A Gloucestershire village has been named among the top 20 best secret villages in the UK to live in, by The Times.

Introducing the list, the newspaper said: “You may not have heard of these communities — and that’s part of their charm. Tim Palmer visits the friendliest and prettiest under-the-radar spots to move to”.

It added: “Where are the places few have heard of but where everybody wants to live? With more than 6,000 villages in the UK of every shape, size and situation, there’s a community out there for anybody looking for life on a smaller scale.

“How do you find the one that’s right for you? This list should be a useful starting point, highlighting 20 villages that aren’t well known across the country but are always in demand among those in the know.

Ebrington was ranked the UK's third best secret village to live inEbrington was ranked the UK's third best secret village to live in (Image: Getty)

“They all have useful amenities, appealing locations and great communities — and often house prices that reflect their popularity.”

Ebrington ranked in third place in the list and was described as being “really pretty”.

Why is Ebrington one of the UK’s best secret villages to live in?

Gemma Maclaran, Cotswolds expert at the buying agency Middleton Advisors, said: “It’s really pretty, but it’s the community that makes a village, and Ebrington, perhaps because it’s a little bit out of the limelight, has a really good one. This is a real place, not too manicured.”

@off_the_beat_cotswolds Wandering through this beautiful village Ebrington. #thecotswolds #englishvillage #offthebeatcotswolds #beautifuldestinations #explorelocal #countryliving #england ♬ Somewhere - INOSSI

The Times added: “There’s plenty of wholesome activity among the thatched cottages and lush front gardens in this classic Cotswolds village, from harvest festivals, barn dances and yoga in the village hall to energetic fundraising by the Ebrington Tractor Club.

“A great farm shop — Vegetable Matters — is another reminder that this remains a properly agricultural area, rather than just a weekend bolt hole for wealthy Londoners. The Ebrington Arms is the kind of village pub that’s as good for an after-work pint as it is for high-end gastro fare.

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“Chipping Campden, one of the nicest of the Cotswold towns, is a few minutes’ drive away, along with its Ofsted-rated outstanding secondary school. There’s a primary school in Ebrington and more to choose from in the neighbouring villages.

“Even though it’s a little bit off the beaten path, you’ll still have to find Cotswolds money to live here — £750,000 for a cottage, £1.5 million for a good four-bedroom house.”

The average price of a property in Ebrington is £726,650, according to the newspaper.