One of Yorkshire’s cities has been named in The Guardian‘s happiest places to live in the UK. With the aim of exploring what makes a city a joyful place to be, the newspaper considered a range of factors such as access to green spaces, proximity to the sea, lakes and rivers, ease of seeing a GP or dentist, broadband speed, transport links, cultural offerings, crime levels, and community spirit.
The historic city of York, with its charm, stunning architecture and surrounding countryside, beat out others it is often overlooked by—such as Leeds and Manchester. With cobbled streets, a huge range of independent businesses, and breathtaking historical buildings, it’s no surprise that a city with roots in both the Roman and Viking eras came out on top of the happiness scale.
At the medieval heart of the city stands York Minster, surrounded by timber-framed buildings on the Shambles and the beautiful Museum Gardens, which sit alongside the river Ouse. You might ask yourself ‘how could anyone be miserable with all that on their doorstep?’ These are just some of the factors that contributed to The Guardian’s decision.
York is also home to a range of pubs that are cosy and full of character, such as the House of Trembling Madness, the Guy Fawkes Inn and The Market Cat, all of which serve excellent local ales and offer a warm Yorkshire welcome. After a few pints, you can enjoy a scenic stroll beside the picturesque River Ouse.
Food and drink are taken seriously in York, with 16 Michelin Guide–listed restaurants in and around the city. York Racecourse adds a touch of glamour and hosts numerous events throughout the year. While the city’s cultural scene may be more modest than that of Leeds, it remains rich and vibrant.
York was also praised for its two universities, which help keep the city youthful and diverse. Excellent train links—London is just over two hours away—make York a surprisingly well-connected northern city.
And for those who crave nature, the North York Moors are just a short drive away, bridging the city with the stunning Yorkshire coastline.
Check the full article of The Guardian’s happiest places to live in UK here.
Read More: BBC Is Looking For Yorkshire Folk For Next Series Of ‘Race Across the World’
