Whilst Manchester is used to holding its own on the global stage, a historic Roman settlement located just an hour’s drive away has officially stolen the spotlight by being named not only the prettiest city in the United Kingdom, but the most beautiful in the entire world.
According to an architectural study conducted by Online Mortgage Advisor, which meticulously analysed hundreds of streets and over 2,400 buildings, the city of Chester boasts the most aesthetically pleasing proportions based on the “golden ratio” of 1:1.618. By utilising Google Street View to examine the façades of historical structures, the researchers applied these mathematical measurements to determine which urban environments align most closely with traditional standards of visual perfection.
Chester outranked global icons like Venice and Rome
Chester ultimately secured the top position with an impressive beauty score of 83.7%, a result of its seamless blend of ancient Roman heritage and charming medieval streets that managed to surpass the scores of world-renowned destinations such as Venice (83.3%) and Rome (82%).
The foundation of Chester’s beauty dates back to AD 76, when it was established as the Roman fortress of Deva on a strategic sandstone outcrop overlooking the River Dee, serving as a vital hub for the governance and military control of Northern Britain. As the centuries passed and its military significance waned, the city transformed into a bustling river port and commercial centre, leading to the development of residential areas that expanded far beyond the original Roman defensive walls.
The modern aesthetic that earned Chester its global title is largely defined by The Rows, a series of unique double-level medieval shopping galleries that are thought to have been constructed over Roman ruins following the city’s late surrender to William the Conqueror. These distinctive structures, featuring stone-vaulted cellars and ornate half-timbered galleries, provide the city with a characteristic visual rhythm that clearly resonates with the “golden ratio” measurements used in the study.
The most beautiful cities in the UK
- Chester, England (83.7%)
- London, England (83.0%)
- Belfast, Northern Ireland (82.9%)
- Liverpool, England (81.0%)
- Durham, England (80.5%)
- Bristol, England (80.0%)
- Oxford, England (79.7%)
- Birmingham, England (79.4%)
- Edinburgh, Scotland (78.9%)
- Cardiff, Wales (78.9%)
The most beautiful cities in the world
- Venice, Italy (83.3%): Famous for its winding canals and Gothic palaces, it narrowly missed the top global spot.
- Rome, Italy (82.0%): The “Eternal City” remains a heavyweight thanks to its millennia of architectural layers.
- Barcelona, Spain (81.9%): Celebrated for its unique Catalan Modernism and the works of Antoni Gaudí.
- Prague, Czech Republic (78.7%): Known as the “City of a Hundred Spires” for its stunning Gothic and Baroque skyline.
How to get to Chester from Manchester
Getting to Chester really couldn’t be easier. If you’re blessed with a car, it’s a straight shot down the M56 and M53, taking the Hoole Village exit.
There is also a regular train service from Manchester Piccadilly to Chester, which usually takes around an hour. If you’re closer to Newton-le-Willows or Warrington, the train journey is even shorter.