Do you live near one of the UK’s best high streets?
Knight Frank’s Research team has revealed the top premium high streets in the country - and our local experts explain what makes them stand out
Many homeowners and buyers will have heard of the so-called “Waitrose effect” - the idea that the arrival of the premium supermarket signals an uplift in house prices. In reality, the story of a neighbourhood’s desirability runs deeper. Local amenities shape not only where people want to live but also the way residents experience and enjoy their community, as Knight Frank’s agents on the ground can confirm.
High streets are evolving. Alongside trusted names, they now offer boutique fitness studios, artisan bakeries and independent retailers, offering fresh experiences and reflecting the needs of new communities.
To explore this shift in greater detail, Knight Frank’s Research team analysed the performance of high streets across the UK. “Understanding the performance of our high streets allows us to explore broader relationships to social impact, amenity value, and property markets with the aim of informing sustainable resident wellbeing and ESG (environmental, social and governance factors),” says Johan Hagstrom, Data Scientist at Knight Frank. “Our goal was to develop a data-driven approach to identify and rank every identifiable high street location in the UK based on quantifiable indicators.”
The study identified the top 150 premium high streets nationwide, measuring factors such as the mix of shops, the presence of well-regarded brands, and indicators of resilience including low vacancy rates and business rates above the national average.
Here, we reveal the top five high streets in the UK - and uncover what gives each its unique lifestyle appeal.
1. Wimbledon Village, London
For Sonia Cheng, an Associate in Knight Frank’s Wimbledon office, it’s no surprise that this charming corner of southwest London has taken the top spot. “Despite being in the capital, it truly offers a village-like feel - people greet each other in passing, and there’s a real sense of community,” she says.
Part of Wimbledon Village’s enduring appeal lies in its eclectic mix of businesses. Alongside premium names such as Gail’s and The Ivy are much-loved independents - “a particular favourite is Good Fortune Club, with its excellent dim sum,” Sonia notes. Longstanding specialists also thrive here: jeweller Michael Platt has been trading in the Village for more than 20 years. Meanwhile, a growing number of fitness studios and physiotherapists reflect the area’s strong focus on health and wellbeing.
Unsurprisingly, living close to the Village commands a premium. “You can expect to pay around 30% more compared with some other parts of Wimbledon,” Sonia explains. For those who make the move, the lifestyle is second to none: Sunday mornings at the farmer’s market followed by taking your lunch out onto Wimbledon Common epitomise the balance of community, convenience and countryside-esque charm.
2. St John’s Wood, London
Panzer’s, the iconic Jewish deli at the heart of St John’s Wood, recently marked its 80th anniversary. Founded in 1944 by Austrian and Czech refugees at the close of the Second World War, it has grown from humble beginnings into a London institution, its recent refurbishment only reinforcing its legendary status. It exemplifies the area’s rich character and enduring appeal, and is one of a range of local favourites including French brasserie Soutine, as well as established names such as The Ivy, that draws both buyers and visitors to this pocket of north London.
“St John’s Wood is perhaps the most centrally located neighbourhood in London that still retains a genuine village atmosphere, with Regent’s Park and Lord’s Cricket Ground on your doorstep,” says Sam Krisman, Associate at Knight Frank’s St John’s Wood office. He notes the redevelopment of the former St John’s Wood Barracks has sparked fresh interest in the area, while improvements to make the high street more pedestrian friendly have created new spaces for al fresco dining and community life.
3. Hampstead, London
Historically, Hampstead has long been a magnet for creatives, from artists and musicians to some of the country’s greatest thinkers. Local landmarks such as The Spaniards Inn inspired the likes of Charles Dickens and John Keats, and today you may still find yourself brushing shoulders with a celebrity or two. That spirit of creativity is echoed in the area’s shopping: from high-end fashion boutiques to quirky bookshops and the cafés that line the Georgian alleyway of Flask Walk.
“It’s a vibrant, bustling destination, popular with locals and visitors from across London, yet it still retains a cosy, community feel where everyone knows each other,” says Chanell Quire, an Associate in Knight Frank’s Hampstead office. “It’s also the gateway to Hampstead Heath, which is one of the biggest draws for people choosing to live here. The Nook is a favourite independent café - perfect for picking up a coffee before a walk on the Heath.”
4. Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Set on the banks of the River Thames, this Georgian market town combines an idyllic setting with a high street that is both charming and lively. Independent shops sit alongside premium fashion boutiques, creating a mix that reflects the area’s strong family appeal. “We tend to see a slightly younger buyer base in Marlow, driven in large part by its outstanding educational institutions, including grammar schools such as Sir William Borlase’s,” says Matt Davies, Partner at Knight Frank. “This often draws buyers towards the west side of town, to be within easy reach of these highly sought-after schools.”
Marlow also enjoys a reputation as a culinary destination. At its heart is Tom Kerridge’s The Hand and Flowers - the only pub in the UK with two Michelin stars - which sets the tone for the town’s thriving food scene. Alongside it, riverside dining at the Compleat Angler and well-known favourites including The Ivy ensure residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to relaxed yet refined options.
5. Clifton Village, Bristol
For Xara Grigg, a Negotiator at Knight Frank’s Bristol office in Clifton, what stands out most is the strong sense of pride. “Once people are here, they don’t want to leave - from downsizers to graduates of Bristol’s universities, they tend to remain in the area,” she explains. That loyalty is reflected in the high street itself, lined with independent and family-owned businesses, from florists and bookshops to jewellers.
Clifton’s status as a conservation area has helped preserve its historic character, while recent improvements such as the pedestrianisation of Princess Victoria Street have added to its appeal. The result is a place where residents can enjoy deli lunches or a coffee while soaking up the surroundings. “I particularly love Spicer and Cole, Mercy Mercy Mercy, as well as Burra, which was set up by professional rugby players from the Bristol Bears,” she adds.
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