A charming village that "delivers history, convenience, and culture in the space of less than one square mile" is said to be one of the best places to live in the UK. The Sunday Times recently crowned the Lancashire village of Parbold as one of the UK's top places to live in its annual. The publication highlighted Parbold as a gem within the North West.

Revealing the rankings, The Sunday Times said: "The village of Parbold delivers history, convenience, and culture in the space of less than one square mile, with a hefty dose of community spirit to complete a happy cocktail. From dance classes for parents, grandparents and babies at the Women's Institute to bridge classes in the hall and poetry mornings at the library, there's no shortage of things to get involved with." In light of such glowing praise for the village, we took it upon ourselves to explore Parbold firsthand, as Lancs Live reports.

Nestled in the River Douglas valley, Parbold lies on the western flank of Parbold Hill, with the Leeds and Liverpool Canal gracefully arching over the river. Beyond the tranquillity this setting suggests, Parbold boasts an array of stunning views.

Famed for its idyllic environment, Parbold Hill is a haven of undulating countryside and pristine panoramas. Among the most visited spots is Fairy Glen, offering a serene woodland stroll above the nearby village of Appley Bridge.

At Fairy Glen, you can see waterfalls and lush woodland woodland, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere that belies its proximity to nearby towns.

Not far from this idyllic spot is the picturesque village of Parbold itself, a place that embodies tranquillity with its own pastoral charm, and although it boasts less water features, the tight-knit community's warmth is palpable. Welcoming locals and the hospitable vibe of the village are evident from the off, with people welcoming you into their homes and businesses.

The plethora of independent shops along the main street is heartening. Christine Higham, a fervent advocate for her community, runs Sorrel and Sage, the village florist.

Originally from nearby Upholland, she relocated her business from Mawdesley to Parbold three years prior and has witnessed a positive transformation in the area since then.

"The Co-op is new and has been built in the last two years," she said. "There's Margot, a wine bar, which has been here probably the same amount of time as us.

"We've got a new bakery, a new bread shop which is lovely because it's all sourdoughs, an artisan bakery basically. So it's had a bit of a renaissance over the last two-and-a-half years, it's lovely."

The village not only boasts stunning landscapes and a bustling scene of independent shops, but Christine also highlights the exceptional community spirit. However, she warned: "We do get a lot of floods when it rains.

"The River Dougie is at the back, we've got a brook which runs at the back and through the road so over January and February there was a lot, even we had a flood. It came just near the door and someone said I needed to come back to my shop and my daughter said it was just by the shutters.

"It is definitely community-spirited, people are just so lovely."

At the core of this tight-knit community stands The Windmill, a village pub that recently reopened after a two-month refurbishment. Now, on a Wednesday afternoon, the place is abuzz with patrons, and come the weekend, it's heaving with a lively crowd.

Edmund, originally from Albania, has been the cherished manager of The Windmill for 13 years. Having arrived in the UK 25 years ago seeking "a better life" and employment, he feels like he's hit the jackpot with his current situation.

"If anyone wins the lottery like I have..." Edmund mused. "Not the money, but the good job, family and the village. All my friends are here, this is not just a job, it's a social life too."

The Windmill, a cherished pub since its establishment in 1794 as a hub for weary travellers and canal workers, secured the prestigious 2024 TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Award last year – an accolade that ranks it among the top 10 per cent of establishments worldwide.

A glowing endorsement on TripAdvisor said: "Visited for lunch today. Absolutely lovely place. Staff very welcoming. I had a delicious meal and dessert. Food is very fresh and tasty and value for money. I will definitely be back despite it being 30 miles away from my home."

Another reviewer said: "Excellent refurbishment, really friendly staff, cosy, clean and a really really enjoyable evening Eduardo and head chef Shaun are doing an fantastic job. Can't wait to return."

The Windmill is not resting on its laurels, with the recently refurbished premises set to see further transformation, with the downstairs space being converted for use during special events such as birthdays and weddings, while the beer garden is due for an upgrade that promises comfy seating and televisions.

With the anticipation of fine weather, locals can hardly wait to bask in the idyllic setting of their newly renovated beer garden, nestled in a village rich with quaint charm and picturesque canal views.

Experiencing Parbold in the early spring sunshine is arguably the finest way to appreciate the village, as locals relish their surroundings on dog walks, bask outside cafes and pubs and see fisherman line the banks for their daily catch.

Charming cottages and properties, some dating back to the 19th century, are also scattered around Parbold, showcasing the allure of preserving history that has been refurbished and modernised for contemporary living.

In essence, the village is meticulously maintained, brimming with community spirit and nestled in a serene and tranquil setting. It's no surprise it's garnering admiration from far and wide.