Our overall health and wellbeing is influenced by a huge range of different factors.
These include any illnesses, injuries, genetics, your diet, how often you exercise and whether you smoke, among many others.
However, where you live can also play a huge role. According to a study conducted last year, certain areas of the UK are far healthier than others.
The Healthiest Areas of the UK Index 2023, carried out by Blue Horizon, took into account 12 health-related points to do so, ultimately ranking 307 places accordingly.
“Our study looks beyond appearances to find the 20 healthiest and least healthy cities in the UK,” Blue Horizon explains.
“We analysed factors such as air quality, admissions to hospitals, the number of cancer patients in the country, and others to determine which locations had the healthiest individuals overall.
“By reviewing 12 key factors and completing a thorough analysis, we were able to determine the 20 healthiest areas for you to live and visit throughout the UK as well as areas with higher than average rates of illness and the potential for shortened life spans.”
Among the healthiest places in the UK named was a historic spa town in Kent.
Tunbridge Wells – also known as Royal Tunbridge Wells – took the sixth spot on the list, ranking just below Richmondshire but above Richmond-Upon-Thames.
It scored low for levels of air pollution, drug-related offences, and alcohol-related hospital admissions among other factors.
Overall, it was awarded a score of 75.5. For reference, the lowest scoring place Peterbroough was awarded 40, while the highest (South Hams) was given 80.
But what else makes Tunbridge Wells special?
Tourist website Visit Kent, states that it has plenty for both visitors and residents to enjoy.
“Royal Tunbridge Wells lies in the heart of the beautiful High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” Visit Kent says.
“The High Weald has many picturesque towns and villages amid the rolling hills, ancient woods and open heaths.
“All to be enjoyed when riding on the steam train at Spa Valley Railway; presenting a unique destination at every station.W
The website added: “The area is well-known for its world-famous gardens, fairy-tale moated castles and mellow country manors; don’t miss the romantic moat-ringed Scotney Castle or the enchanting Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, former home of Vita Sackville West, and an inspiration to gardeners world-wide.”
According to property website Rightmove, homes in Tunbridge Wells had an overall average price of £546,930 over the last year.
