Britain has long attracted people from around the world to its shores, from original settlers to international immigrants coming to the country to find prosperity and better lives. Across 94,000 square miles, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are home to natural beauties, wonders of the world and famous cities, towns and villages that have certified their place in world history and popular culture. What’s more, there are so many UK property developments coming to life, with the demand to live in cities like York, Manchester and London. But where, definitively, is the best place to live in the UK? The Sunday Times think they might have just found the answer.
And The Winner Is…
In 2018, York, the North Yorkshire city famous for York Minster amongst other attractions, was named the best place to live in the United Kingdom, beating out better known cities such as London and Manchester. Considerably smaller than other British cities, York has a rich, traditional history that spans back to the Middle Ages. Now, it’s a burgeoning metropolis boasting trendy cafes, a Russell Group red brick university, period buildings and the famous river that runs through the city. Inspired by its Saxon and Viking past, York is leading the way in innovation and a thriving cultural scene cultivating music, film and contemporary art. Only two hours away from the capital, York’s mini metropolis has been attracting visitors from all over the world, with a little something for everybody.
Regional Winners: South
Though York has been crowned the number one place, the many regions of the United Kingdom each have their own slice of paradise to offer, with The Times naming a winner for each. In the South East, the charming commuter town of Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, offers a unique café culture that takes its status as a ‘through-area’ and makes it appeal to families with a bustling high street and a village feel throughout. In the East, Chelmsford- which was recently upgraded to city status- offers fast local transport and beautiful local scenery, including several canals and parks.
Down in the South West, artisanal culture trap Frome, Somerset, beat out fierce competition from popular Bristol, offering a small town feel in a culturally diverse area, just half an hour from the historic city of Bath. Within the capital, Zone 1 gem Bermondsey put more popular boroughs aside with its enviable location of the River Thames, and easy access to the vast centre of the city and its many activities and historical sites.
Regional Winners: North
Heading further North, the recently regenerated historic city of Altrincham, Cheshire and the bustling seaside resort of Tynemouth, Northumberland both found themselves named the best areas to live after rapid transformations of both areas were undertaken by the local councils to turn them into vibrant, exciting areas to live. With shops previously being left uninhabited, around £6 million has been pumped into the cities to develop their local infrastructure and support independent businesses to boost the local economies.
Regional Winners: Outside of England
Outside of England, it was Mumbles in South Wales, a popular seaside resort near Swansea which has attracted many a famous face to its shores, including Bonnie Tyler and Catherine Zeta-Jones to its local area. In Scotland, the literary city Melrose- which was named by Tatler as one of the best Scottish States, its easy access to the major city of Edinburgh makes this small town a big player in the UK property market. Heading across the sea, the regenerated capital Belfast in Northern Ireland managed to capture the top spot over the North’s ‘Gold Coast’ of Holywood, and was recently named the city for best value property across the UK.
With such a vast array of beautiful cities, it’s no wonder people are starting to head to these unique areas in droves. It might be time for a visit to the estate agents!
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