The UK is home to around 1,250 towns, each with its own unique charm (or lack of) and now a controversial survey has ranked the most beautiful and most unsightly towns across the country. Those compiling the list judged each town on the appeal of their shop fronts, historical architecture, cleanliness, viewpoints and green spaces, with a maximum possible score of 50. St David's in Pembrokeshire (which is tenchincally a city and the smallest city in the UK, in fact) was named as the third prettiest town in the UK, scoring an impressive 44 out of 50, but what made it rank so highly? Famed for its charming shop fronts and historic architecture, St David's has a population of around 1,600 people.

It boasts numerous cosy pubs and tearooms that exude a warm and welcoming atmosphere, reports the Express. And its stunning Pembrokeshire surroundings offer breathtaking views of the island and sea, where lucky visitors might spot dolphins, Atlantic grey seals, and harbour porpoises. Queensferry in West Lothian claimed the second spot, scoring 45 out of 50. Also known as South Queensferry, this town nestled on the Edinburgh side of the Forth Bridges boasts remarkable architecture and significant bridges, including the Forth Bridge.

However, the crown for the prettiest town in the UK went to Lewes, in East Sussex, with a score of 46 out of 50. Lewes, known for its annual firework display, is a picturesque town boasting a wealth of independent retailers along its medieval streets and alleyways. Despite the challenging terrain, it offers an excellent day out or even a pub crawl, with 17 pubs located in the town centre. The South Downs are also within easy reach, offering panoramic views of the hills, town and beyond.

However, not all UK towns have fared as well. Telford in Shropshire, Merthyr Tydfil in Wales and Slough in Berkshire have been named as the three ugliest towns in Britain. Telford, ranking third, scored a dismal 17 out of 50. Noted for its lack of a real town centre, Telford was created in the 1960s as part of the New Towns initiative by Harold MacMillan's Conservative government. Despite its limited highstreets and retailers, experts did highlight that Telford sits just north of the Ironbridge Gorge - a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site home to Abraham Darby III's pioneering Iron Bridge, a range of museums and a handmade pork pie shop. Merthyr Tydfil in Wales was named Britain's second most unattractive town, scoring a mere 15 out of 50.

Nestled in a basin at the northern head of the Taff Valley, Merthyr is plagued by numerous industrial and retail parks, heavy traffic, and high levels of crime and unemployment. However, it does have some redeeming features such as the surrounding hills, Cyfarthfa Castle a castellated mansion and art gallery, the UK's largest mountain bike park, the world's fastest seated zip-line across an open-cast coal mine, and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

Meanwhile, Slough in Berkshire has been awarded the dubious title of Britain's ugliest town, scoring a mere 12 out of 50, including a zero for its shop fronts and views. The Telegraph reports that Slough's high street is one of the unhealthiest in the UK due to the abundance of takeaways and lack of leisure facilities. However, there's a glimmer of hope as the town is set to undergo a £110million makeover in the coming years, potentially transforming it from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan.