plenty of locations where life isn’t as expensive — including some where you can get on the ladder for less than £200,000.

According to recent research, the UK’s most affordable spot to live in is Middlesbrough in North Yorkshire.

In a recent takepayments study analysing 14 different factors including property prices, public transport and childcare costs, average salaries, and the price of a pint, the port town came out top with an overall score of 6.51 out of 10.

Although annual wages in Middlesbrough (alongside its North East neighbours Sunderland and Newcastle, which placed second and third respectively) were among the lowest at £36,649, it also ranked lowest for house prices, rent, and overall living costs, earning it the nationwide crown.

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In terms of housing, the £139,855 average property price in Boro is over £150,000 less than the UK-wide figure of £291,000, while monthly rents of £609.60 are a whole lot cheaper than the £1,369 average for tenancies across England.

‘Middlesbrough offers exceptional value when compared with both the wider North East and the UK as a whole,’ Verona Frankish, CEO at Yopa estate agent tells Metro.

‘In practical terms, the average UK house price can often secure a four or five-bedroom detached home here; a proposition that’s increasingly rare elsewhere in the country.’

But she notes it may not stay this way for long, as the town ‘quietly delivered one of the strongest rates of house price growth in the country,’ with high demand pushing values up 6.2% year on year whereas the UK increase was just 1.7%.

Despite attracting a flurry of new buyers though, some aren’t convinced Middlesbrough is the place to be, and it’s even been dubbed a ‘ghost town’ by one particularly savage Reddit review.

Others also called it ‘run-down,’ with user ATOJAR commenting: ‘Unfortunately the town has turned into a total eyesore of a cesspit, personally we avoid going there unless we really, really have to.’

‘I think almost every time we have been there over the past couple of years there has been some kind of a commotion going on,’ they continued, while dgreen1415 added that there is ‘almost no reason to go to the town centre’ these days.

Still, many locals came to its defence, applauding the locale – near the mouth of the River Tees and just north of the North York Moors National Park – for its proximity to natural beauty.

‘Middlesbrough is 10 minutes by car from fantastic beaches and roughly the same from some of the best countryside England has to offer,’ one Redditor, thereidenator, wrote.

And it’s supposedly a fantastic place to raise a family too, voted third best in the UK in a 2022 study which assessed schools, safety, air quality, affordable childcare and crucially, affordable homes.

Veronica adds: ‘Middlesbrough’s appeal extends far beyond price alone. The town sits at the heart of one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration corridors, with long-term structural investment rather than short-term cosmetic change.

‘Buyers benefit from genuine city convenience combined with easy access to open countryside and coastline, a balance that is increasingly sought-after.

‘The area appeals to first-time buyers priced out of southern cities, families looking for larger homes and green space, investors targeting strong yields with long-term regeneration upside, and remote workers prioritising space and affordability.’

Where to move to in Middlesbrough

If you were thinking of joining the ranks of the Smoggies (an affectionate nickname for Middlesbrough locals), there are a few particular hotspots Veronica recommends.

‘Linthorpe remains popular with professionals and families drawn to its period homes and established feel, while Acklam continues to attract families seeking well-proportioned semi-detached properties in a stable, in-demand area,’ she explains.

‘Marton appeals to buyers prioritising space and green surroundings, offering larger homes in a suburban setting that continues to grow in popularity, and Nunthorpe sits at the premium end of the market, with detached homes in a semi-rural environment commanding strong and consistent demand.’

Although they’re slightly outside of the town itself, Veronica adds that the ‘well-connected suburbs’ of Tollesby and Coulby Newham are favourites among families — especially those looking for newer-build homes.

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Knaresborough boasts medieval streets, cliff-top views and independent shops - yet remains largely off the beaten track for tourists

A picturesque North Yorkshire town has been likened to Italy, thanks to its stunning scenery and relaxed vibe. With bright blue skies and rowing boats gliding gently along the water, this spot has a distinctly European feel that's rare to find in Britain.

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A TikTok video by @makxylageorge highlighted the authentic charm of this British treasure, calling it "the Italy of England". Knaresborough is famed for its historic buildings, laid-back pace and independent shops.

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One person responded to the clip: "I LOVE this place! If anyone goes try out the marigold cafe on the water! Too beautiful." Another added: "Knaresborough is so beautiful."

The town sits dramatically on clifftops – echoing many Italian towns that also occupy high ground with panoramic views, reports Yorkshire Live. Knaresborough also features a castle, stone bridges and medieval streets. Likewise, Italy is packed with historic fortresses and stone structures.

The town is known for its riverside character. Along the water's edge, you'll find restaurants on either bank, which is essential for soaking up the local atmosphere.

Throughout Italy, many towns are defined by their waterways, adding to their magical and romantic quality. However, not everyone was convinced that Knaresborough resembles Italy. One person remarked however: "I wouldn't go that far."

Knaresborough is a compact yet splendid community, boasting charming medieval lanes and a serene atmosphere.

A must-see during your visit is the renowned railway bridge that stretches across the River Nidd. In the summer months, you can enjoy a delightful boat trip on the river, providing a unique perspective of the town.

Knaresborough's location is rather convenient, being roughly a 30-minute drive from York and approximately 35 minutes away from Leeds.

Despite its allure, the town remains largely undiscovered by tourists and is often overlooked by visitors. If you're seeking a unique place to discover, Knaresborough certainly merits inclusion in your travel plans.