Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Winchester in Hampshire allegedly offers the best quality of life for most residents, and has a positive community spirit

The "best places to live in Britain" have been announced in a new guide.

Winchester, in Hampshire, has been named the best city to live in thanks to its outdoor spaces, community spirit and quality of living.

The historic cathedral city was called "practically perfect" by the Sunday Times Best Places To Live guide.

Regional winners included Falmouth in Cornwall, Harrogate in North Yorkshire and Ballycastle in Northern Ireland.

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Sunday Times home editor Helen Davies said: "Winchester thoroughly deserves its status as the best place to live in Britain.

"It offers a tasty slice of authentic history, with great transport links and fine schools.

"It also has an irresistible mix of food, festivals and feel-good factor."

Winchester City Council leader Stephen Godfrey said: "Winchester has a fabulous mix of history, culture, shopping, countryside and accessibility that adds up to a highly-prized quality of life."

Regional winners:

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Falmouth in Cornwall was one of the the regional winners in the Sunday Times guide

East: Orford in Suffolk

London: Fitzrovia

Midlands: Ledbury in Herefordshire

North East: Harrogate in North Yorkshire

Northern Ireland: Ballycastle in County Antrim

North West: Whalley in Lancashire

Scotland: Stockbridge in Edinburgh

South East: Midhurst in West Sussex

South West: Falmouth in Cornwall

Wales: Penarth in Vale of Glamorgan

The guide is published every year and combines data such as crime rates, house prices and school performance.