Latest news with #HilaryOsborne
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Scotland's happiest places to live revealed as ‘Highland gateway' takes top spot
Scroll below to find out if you live in Scotland's happiest place ON CLOUD NINE Scotland's happiest places to live revealed as 'Highland gateway' takes top spot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTLAND'S happiest hotspots have been unveiled in a fresh study – with two places making the UK's list of most contented areas. The Guardian compiled the rankings using data from the University of Liverpool, considering factors such as access to green spaces, proximity to healthcare services, air quality, broadband speeds, public transport links, and crime levels. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 English border town Berwick-on-Tweed topped the list of UK spots Credit: Alamy Cultural and community amenities, including cinemas, theatres, museums, libraries, and pubs, were also given additional weight. Introducing the list, money editor Hilary Osborne acknowledged: 'Not everyone will agree with our choices, and we can't guarantee happiness to everyone living in these locations. "However, one of them might be your happy place.' PERTH 7 Perth is considered one of the happiest places to live in the UK Credit: Getty Perth has earned its spot as one of Scotland's happiest places, proudly known as "the gateway to the Highlands." The paper described the Tayside gem as a city that "keeps its cards close to its chest" compared to Scotland's more famous hotspots. But with "hippest villages" and top-notch "food destinations," Perthshire has plenty to charm both locals and visitors alike. Dubbed a cultural powerhouse for its size, Perth boasts an impressive art gallery, a theatre, a concert hall, and a stunning art deco cinema – all for a population of just 47,000. 7 Perth has been dubbed a cultural powerhouse with an impressive Art Gallery and Museum Credit: Alamy Its annual arts festival adds to the buzz, while June's Potfest, the UK's biggest ceramics festival, and August's Perthshire Pride keep the city's events calendar packed. Perfectly placed, Perth offers easy access to Edinburgh in 90 minutes, Glasgow in under an hour, and breathtaking train journeys north through the Cairngorms to Aviemore and Inverness. 7 Perth is considered the "gateway to the Highlands" with easy access to the mountains Credit: Alamy HADDINGTON 7 The market town with Haddington is considered one of the happiest places in the UK Credit: Alamy Live News Just a half-hour from Edinburgh, the commuter town of Haddington also earned a spot on the list of happiest places. We live in Scottish town labelled one of the most boring in Britain Described as a "small, friendly" town, it's praised for its strong community spirit and plentiful amenities. 7 Amisfield Walled Garden is one of the attractions in Haddington Credit: Alamy The listing highlighted Haddington's rich history, noting: "Since being classified a burgh by King David I in the 12th century, Haddington has grown into a thriving market town, with a jumble of historic buildings and properties from different periods. "Today's town centre still revolves around the slim isosceles triangle of Market Street, High Street and Hardgate – its historic heart for centuries." This East Lothian gem is packed with independent shops, from clothing boutiques and a bookshop to a wellness emporium, as well as a deli, cheese shop, and a lively monthly farmers' market. 7 There is plentiful green space to enjoy in the East Lothian town Credit: Alamy The Guardian also revealed the top three happiest places to live in the UK, with the border town Berwick-upon-Tweed taking the top spot. Famous for its turbulent history, Berwick switched between England and Scotland at least 13 times before finally settling as England's most northerly town in 1482. Second place went to the Worcestershire town of Evesham, while the north Wales gem Caernarfon claimed third on the list.
Metro
19-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
'Unfairly maligned and underrated' town revealed as Britain's happiest place
Berwick-upon-Tweed, the most northerly town in England and the most fought-over in Europe, has a new title to add to its collection: Britain's happiest place. Taking the top spot in a Guardian study, it scored highly for its heritage and architecture, 'impressive cultural offering' and wealth of natural beauty, along with factors like transport links and access to healthcare. 'Berwick-upon-Tweed remains an often overlooked jewel,' said editor Hilary Osborne. 'Yet people who know it, adore it – it is a great place to live with community spirit in bundles.' Less than three miles from the Scottish border on the north bank of the Tweed, the market town has changed hands more than a dozen times over the years, and many of its residents feel a close affinity to Scotland. As it's on the East Coast Mainline, Berwick-upon-Tweed – sometimes referred to as Berwick, but not to be confused with North Berwick – is easy to get to from both Edinburgh and London, with visitors enjoying its historic old town and seaside location. If you fancy heading there permanently and becoming part of its 13,000-strong population though, here's everything you need to know. You can access completely fee-free mortgage advice with London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, a partner of Metro. Customers benefit from: – Award winning service from the UK's leading mortgage broker – Expert advisors on hand 7 days a week – Access to 1000s of mortgage deals from across the market Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won't charge you a fee for their advice. Find out how much you could borrow online Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. According to Rightmove, the average property price in Berwick is currently £224,038. This is down 3% compared to the 2022 peak, but similar to the previous year, and the market appears to be relatively consistent. The majority of properties sold here over the last year were terraced houses, which averaged at £192,819, while detached properties fetched £374,138. History buffs will love exploring the town's 16th-century ramparts – believed to be some of the best-preserved across the continent – and nearby castles in Bamburgh and Alnwick. If you're more of an outdoorsy type, you can choose from four sandy beaches for a stroll or swim, try salmon fishing on the Tweed, or hike the King Charles III Coastal Path. The Maltings arts complex is popular with residents too, offering live performances, films and exhibitions throughout the year. And don't forget to give the Lowry Trail a go, tracing the spots the artist was inspired to draw on his many holidays to Berwick. 'Berwick-Upon-Tweed marries the tranquil charm of coastal living with captivating history,' reads Zoopla's location guide. 'Here, daily life unfolds amidst grand landscapes of coastal Northumberland with its pristine beaches and majestic castles at reach.' Like many parts of the UK though, Berwick receives a mixed response depending on who you ask. More Trending On Tripadvisor, _jiquinn33 called it 'very disappointing' and 'rundown,' while suttyjan50 claimed the place looked 'neglected'. However, davidandshona from nearby Dumfries argue it's 'unfairly maligned and underrated', adding: 'If only you take the time to look around then there is more to Berwick than many of the negative reviews would suggest.' Redditor Pat8aird praised locals' 'incredible community spirit,' and Jensablefur said it was a 'great coastal town', but others described it as 'boring', with 'nothing for residents to do'. View More » Either way, living in Berwick comes with a unique (and fiercely-defended) identity, as historian Derek Sharman explains: 'The people of Berwick feel really independent. You are a Berwicker first, Scottish or English second.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I swapped London renting for a £21,000 narrowboat — it's a life of extreme highs and lows MORE: Getting on the property ladder wasn't life-changing — it was underwhelming MORE: What I Own: I have 8 properties in Central London but live in this £750,000 flat
