Leeds

‘Ugly, run-down’ and ‘untidy’ – Leeds named UK’s tenth best big city

Thanks...I guess?

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 19th January 2026

Britain's 20 biggest cities have been ranked, and Leeds has done pretty well.

Although, you wouldn't be able to tell judging by the overwhelmingly lacklustre description we've been given.

The listing comes from The Telegraph and ranks Britain's 20 biggest cities from worst to best, taking into account visitor appeal and where offers most to tourists.

Leeds comes in at a very respectable number 10, however judging from what they've said about our city you'd think we were much, much lower.

Kicking things off, the description reads: "There’s an untidy quality to Leeds, borne of a patchwork of periods in its built environment and the fact that a lot of regeneration is underway (cranes rise at every corner)."

Image: Unsplash

Yep, not off to a good start but it's only down hill from there as Leeds is then said to have a 'certain shapelessness'.

But perhaps the worst part is yet to come: "There are some ugly, run-down streets very close to the centre, and while the Headrow and other high streets have a fair number of shops, there’s no real boulevard or grand square.

"The most atmospheric spaces are Queens Arcade and perpendicular Cross Arcade, and Thornton’s Arcade; Grand Arcade is also Victorian but looks and feels less uplifting."

By the end it starts to get slightly more positive, emphases on 'slightly': "Leeds’ strongest points might be its small size and its north-central location; it’s easy to walk everywhere inside the city, and a short ride away are Ilkley, Skipton and the Dales."

Our visitor appeal gained a 6.5/10, beating Cardiff, Sheffield, Brighton and Nottingham.

Taking the top spot was Liverpool followed by Edinburgh, Belfast and Glasgow. Read the full ranking here.

Read more: Leeds to make history as the host for Tour de France Femmes 2027

Featured image - Ben Elliot (via Unsplash)