Watford and Crawley Deemed UK's Worst Large Towns in 2026 Rankings
A recent Telegraph survey has sparked controversy by ranking the best and worst large towns in the UK, with Watford and Crawley landing at the bottom of the list for 2026. The assessment criticises these towns for their concrete-dominated centres and lacklustre atmospheres, despite their proximity to major cities.
Watford's Humdrum Reputation Despite Prime Location
Watford, a satellite town in Hertfordshire just 15 miles from London, received a dismal 0.5/10 rating in the Telegraph's rankings. The article questioned whether Watford serves as a "Gateway to London or last exit to the humdrum?" This harsh verdict partly attributes the town's low score to the dominance of the Harlequin Watford shopping complex, a vast retail hub that has struggled with tenant losses, including John Lewis and Debenhams, since its 1992 opening.
Despite this, Watford offers redeeming features such as Cassiobury Park, the Watford Colosseum music venue, and Cheslyn House & Gardens. Additionally, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London attracts Harry Potter fans globally, and historic landmarks like the Grade II listed Cassiobridge Lodge add charm. However, these elements were insufficient to lift its overall rating.
Crawley's Concrete Jungle and Airport Proximity
Crawley in West Sussex matched Watford's 0.5/10 score, with the Telegraph lamenting its "boxy housing" and unremarkable modern constructions. Much of the town centre is occupied by the County Mall Shopping Centre, built in 1992, which provides a decent range of shops but lacks architectural appeal. Memorial Park offers a green respite, yet most visitors are merely passing through to London Gatwick Airport, which handles over 40 million passengers annually.
Luton and Other Low-Ranked Towns
Luton secured the third-worst spot with a 1/10 rating, noted for its reliance on the airport and the UK's largest one-day carnival. While St. George's Square has seen improvements and Luton Point shopping centre attracts shoppers, the town centre fails to impress aesthetically. Other towns in the bottom ranks include Oldham, Basildon, and Basingstoke, all scoring below 2.5/10.
Blackpool Tops the List with Quintessential Charm
In a surprising twist, Blackpool claimed the top position with a 9.5/10 rating. Celebrated for its Golden Mile promenade, iconic Blackpool Tower, and historic pier theatre, it is hailed as a quintessential British destination. The Telegraph described it as "a UK one-off" and an essential visit for understanding the nation.
Cheltenham followed closely with a 9/10 for its Regency charm, while Ipswich took third place with 8.5/10, praised for its 12 medieval churches. The full rankings list 25 towns, highlighting a mix of coastal resorts, historic centres, and suburban hubs.
Implications for Tourism and Local Identity
This survey underscores the ongoing debate about urban development and tourist appeal in the UK. Towns like Watford and Crawley face challenges in balancing modern convenience with aesthetic and cultural vibrancy. As tourism evolves, such rankings may influence visitor perceptions and local initiatives to enhance town centres.
