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25 May, 2025
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Welsh town named in top three happiest places to live in Britain
@Source: walesonline.co.uk
A town in Wales has been named among the top three happiest places to live in Britain. Caernarfon ranks third in the Guardian newspaper's happiest towns list. The historic north Wales coastal town of Caernarfon ranks below Berwick upon Tweed in first place and Evesham second. The Guardian looked at things factors crime data, average time to see GPs, hospitals, pharmacists and dentists as well as access to countryside and parks, sea, lakes and rivers. In the newspaper's 'best of the rest' section, Aberystwyth was highlighted for its spectacular location with beautiful sunsets, surfing, golf, its diversity and vibrance. These sets of data, together with information about air quality were contributed to by the Geographic Data Science Lab at the University of Liverpool . The list also looked at issues likely to help people lead a happier life such as broadband speeds, marking areas down where, according to Ofcom, they were below 30MB. It also looked at how far people could get on public transport within half an hour of the towns and ease of getting around without a car. Culture and community were also looked at with town's given extra weight for proximity to cinemas, theatres and museums, pubs and libraries, using data from sources including the Food Standards Agency, and various industry reports and listings websites. The Guardian admits "there may well be people who disagree with our choices" because happiness is an individual thing, although there are many factors in common that can help promote it. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Caernarfon is known for its iconic stone castle where King Charles was invested as the Prince of Wales on 1 July 1969. The Guardian list says there is far more on offer than this historic monument. This is what it has to say about the town: "Both the dramatic mountain landscapes of Snowdonia, and the beautiful sandy beaches of the Llŷn Peninsula, are within an hour’s drive." “You can get a sense of living in the mountains, but you’re only 15 minutes away from the town,” one local estate agent says. For culture the Guardian says Caernarfon has Galeri Caernarfon which houses a cinema, gallery space, and theatre hosting to music, drama and dance. It says the cafe here has some of the best coffee in town and " the real highlight is its terrace, overlooking the harbour, with views across the Menai Strait to Anglesey ". For eating the Guardian name checks the 16th-century Black Boy Inn also gets a name check for its menu including Welsh pie, and Sheep and Leeks for fine dining menu and local seasonal produce. It says the town also offers plenty of outdoor arwas with an expanse of green grass stretching out towards the water across the harbour, with a skate park, basketball court, and children’s playground. There’s also a holiday park, and a golf course and "plenty of space to take a stroll". On the down side while the old town "is all painted houses and sloping streets, the more modern part of Caernarfon looks a little tired, with a few empty storefronts, and more charity shops than boutiques", the review adds. Pluses also include relative proximity to beaches . It's around seven miles to "gloriously peaceful" Dinas Dinlle where visitors can eat at the Braf cafe, offering "generous plates of locally sourced fare; Welsh halloumi, Waunfawr mushrooms, and homemade bread". Osteria is a Tuscan restaurant with a simple menu of great value pasta and bruschetta. Caernarfon food festival draws crowds in the spring. Beacon Climbing Centre is the largest of its kind in north Wales. The Lôn Eifion Cycleway runs along a 12.5-mile route to Bryncir through tranquil woodland with views of Snowdonia. Upper Llandwrog is a desirable spot, with prices between £340,000 and £395,000. Closer to town – and the sea – houses on Bangor Road are around £775,000 for a four-bedroom property, or £330,000 for a two-bed bungalow. The university town of Aberystwyth is named as the number one happiest town to live for Guardian readers. The list notes that it "feels a long way from any main city" with with Cardiff 99 miles, which can take three hours or more by road, over four by rail. But, it says "the setting is spectacular" and you can surf as well as play golf at "some lovely links courses" in the town. Not far inland are the Cambrian Mountains and its "no surprise" that film and television makers like this landscape. Shows filmed here include “Welsh noir” TV series Gwyll (its English-language version was Hinterland). Of course the town iss home to a university and major hospital, making it a diverse and vibrant place, which can add to happiness. The university gives the town a global feel than and the National Library of Wales is also based here. For arts the town's Arts Centre "is a hub for culture, creativity and entertainment, from gigs and theatre shows to exhibitions and screenings of independent films, via dance and pottery classes". The Guardian also notes that the area is one of the strongholds of Cymraeg – the Welsh language and there are lots of courses for those who want to learn. "Politics can be lively here. This is a Plaid Cymru heartland – the nationalist party has represented the constituency since 2017," the entry adds. The town's elegant Victorian and Edwardian terraces and the pier built in 1864 are also a reason for the town's top listing. "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 says. The delicatessen Ultracomida is a favourite for people seeking a taste of Spain. Try Sophie’s on North Parade for the hearty breakfasts, Siop y Pethe for your Welsh books and gifts. The longest electric funicular railway in Britain shuttles visitors up 237 metres to one of the world’s largest camera obscuras. Loads of exhibitions are held at the National Library and Aberystwyth Arts Centre. Take a boat and head out to see the dolphins if you don’t fancy getting in yourself. The Victorian promenade is great for runs, walks, moments of mindfulness. Fill your lungs at the top of Constitution Hill, from which – on a clear day – you can see 26 mountain peaks. A characterful three-bedroomed townhouse in the town centre, a short walk from the beach, costs around £225,000. A five-bedroomed house with sea view on Marine Terrace could set you back about £425,000. For the full list see here
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