England’s 'least popular' county also home to UK’s ‘worst' town
Luton, in Bedfordshire, has previously topped lists naming the UK's worst places to live - but the county is also home to some hidden gems.
One of the UK's “least popular” counties is in the East of England - and to make matters worse, it is also home to one of the "worst" rated towns in Britain.
Bordered by Hertfordshire to the southeast, Cambridgeshire to the northeast, Northamptonshire to the north, and Buckinghamshire to the west, Bedfordshire was previously named the "least popular" country in the UK, according to a YouGov survey, with respondents being asked to rank 47 counties on whether they liked them.
Luton, in Bedfordshire, has previously topped lists for the worst place to live. With a population of at the 2021 census of 225,262, the town has previously been criticised for its “ugly” appearance, but locals have defended their home, pointing out its many positives.
Despite its reputation, Bedfordshire boasts a diverse cultural heritage and is also known for its historic market towns, picturesque countryside, and charming villages. It is home to a mix of architectural styles, including medieval churches, Georgian townhouses, and Victorian buildings.
The county is home to the University of Bedfordshire, which has campuses in Bedford, Luton, and Milton Keynes and it offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It also has more than 60 Ofsted-rated outstanding schools under its belt.
Despite the negative titles noth the county and the town of Luton has been given, Bedfordshire has been blessed with areas of natural beauty. This includes the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the south-western part of the county.
The River Great Ouse flows through Bedfordshire, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and leisure activities. And its location in England is not to be sniffed at.
Bedfordshire benefits from its proximity to London and its excellent transport links. The M1 motorway runs through the county, providing easy access to London and the north of England.
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Bedfordshire is also served by rail connections, including the Thameslink and East Midlands Trains services. It is also home to Luton Airport.
The most popular counties list is topped, maybe unsurprisingly by staycation seaside hotspots Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.
Express.co.uk has contacted Luton Borough Council for comment.
The most popular counties - ranked best to worst
- Dorset
- Devon
- Cornwall
- North Yorkshire
- Somerset
- Cumbria
- Isle of Wight
- Norfolk
- Northumberland
- Derbyshire
- Hampshire
- West Yorkshire
- Shropshire
- Oxfordshire
- Wiltshire
- Cheshire
- Gloucestershire
- East Riding of Yorkshire
- Warwickshire
- Suffolk
- West Sussex
- County Durham
- Lancashire
- Kent
- Herefordshire
- Worcestershire
- South Yorkshire
- Cambridgeshire
- East Sussex
- Tyne and Wear
- Lincolnshire
- Bristol
- Staffordshire
- Surrey
- Rutland
- Nottinghamshire
- Hertfordshire
- Greater London
- Buckinghamshire
- Berkshire
- Merseyside
- Greater Manchester
- Essex
- West Midlands
- Leicestershire
- Northamptonshire
- Bedfordshire