Watford and Crawley Ranked UK's Worst Towns in 2026 Survey
A recent ranking by The Telegraph has sparked controversy by naming Watford and Crawley as the worst large towns in the United Kingdom for 2026. The survey, which evaluated Britain's 25 biggest towns, awarded both locations a dismal 0.5 out of 10 rating, highlighting issues with concrete-dominated centres and lacklustre environments.
Watford's Paradox: Proximity to London Versus Humdrum Reality
Watford, a satellite town in Hertfordshire situated just 15 miles from London on the River Colne, presents a curious case. Despite boasting expansive green spaces like Cassiobury Park and average house prices nearing £400,000, it languished at the bottom of the list. The Telegraph's article questioned whether Watford serves as a "Gateway to London or last exit to the humdrum?".
The harsh assessment partly blamed the town centre's domination by the vast Harlequin Watford shopping complex. Originally one of Britain's largest retail hubs when it opened in 1992, the centre has seen multiple ownership changes and lost major tenants including John Lewis and Debenhams. However, numerous well-known chains continue to operate beneath its glass canopy.
Despite its low ranking, Watford retains glimpses of its heritage as a market town. Landmarks such as the Watford Colosseum, now a thriving music venue, and Cheslyn House & Gardens offer peaceful retreats. Additionally, the town houses the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, a global attraction for Harry Potter enthusiasts featuring film props, costumes, and sets. A charming historical feature is the Grade II listed Cassiobridge Lodge on Gade Avenue, a 19th-century building originally serving the Cassiobury Estate.
Crawley's Dismal Rating Despite Strategic Location
On the opposite side of London, Crawley in West Sussex received an equally poor rating of 0.5/10. Positioned conveniently between London and Brighton, the town's modern constructions were criticised as unremarkable, with The Telegraph lamenting its "boxy housing".
Similar to Watford, a significant portion of Crawley's town centre is occupied by the County Mall Shopping Centre, constructed in 1992. While not architecturally stunning, it offers a decent range of shops. Nearby, Memorial Park provides a welcome green escape from the concrete jungle with its playgrounds and open spaces.
Most visitors to Crawley are simply passing through to London Gatwick Airport, Britain's second-busiest airport handling over 40 million passengers annually with flights to destinations worldwide. This transient nature may contribute to the town's perceived lack of character.
Luton and Other Poor Performers
Crawley narrowly edged out another airport town, Luton, for 23rd place. Luton scored 1/10, with The Telegraph noting it has "precious little to shout about" following the closure of Vauxhall Motors in 2024. The town is now best known for its airport and hosting the UK's largest one-day carnival.
While Luton's town centre may lack beauty, St. George's Square has seen improvements and now hosts open-air events. The heart of the town features Luton Point, a large shopping centre with Primark and H&M among its main attractions.
Other towns faring poorly in the ranking include:
- Oldham - 1.5/10
- Basildon - 2/10
- Basingstoke - 2/10
- Telford - 2.5/10
- Middlesbrough - 2.5/10
Surprising Top Performers: Blackpool Leads the Pack
In a surprising twist, the seaside town of Blackpool topped the rankings with an impressive 9.5/10 score. Famous for its Golden Mile promenade brimming with vibrant amusements, the iconic Blackpool Tower, and end-of-pier theatre showcasing classic comedians, it was praised as a quintessential British destination.
The Telegraph noted that while "the back streets after dark are for the faint-hearted," Blackpool remains "a UK one-off. An obligatory stop once every decade if you want to know your nation and yourself."
Other high performers included Cheltenham in second place with 9/10 for its Regency charm, and Ipswich in third with 8.5/10, celebrated for its 12 medieval churches.
Complete Ranking of Britain's 25 Biggest Towns
- Blackpool - 9.5/10
- Cheltenham - 9/10
- Ipswich - 8.5/10
- Rochdale - 8/10
- Gateshead - 7.5/10
- Worthing - 7/10
- Bournemouth - 7/10
- Poole - 6.5/10
- Stockport - 6.5/10
- Blackburn - 6/10
- Bolton - 6/10
- Huddersfield - 5.5/10
- Warrington - 5/10
- Swindon - 4.5/10
- Reading - 4/10
- Slough - 3.5/10
- Northampton - 3/10
- Middlesbrough - 2.5/10
- Telford - 2.5/10
- Basingstoke - 2/10
- Basildon - 2/10
- Oldham - 1.5/10
- Luton - 1/10
- Crawley - 0.5/10
- Watford - 0.5/10
The ranking has sparked debate about what makes a town desirable, with concrete shopping centres and perceived humdrum atmospheres proving particularly detrimental in the assessment. While Watford and Crawley offer practical benefits like proximity to London and transportation hubs, their lack of distinctive character and architectural appeal has placed them at the bottom of Britain's urban hierarchy.
