Seven reasons why Peterborough is NOT the second worst place to live in England
By Darren Calpin
Published 9th Feb 2023, 16:45 BST
Updated 9th Feb 2023, 17:15 BST
One of the worst places to live in the country, really?
This week it was revealed Peterborough had come second in a survey to find the worst places to live in England.
The poll, which was compiled by iLivehere and asked more than 100,000 people, placed our city second only to Luton, the outright ‘winner.’
Portsmouth, home of the Royal Navy and once the pride of the south coast, took third sport.
Is our fair city really that bad, though?
Sure, Peterborough isn’t as easy on the eye as the likes of York or Bath, and we’re not blessed with the same wealth of cultural treasures as you’ll find in Oxford or Manchester. It’s also true that the nightlife of Liverpool and Bristol is on a completely different level, and that our infrastructure and transport is less comprehensive than other cities which have seen more significant investment in these areas.
And of course, Peterborough also has more than its fair share of issues in the realms of crime, unemployment, poverty and public funding.
But let’s be honest – what good-sized city doesn’t?
However, we can’t help but feel that landing second place in a survey which puts Bournemouth, Oxford and Henley-on-Thames in its Top 20 is more than a little harsh.
So, we thought it’s only fair to highlight some of the more positive things that we Peterborians can be proud of about our city in the next seven images:
Portsmouth, home of the Royal Navy and once the pride of the south coast, took third sport.
5. Sport, sport and more sport
It's a sad fact but there are many - some would say too many - good-sized cities in England that have far too few sporting clubs to follow. Happily, this is not a situation which Peterborough finds itself in (unless you count greyhound racing, sadly). Of course, the standout sporting icon of our fair city is the mighty POSH. Love them or hate them (and it's easy to do both in the same week), Peterborough United is the kind of footy team purists love to follow - forever aiming high and yet all too frequently falling at the final hurdle. Proper football. Of course, footy isn't the only thing on the menu. With the Peterborough Panthers delivering thrills-a-plenty on the speedway track and the title-chasing Phantoms ice hockey team winning more fans each season with their never-say-die playing style, Peterborians are pretty well satiated in the sports department. Photo: Joe Dent
Let's not mince words - Peterborough's cathedral is an absolute gem. With the possible exceptions of Barcelona, York, Milan and Amiens, there is isn't a city in the world which wouldn't jump at the chance to claim it as their own. The exterior of the glorious 12th-century building is enough in itself really - with the sublime Early English Gothic West Front and its three enormous arches dominating the Hogwarts-esque grounds. The interior is equally splendid, with the spectacular 13th-century painted wooden nave ceiling (the largest medieval painted ceiling in Europe) never failing to catch the eye. Simply put, this stunning landmark is, by some distance, the de-facto jewel in Peterborough's crown. (image: Getty) Photo: OLI SCARFF
Whether it's rival away day footy fans looking for a tipple or villagers coming into town for an evening out, one thing you're sure to hear visitors say is: 'Peterborough's a good place for a drink.' And it is - a very good place. Regardless of what kind of boozer you enjoy: contemporary or old-school; lively or drop-dead quiet - chances are you'll find it close to, or in, the city centre. Those who are serious about their ale can also beat the drum about how 13 of our best local boozers featured in last year's CAMRA Good Beer Guide, as well. Our own Mayor, Councillor Alan Dowson, is a big fan of Peterborough's traditional pubs, with the Palmerston Arms on Oundle Road (pictured) being one of his fave places to kick back with a pint. So how about we follow the councillor's lead and raise a glass to our fair city? Peterborough may have its faults, and it certainly isn't perfect, but hey - at least it isn't Northampton... Cheers. Photo: David Lowndes