Monmouthshire’s Town of Flowers, Usk is in the spotlight again after winning the accolade of Best Place to Live in Wales in this year’s The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026 awards.

The respected annual list is always competitive, with a wide range of factors that need to tick the ‘great place to live’ boxes. In the Sunday Times list, Usk is celebrated for its array of

community groups – covering everything from astronomy to sport – as well as for its range of businesses, and for its rich history.

Receiving plaudits isn’t new for Usk, it regularly wins Britain in Bloom Gold awards and last year was named Best-Kept Large Village in Wales 2025. These achievement wouldn’t be possible without a strong community spirit.

Monmouthshire County Council Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby said: “It’s wonderful to see Usk acknowledged in this way. Here in Monmouthshire we know how special Usk is. Residents and businesses live and work together to make a vibrant and proactive community spirit. I am so proud for them that they’ve received this much-deserved recognition.”

Ward Member for Llanbadoc and Usk, Cllr Tony Kear said: “I am delighted that Usk has won the Best Place to Live in Wales in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026 list. It’s an great opportunity for more people to discover our town and its wide range of independent businesses. From micro-breweries, bars, cafés and restaurants, to beautiful walks by the river and castle, and of course the stunning Usk in Bloom displays, there’s so many reasons to visit. Usk truly deserves this latest award.”

Cllr Merion Howells, who is also Ward Member for Llanbadoc and Usk, has lived in the town for more that 20 years and previous served as Mayor, and as a Town Councillor: “I am proud that our town has yet again been celebrated for everything that makes it so special. The article mentions Usk as being a great place to raise a family, and I can testify to that. When you live here you are welcomed into the community, and really feel part of something unique.”

For more information about things to do and see in Usk have a look at https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/explore/usk and make a date to explore the town for yourself!