There’s one city that smells worse than any other in the UK, an analysis has claimed. A study has taken into account among other factors cleanliness, air quality and rubbish disposal satisfaction to determine which UK city among those analysed has the worst and best smell. The number of nicely scented stores, including candle shops, was also considered to develop a “smell score”.
One city has topped the list as the “smelliest” after an average score for each area was created. All across the UK, a total of 25 cities and towns were analysed, with the final list now revealed.
The worst-smelling city based on these criteria is Leeds, the analysis suggests, followed by Aberdeen, with smell scores of 4.2 and 5, respectively. In contrast, Reading is the best-smelling town in the UK with a smell rating score of 8.6.
Reading’s consistent scoring across the board secures the South East town the top spot.
With high scores in cleanliness, a rich mix of candle and perfume stores, plenty of florists, and a solid number of bakeries, the city offers a well-balanced blend of sweet, floral, and fresh scents.
There are also three Scottish cities which rank among the top 10 worst-smelling places in the United Kingdom: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, according to HAYPP, which carried out the research.
With a final smell rating of 8.5, Cambridge ranks as the second nicest smelling place in the UK, according to the study.
With more perfume stores than any other in the top 10 (22.2 p/10km2), and the second highest number of candle stores, Cambridge is a must visit if for those who appreciate a city that smells as good as it looks.
Milton Keynes is the third best smelling place to visit in the UK. With a smell rating score of 8.4, and a staggering cleanliness score of 9.4, the highest of all destinations ranked, Milton Keynes’ air quality, rubbish disposal satisfaction and quality of green spaces is something to be proud of.