Britain’s “worst city” in 2026 has simply been named, however do not be too fast to dismiss it. It at the moment hides a magical attraction.
Britain’s ‘worst city’ named (Picture: Getty) This text incorporates affiliate hyperlinks, we are going to obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Be taught extra
Britain’s “worst city” in 2026 has been formally named — and Watford acquired the title. The checklist evaluates cities throughout the nation based mostly on components like tradition, historical past, structure, points of interest, and total enchantment. And this specific city in Hertfordshire landed on the very backside.
Because of the new rating by The Telegraph, Watford would possibly appear to be a spot to keep away from, however appearances might be deceiving. Actually, there’s one main cause that makes it a surprisingly worthwhile vacation spot for guests. Because of this hidden gem, Watford has a facet that the rating merely doesn’t seize.
Watford is understood for its market (Picture: Getty)
Why is Watford the worst city?
Vacation spot Skilled Chris Moss at The Telegraph ranked the city a poor 0.5 out of 10. He went on to elucidate his the explanation why and said: “Gateway to London or final exit to the humdrum?
“In 1992, Watford sacrificed its city centre to one of many UK’s largest purchasing areas, the Harlequin Centre, which later turned an Intu, then Atria Watford, however is now carrying the clown’s identify as soon as once more following concerted native campaigning.”
It’s essential go to Watford for this main cause
Watford dates again to the twelfth century, rising from a busy market route right into a “thriving city” whose early heritage continues to be mirrored in websites like St Mary’s Church and the 1580 Bedford Almshouses, as reported by Watford Truly.
Within the nineteenth century, the arrival of the Grand Union Canal and the railway in 1837 linked the city to London, sparking fast industrial progress, inhabitants growth, and adjustments in native authorities. This transformation led to borough standing in 1922, marking Watford’s evolution.
“As we speak, Watford shouldn’t be solely a workplace and leisure but additionally a city happy with its heritage. Its previous continues to form its id, providing residents and guests alike a deeper connection to the group,” stated Watford Truly.
Regardless of the Telegraph’s low rating of the city, the skilled highlighted one attraction everybody ought to go to when exploring Watford. The skilled stated: “The one tourist-grabbing attraction is Warner Bros Studios’ Making of Harry Potter Tour (from £58.50 per individual) at Leavesden, north of the city.”
Throughout this tour, followers of the enduring franchise can immerse themselves in units just like the Nice Corridor and Diagon Alley. Potter followers can get a close-up of props, costumes, go to the artwork division and see how the visible results have been created.
The Harry Potter tour at the moment has 4.8 stars on TripAdvisor. One customer shared their “magic” expertise on the overview website and said: “A must-see expertise for all Harry Potter lovers, I like to recommend reserving tickets effectively upfront that finish instantly, particularly these within the morning slot, which lets you go to every part calmly (we entered at 10).
The Gryffindor Faculty uniforms within the nice corridor at Warner Bros studio tour (Picture: Getty)
“About midway via the go to, there’s a giant eating space with a bar and a quick meals restaurant that means that you can eat one thing and chill out. We arrived by automobile and parked within the giant parking zone adjoining to the doorway without cost.”
One other stated: “Actually enjoyable time at Harry Potter world, tons to do and see, ended up being a full day. Afternoon tea was a very nice birthday deal with, the employees have been wonderful, together with Steve, who was an incredible host and our waitress Tamara, who was good and welcoming. General, a superb day trip.”
The Telegraph’s full checklist of greatest to worst cities
- Blackpool
- Cheltenham
- Ipswich
- Rochdale
- Gateshead
- Worthing
- Bournemouth
- Poole
- Stockport
- Blackburn
- Bolton
- Huddersfield
- Warrington
- Swindon
- Studying
- Slough
- Northampton
- Middlesbrough
- Telford
- Basingstoke
- Basildon
- Oldham
- Luton
- Crawley
- Watford
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