Top places to live in UK in 2024 named as Scottish seaside town makes the list

IT’S one of the best spots to flock to when the sun shines and the temperatures heat up.

From its sandy beaches to its world-class golf course and award-winning ice cream, there really is something for everyone.

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So it’s no wonder St Andrews was crowned one of the 15 best places to visit in 2024.

In a list created by Time Out‘s team of experts, the seaside town was the highest ranked Scots location and came in sixth overall.

The team worked through everything set to open next year at the locations as well as the local food, drink and art scenes.

Time Out described the Fife town as “a coastal gem” and said the town’s feature in the upcoming season of The Crown tipped it to make the list.

The town’s old university will heavily feature in the series as the meeting place of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

They said: “A coastal gem in the Kingdom of Fife, St Andrews is home to an ancient university, three stunning beaches, botanic gardens, multiple pubs, a famous golf course and not much else.

“But it’s also beautiful, extremely walkable and very peaceful, and if you’re after a bit more action, it’s close enough to Dundee to plan a day trip to the renowned V&A museum.”

Also making the list at number 14 was the Highland town of Ullapool.

Experts say the town is perfect for walkers and cyclists while also having a growing cultural scene.

They said: “Ullapool is well situated for walkers and cyclists to get their dose of the great outdoors: explore the nearby Corrieshalloch Falls, scramble up Stac Pollaidh mountain or to hop on a ferry to the Outer Hebrides.

“Ullapool is also going under something of a cultural renaissance, with Scotland most remote club night bringing of-the-moment electronic DJs to the area and The Seafood Shack and new 3AA Rosette restaurant The Dipping Lugger attracting foodies from far and near.”

The seaside town is 45 miles from Inverness and is already a popular destination for campers and campervans.

Topping the list as the best place to visit was Bristol, followed by Hull and the Isles of Scilly.

London took the fourth spot and Belfast came in fifth.

Chiara Wilkinson, Features Editor at Time Out UK said: “We’re over the moon to share our Time Out list of the best places to visit in the UK in 2024.

“These destinations have buzzy new openings, excellent food and drink offerings and pinch-me-moment landscapes.

“With its vibrant cultural scene set to get even bigger next year, Bristol was a deserving winner – but it was also great to see underrated destinations like Hull, Wrexham and Falmouth take their spots in the top 15.

“If you need an excuse to book a staycation, surely this is it.”