TWO WELSH TOWNS NAMED AMONG THE HAPPIEST PLACES TO LIVE IN THE UK
The happiest places to live in Wales have been named.
The Guardian has compiled a list of factors that create happiness in terms of where we live in the UK, with two towns in Wales making it to the top. The newspaper found one of the happiest places to live in the UK was Caernarfon in Gwynedd, ranked in third place after Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland, which came in first position, and Evesham in Worcestershire, which came in second place. Meanwhile, the top 20 list of the happiest places to live in the UK included Ceredigion seaside town of Aberystwyth.
According to the Guardian, the criteria included access to green spaces as well as rivers, lakes or the sea and good air quality and convenience factors. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
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The criteria also included things that made lives easier, such as public transport links, broadband speeds, access to health services, culture, in the form of museums, galleries, theatres and cinemas, and community, measured by pubs and libraries.
For the historic town of Caernarfon, where King Charles was invested as the Prince of Wales in 1969, the Guardian wrote that the "dramatic" mountain landscape of Eryri and the "beautiful" sandy beaches of Eryri were within an hour's drive, as well as its nearest beach - Dinas Dinlle, being seven miles away.
It noted some of the town's most notable spots, including Galeri Caernarfon, the 16th century Black Boy Inn and the fine dining restaurant Sheeps and Leeks, as well as its beautiful harbour overlooking the Menai Strait to Anglesey.
It added: "Cross the bridge on the far side of the harbour, and you'll find an expanse of green grass stretching out towards the water, with a skate park, basketball court, and children’s playground. There's a holiday park, and a golf course up here, but also plenty of space to take a stroll."
It recommended that visitors enjoyed a Tuscan meal at the Osteria restaurant in the town, as well visit the town during its big food festival - Gwyl Fwyd Caernarfon, which drew crowds in their thousands on Saturday, May 10 this year.
It also recommended visitors to take on Beacon Climbing Centre, which is the largest of its kind in north Wales, and the Lôn Eifion Cycleway, which runs along a 12.5-mile route to Bryncir through "tranquil" woodland with views of Eryri.
Meanwhile, the happiest place in Wales was Aberystwyth, according to the Guardian. You can read our article on what the people of Aber think of the town here.
"Aberystwyth feels a long way from any main city," the news outlet wrote. "Yes, Cardiff may only be 99 miles away but it can be three hours or more by road, over four by rail.
"But the setting is spectacular. Aber, as it is often known, sits on Cardigan Bay, and Ireland is the next place you would make landfall if you were to set off westwards. The sunsets are spectacular and on balmy evenings attract a crowd to the sweeping promenade."
It noted that the town was nestled not too far from the rugged landscape of the Cambrian Mountains, and that the landscape itself had played an integral part in the hit Welsh noir drama Y Gwyll (Hinterland).
It also noted that the town had a university which made it a "diverse and vibrant place", teaching students from more than 100 countries, as well as the National Library of Wales, described as "one of the great libraries of the world", the Arts Centre and the fact it is a Welsh language stronghold.
It then adds: "There is a nice alternative feel to Aberystwyth. For decades people with an interest in the environment and a desire to escape the rat race have found a new home here."
The Guardian then recommended that visitors headed over to the delicatessen, Ultracomida, for a "taste of Spain", Sophie's on North Parade for "the hearty breakfasts" and Siop y Pethe for "your Welsh books and gifts".
It also noted that the Victorian promenade was great place to go for a walk, run or "moments of mindfulness" or the top of Constitution Hill, which on a clear day would allow visitors to see 26 mountain peaks.
Top three happiest places to live in Britain:
- Berwick-upon-Tweed
- Evesham
- Caernarfon
Then in alphabetical order the top 20 includes:
- Aberystwyth
- Aylesbury
- Chesterfield
- Chichester
- Cirencester
- Devizes
- Durham
- Exeter
- Haddington
- Lewes
- Newport (Isle of Wight)
- Padiham
- Penzance
- Perth
- Shrewsbury
- Worcester
- York