Being labeled one of the ‘UK’s unhappiest places’ to live can feel quite personal when it’s your hometown. The saying goes, where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Peterborough, situated in Cambridgeshire, has found itself ranked among the 20 least happy places to live in the UK, as per data from Rightmove. Out of 220 locations listed from happiest to least happy, Peterborough landed at a dismal 213th spot, and frankly, the result doesn’t come as a surprise.
Approximately four years back, I made the move from the rolling landscapes of Gloucestershire to this flat region. Like many others, I had no prior knowledge of Peterborough before my relocation.
A quick check on Google Maps showed its position nestled between Cambridge and Nottingham. However, a broader search indicated it had been tagged as the ‘worst place to live in the UK’ – not exactly reassuring news ahead of my relocation.
Despite the initial perception, upon my arrival, I soon discovered that Peterborough had more to offer than initially perceived. Nonetheless, it became evident that locals have a mixed relationship with their city.
In conversations with Peterborians, a common dialogue unfolds: I inquire, ‘Do you enjoy living in Peterborough?’
The response often is, ‘No’, I follow up with, ‘Why not?’
The typical reply is, ‘It’s dull, there’s a lack of activities’, then I ask, ‘Would you consider moving elsewhere?’
And the response usually is, ‘No, this is home’.
Primarily known as a commuter town, Peterborough benefits from efficient rail connections offering direct access to London in less than an hour and Edinburgh in under four hours. Additionally, it’s conveniently positioned just over an hour’s drive from major airports like Stansted and Luton, with the esteemed university city of Cambridge less than an hour away.
Several charming locations, including Stamford, St Neots, and Oakham, are easily accessible by a short drive from Peterborough. However, the city itself might offer somewhat limited options.
While it features a decently sized city centre and the Queensgate shopping centre with all essential high street brands, independent stores are scarce.
In terms of dining, familiar names like Nandos, Wagamamas, and Bella Italia are present, alongside hidden independent treasures. Personal favorites include East, a Thai restaurant set on a 19th-century vessel with a bar below deck, and The Chubby Castor at the Fitzwilliam Arms, a fine dining spot serving exquisite cuisine.
Unfortunately, the closure of some beloved venues over the years, such as the taproom Stoneworks, a preferred spot for a Friday night pint after work, and the departures of M&S and John Lewis, have left a void.
Nevertheless, Peterborough boasts attractions like the superb Showcase Cinema de Lux with reclining seats, a large ice rink, and a stunning Cathedral in the city centre hosting silent discos and Christmas light displays. Nene Park is a popular choice for locals, offering walks around its vast lakes and a boating lake attracting rowers from across the country.
Despite not being the most picturesque or bustling place, residents of Peterborough exhibit a strong loyalty to the city, despite voicing criticisms. While it may not have everything and may appear a bit rugged
