The UK's 'worst city' - but it has one thing no other British city has

The Welsh city of Swansea was recently topped a list of the 10 worst UK cities to live in.

Consultancy firm PWC compiled the list and judged the UK cities on various matters including health, personal income and work-life balance.

And right at the top of the list was Wales's second largest city: Swansea.

However, writing for Wales Online Steffan Rhys, who lived in Swansea and grew up nearby, said he could make a “strong case” for it being the best city in the UK to live in.

He also argued Swansea is one of "few British cities that could claim to have a city beach that comes even close".

He said:  "If you didn't know any better you'd assume Swansea was somewhere you absolutely did not want to live in. Fortunately, I do know better, having lived there and grown up nearby. I'm still a regular visitor.

"Swansea also has a lot going for it — so much so, in fact, that far from being the worst city in the UK in which to live it could just as easily make a strong case for being the best."

The city has a beach that stretches across five miles from the city centre all the way to the village of Mumbles which is easily accessible to the public. 

It also has a footpath and cycle path that runs alongside it the whole allowing locals and visitors to enjoy the view, the beach, or stopping at places such as the Blackpill lido. There is also a leisure pool with slides, a wave machine, lazy river, soft play, and a climbing centre.

Not only that but once a year, from the beach, you can watch the Red Arrow, typhoons and spitfires right above you.

What makes the beach so easily accessible is its size and the fact that thousands of the city’s residents live extremely close to the beach, meaning they can enjoy a run by the beach and within a few minutes end up in the city centre where they can enjoy a night out on Wind Street, Swansea’s famous nightlife capital.

Also close to the beach is Singleton Park, a large green space that is also used as an outdoor music venue hosting the likes of Taylor Swift. The size of it means that you could walk for miles through both the beach and park and barely have to walk on a city road.

The city also borders a village which is named among the best places to live in the UK. Gower peninsula features several beaches, including Rhossili, which is named one of the best in Europe and the world. The beach is within cycling distance of the city.

Besides the beach, large green spaces, and activity spots, the city also has a selection of great food places. From cafes that serve masala beans on sourdough toast to a remarkable Chinese restaurant, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The top 10 worst cities to live in, according to PWC 

1. Swansea

2. Sheffield

3. Sunderland

4. Manchester

5. Newcastle

6. Walsall

7. Birmingham

8. London

9. Bradford

10.  Middlesbrough and Stockton