Thanks to a variety of reasons, coastal towns in the UK are now notorious for poverty and deprivation.

Some of them have become locations for the highest rate of drug death in the country. They say that six of the top 10 locations for heroin deaths are in coastal resorts.

10 – Blackpool

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Known for its lights, pleasure beach and Blackpool Tower, Blackpool also has a lot of poverty and very run down areas as you get away from the front. Every town has its good and bad areas, but Blackpool seems to have suffered particularly badly with one resident being quoted as saying:

“Go back a few streets from the prom and you will see the deprivation, the ghettos and the scummy pubs that make up the REAL Blackpool.”

9. Oldham

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Another town in the North West, but without a Pleasure Beach or tower to boost its image, Oldham has been announced as Britain’s most deprived town according to the Office of National Statistics. One resident has logged on iLiveHere saying that Oldham looks “as though the government has been performing nuclear testing in the area.”

Oldham is the centre for further education and the performing arts. It’s still distinguished by the surviving cotton mills and other buildings associated with that industry. The town has a population of 103,544 and an area of 26 square miles.

8. Sunderland

Sunderland

I have to remain unbiased here, as a Smoggie myself it does seem fitting that the Mackham’s home-town has stolen the spot on the list for the North East. With one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in Europe, and also having plenty of its own run-down areas, one comment (definitely not from a Geordie) states “It’s a pretty sad place, to be honest. Find somewhere with easy access to Newcastle City Centre and you’ll be happy.”

7. Gravesend

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Just the name Gravesend doesn’t instil instant images of some idyllic town, does it? Most of the bad reviews of Gravesend seem to mention a certain minority group – the Chavs – who seem to be one of the causes for Gravesend finding its way back in to this list after dropping out for a brief spell. One review sums it up with “If you must come to Gravesend, please stop by the estate agents and buy my house.”

6. Bradford

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To be fair Bradford has improved… in the previous year’s poll Bradford was in the top 3 worst towns! Another town from the North West, there’s definitely a bit of a trend with some of these entries, Bradford has been described by one resident as “Literally hell on Earth!”

5. Rochdale

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Yep, still in the North West! Rochdale is going the wrong way on this list, having been in 9th place the previous year – will it be hitting top 3 in years to come? The nicest comment we could find from a resident was “Leave fast or stay forever”.

4. Scunthorpe

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Amusing fact – when I was at college I was told that when the Internet was becoming popular, people from Scunthorpe couldn’t set up accounts with some American companies as Scunthorpe has a rather rude word in the middle of it and it was thought to be made up so that us Brits could subtly drop a C-bomb! Other than that the most interesting thing about Scunthorpe is that one resident said,

“One good thing about Scunthorpe? It takes about 5 minutes from the town centre to get out and go to a better place.”

3. Luton

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In 1938, London Luton airport became one of Britain’s major airports. Luton has history within the football scene as Luton Town FC have had several spells in the top flight of the English League. Their home ground is Kenilworth Road, which has been their home ground since 1905. Luton is famous for hat making and it also had a large Vauxhall factory. The head office of Vauxhall is still based in Luton and the production of Vauxhalls is still on going within the town. They’re also home to Luton Carnival, which is the largest one day carnival in Europe.

2. Hull

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Famous for William Wilberforce who was one of the focal figures in abolishing slavery during times when Hull was run down and poverty stricken, not a lot has changed in Hull except that William Wilberforce is unfortunately no longer with us. One of the politest comments made by a resident was,

“I was born and bred in Hull… what a dump the place is.”

Hull is one of the most unique cities in the UK for having a municipally owned telephone system from 1902, sporting cream, not red, telephone boxes. Before the late 2000’s recession the city saw large amounts of new retail, commercial, housing and public service construction spending.

1. Dover

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What a gorgeous picture above! Largely because the town’s not in it. Once most famous for the White Cliffs, Dover is now knows as the number one worst place in Britain to live, summed up by one resident.

The Telegraph have compiled a list of our favourite cities in the UK, and the results are in. Over 90,00 readers had their say and helped compile the list. Here, we break them down for you.

And now the BEST TOWNS

20) Newcastle

A heartbeat of the north, Newcastle safely secured the 20th spot. With attractions such as St James’ Park, The Grey’s Monument, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, are a must for a trip.

19) Cardiff

The City’s Bay area has been given a new lease of life in modern times, which features amongst a whole line up of other attractions. The Senedd building for examplem along with the Wales Millennium Centre, brings in flocks of tourists. A monument to remember one of the cities most famous residents, Roald Dahl, also stands next to the water.

The cities ancient 11th century castle is a short trip away from the infamous Millennium Stadium.

18) Salisbury

It’s somewhat beautiful cathedral, which houses the oldest working clock in Europe, sets the tone for this historical settlement. Turner and Constable painted here, whilst Golding took inspiration for Lord of The Flies. The Doom painting, the fort of Old Sarum, and one of the greatest regional theatres in the Salisbury Playhouse ensure that this romantically historical town is somewhere you just need to visit.

17) Belfast

The Northern Ireland capital plays host to the Titanic museum, which commemorates the cities influence in the creation in the doomed ship. Take a trip to Londonderry and you can take a wander on ancient paths that played a unforgettable part in British history.

16) Chichester

Hidden within the swell of the South Downs, Chichester is set amongst in a truly breathtaking natural setting. The rather petite city is rather attractive as well. It’s a tight unit of architecture from the Georgian era, constructed around a plan Roman streets, most of which is still enclosed by Roman walls. A medieval Market Cross, and a cathedral are centred at the heart of what is surely one of the more cuter town centres in the country.

15) Canterbury

This mysterious, historic city climbs to 16th, with its main attractions being its 11th century cathedral and charm.

14) Norwich

A huge rise for the city based in East Anglia, it secures its place a 14th. Famed for being the base of fictional TV Star Alan Partridge. On a more serious note however, it does have a cathedral, the beautifully picturesque Elm Hill. Of course there are many monuments to the success of Alan Partridge. “The first pedestrianised street in the country”, London Street.

13) Lincoln

The city recently celebrated the 800th birthday of the infamous Magna Carter. The city is another entry that screams history, with its medieval cathedral, and 11th century castle.

12) Winchester

This city boasts one of Europe’s largest cathedrals, and in contrast one of the UK’s coolest B&B’s. It also contains a castle, which is noted for playing host to King Arthur’s Round Table. It’s quite a rise for the city, who in 2003 was voted 5th in the UK’s crappest towns. On the contrary though in 2006 it was voted the best place in Britain to live.

11) Liverpool

This North West giant jumps up by three places, as it this year celebrates ten years since it secured the title of European Capital of Culture. It’s Unesco World Heritage site in the form of the Albert Dock, is one major attraction. The cities beautiful mix of history, culture, and a modern heartbeat provoke questions as to why it wasn’t positioned slightly higher.

10) Oxford

This international city has a little bit of everything to offer. In just a short walk you’re taken from the crowded shopping streets, to the breathtaking ancient stone walls ingrained with centuries of history.

Small businesses, quirky shops and some of the best hotels and eateries in the UK compliment the air of intellect that carries through the city.

9) Chester

Another medieval dwelling, containing a cathedral. This time in the North West. It’s well known for its shopping, it’s historical architecture, and it’s zoo.

8) Durham


One of the most interestingly placed cities in the UK. There are few train journey arrivals quite like this North East settlement, complete with cathedral shadowing the River Wear. We recommend a stroll on the river.

7) Cambridge

A smaller, more attractive city than its fierce rival Oxford. Cambridge’s infamous colleges are stunning against the backdrop of the River Cam, the site of countless tourists. There’s some superb art available at the Fitzwilliam Museum. A particular highlight is to hear the Kings College Choir perform and a service.

6) Wells

The city, based in Somerset, is home to around 12,00 inhabitants. It carries a number of historic 13th century, and a popular town market. The city is named after springs, which are still active in the gardens of Bishops Palace.

5) London

Our world famous capital city doesn’t score as highly as some may have initially though, with a bout of recent terrorist attacks potentially contributing. London still remains the cosmopolitan hub of the world. It remains a city offering both cultured exhibitions, unquestionable culinary delights, and nightlife. The continually changing skyline make London worth a visit year after year.

4) St Davids

This is actually Britain’s smallest city, and is the final resting place of St David, the patron saint of Wales. The city has an eerily historic cathedral, a 13th century Bishops Palace, 14th Century Tower Gate, and a number of art galleries, to get your culture buds tingling.

3) Bath

The city that is ideal for a UK based city break. The Georgian streets, an interesting history at your doorstep containing the infamous Roman Baths. The life of Jane Austen can be explored, who was a once a resident. Museums, galleries, affordable eating, and an array of shops secure its place in the top three.

2) York

There are few cities in the world that can be compared to this Northern settlement for history and character. A city based on the ricer, the heart of which is encapsulated by ancient walls. It’s history stretches back over 2000 years. Roman emperors were crowned, William Wallace was executed, and canon balls attempted to break the settlements infamous walls down. The city has matured like a fine wine, with its combination of stained glass windows in the imposing cathedral, to the Roman streets you walk, the past is inescapable.

1) Edinburgh

The city that is soaked in history, with its Old Town, contrasted with the elegance of the New Town, the city has earned its reputation as one of the most picturesque and and breathtaking cities in the world

So thats it. Now you are a complete master of all the places in Britain and know that if you want to live in the best place, you need to come to Edinburgh.