Volume one | decem ns e le lif e t h r o u g h t h ery lens ld through ev or discover the w INSIDE THIS ISSUE FAMOUS CITIES ACROSS THE UK UNCOVERED DISCOVER UK WONDERS FROM UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND EVERYTHING INBETWEEEN
Of Content 7 YORK This historic city is located in the county of North Yorkshire, Yorkshire and the Humber, being part of the Leeds Region. 3 LIVERPOOL 9 EDINBURGH Liverpool is located in the Northwest of England, in the county of Merseyside. This city is on the North side of the iconic River Mersey. Edinburgh is located in Southeastern Scotland, being the country’s iconic capital city. 5 11 MANCHESTER Manchester is located in the North West of England, within the Metropolitan County of Greater Manchester. LONDON London, England’s capital city, is located in the South East of the country, astride the River Thames.
THE EDITOR The built environment: it is all around us. Be it vibrant, bustling cities or quaint, rural towns; these buildings all have their unique charm. In this issue, we explore the marvelous wonders of the United Kingdom. From the prominent, lively cities to some quieter locations that tend to fall under the radar, we will uncover all this diverse country has to offer. Finding the right location for you can be overwhelming at the best of times. However, when you are bombarded with misinformation, it can quickly become an impossible task. In this issue, we explore and celebrate the country’s most iconic spots whilst taking into account their potential downsides. Whilst the built environment is remarkable and significant, no place is ever one hundred percent perfect for everybody. Hopefully, this issue will allow you to assess the pros and cons and see these locations from unique perspectives.
Home to the Beatles and stunning architecture, Liverpool is a charming city that should not fall under the radar. Whilst it may not be England’s official capital city, it was in fact named the European Capital of Culture in 2008. This comes as no surprise given that the city is home to almost the highest number of galleries and museums in the UK. Take William Brown Street for example, an iconic location entirely occupied by only cultural buildings. Not to mention that this city is home to the world’s first commercial docks, The Thomas Steer’s dock, completed all the way back in 1716. Not only is the city renowned for its rich history, but it is also famous for its pop music! I am sure most people are aware of its ties to the Beatles, but did you know it is home to famous bands like The Wombats and Atomic Kitten? Being dubbed as ‘The City of Pop’ in 2001 by the Guinness World Book of Records, Liverpool currently holds the world record for number one hit singles released. Despite having all these wonders on offer, the city is not too expensive either, with an average rent of £906 a month.
job market. In fact, post 2022, Liverpool’s job rates rest at an alarming 5.3%, the lowest in the UK! Unfortunately, this could be a direct result of the severe governmental neglect and underfunding that Liverpool faces. With most big financial companies and law firms setting up shop in neighbouring cities such as Manchester and Leeds, it is easy for Liverpool to become forgotten and overshadowed. Unfortunately, this causes the city to be ranked as the third most deprived out of the 317 local authority areas in England, which is a growing cause for concern.
M f you’re searching for a modern metropolis that will not break the bank quite like London, Manchester is the perfect spot. Despite being filled with innovative buildings and technology; this city’s historical role should not be overlooked. In fact, Manchester is the home of the industrial revolution, with the opening of the Bridgewater Canal in 1761 marking the beginning of this ground-breaking period f history does not pique your interest, this city will not disappoint with its wide variety of activities and landmarks. From its vibrant nightlife, endless array of shops and serene green spaces, there truly is something for everyone. For the football enthusiasts, the city will not disappoint, being home to two of the world’s most famous football clubs. Is music more of your passion? Fear not! Manchester is the home place of iconic bands like Oasis, The Smiths, and Joy Division. With several arenas across the city attracting renowned artists each year, this thriving music scene will exceed your expectations. Notably, Manchester is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the UK. From Chinatown to its diverse food scene, there are many ways to explore distinct cultures. Not only is this city packed with things to do, but the rent prices remain relatively low compared to other UK cities, making it the ideal spot.
Manchester may be more affordable compared to other UK cities, the significantly lower salaries should be considered. Unfortunately, the downsides do not end here. With 169.37 crimes per 1,000 people, Manchester rises above the national average for crime rates. The most common of these reports are violent offences, theft, and public order disturbances. Moreover, like many major cities, Manchester undergoes significant traffic and extreme crowds, especially during peak hours.
York: the home of quaint streets, historic charm, and community bonds. But what makes this endearing city so special? Currently standing as one of the oldest cities in the UK, York is packed head to toe with rich history. With iconic landmarks such as the York Minster dating all the way back to the seventh century and the ancient city walls originally built by Romans, visiting York is bound to feel like stepping foot into the past. Not only do the buildings hold a great deal of value, but the city itself played a significant role in shaping English history, being a major Viking Settlement. Through museums like the Jorvik Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum, this unique heritage can still be uncovered today. But what makes this city so relevant for a modern society? With a safety index score of 73.09, York has been marked the safest city for families across the whole country. Not only this, but its compact size gives this city a strong community charm, with its collective spirit enhancing quality of life and fostering a welcoming environment. s
blessing to some, it could also be a curse. For individuals out there who crave a bustling metropolitan paradise, York may not be the place for you. Unfortunately, this picturesque city also comes with a prohibitive cost of living. This encompasses a wide range of variables such transportation, and as groceries, basic everyday expenses. However, with both rental and property prices being way above the national average, the housing market is by far the most expensive.
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