A town that was once considered to be located in Lancashire has been named among the best market towns according to property experts in a list by the Daily Mail.

The newspaper said: “Most high streets these days are a sad mix of vape shops, Costas and probably a betting shop or two. So, where do you move to if you want a strong community, welcoming coffee shops and vibrant atmosphere all within walking distance?

“The answer is a market town. With their gravel-voiced traders, colourful open-air stalls and milling crowds, market towns are now some of the most sought-after postcodes in the country.

“From a tiny town in Wales with an average house price of just £191,000 to a foodie hotspot in Shropshire and an eccentric community in Devon, we’ve consulted property experts and estate agents across the country to bring you a list of Britain’s best market towns.”

Ramsbottom, now within Greater Manchester, was named among the best market towns in the UK and this is why.

Why Ramsbottom is among the best market towns in the UK

The Daily Mail said: “Wanting to live in a market town that has socialising and entertainment as part of the package? You could hardly choose better than Ramsbottom.

“The Black Pudding Throwing world championships are held here every September, while a 1940s-themed festival which involves everyone dressing like extras from an episode of Foyles War takes place over a weekend in May.

“The East Lancs Railway is behind much of this fun and frivolity. With a 12-mile track and seven stations joining Ramsbottom to Heywood, their Santa Special is not to be missed.

“The market, held in the Bridge Street car park every Saturday, is popular, selling fruit, fish and vegetables and there are also regular farmers’ markets. This is a town for the serious foodies and tears are still being spilled over the closure of Levanter, a popular Spanish restaurant.

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Such a beautiful place and found the most amazing chocolate cafe Location: Ramsbottom - UK

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“The locals often settle for authentic Lancashire-style fayre such as the excellent pie and a pint at The Irwell Works Brewery. (You’ll search in vain for a Wetherspoons on this town.) Culturally, Ramsbottom has a lot going on.

“The local am-dram group, the Summerseat Players, based at The Theatre Royal, has been going for over fifty years.

“It is a great place to bring up a young family too: three primary schools are judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and children living to the north of the town have the chance of going to the successful Rawtenstall Grammar, in Rossendale.”

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The average sold price for property in Ramsbottom last year was £283,000 and the Daily Mail has picked out just one property that is currently on the market, at the time of writing.

Being sold by Miller Metcalfe on Rightmove is a four-bedroom semi-detached house in Linden Avenue for £475,000.

The property website says the house occupies “a commanding and enviable plot, perfectly positioned at the foot of a quiet cul-de-sac” in the town.

It’s also described as a “wonderful family home”.