We’re delighted – but not surprised!
Bath has been named the world’s happiest city by Time Out magazine, and for those of us who live and work here, it’s recognition of something we’ve long believed.
For centuries, people have come to Bath in search of health and wellbeing. Today, that legacy lives on in a city that combines world-class heritage and green spaces with opportunity, innovation and an exceptional quality of life.
Bath offers something increasingly rare: the chance to build a rewarding career without compromising on wellbeing. Whether it’s walking to work through a UNESCO World Heritage city, enjoying easy access to nature, or being part of close-knit communities, people here benefit from a quality of life that helps them thrive.
At the same time, Bath continues to punch well above its weight on the global stage. As highlighted by Bath Unlimited, our city is home to an extraordinary concentration of internationally significant organisations and pioneering businesses. Our two universities drive significant research excellence. From cutting-edge innovation and advanced engineering to creative industries, education and healthcare, Bath is proving that a small city can have a truly global impact.
The Future Ambition Board exists to build on these strengths. Together, partners including the University of Bath, Bath Spa University, Bath College, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Curo and the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust are working to ensure that Bath and North East Somerset continues to create high-quality jobs, deliver the homes our communities need, and attract the investment that will secure long-term prosperity.
Being named the world’s happiest city is a wonderful accolade, but it’s also a reminder of what makes Bath special. It’s a place where innovation and heritage sit comfortably side by side, where global ambition doesn’t come at the expense of community, and where economic success goes hand in hand with wellbeing.
Of course, Bath’s success is also rooted in the wider Bath and North East Somerset area. Alongside the city’s heritage and opportunities, the region offers vibrant towns and villages in which to live, beautiful countryside and easy access to nature through our parks and extensive cycle networks. It’s this combination of urban opportunity and rural quality of life that makes Bath and North East Somerset such an exceptional place to live, work and thrive.
As the Future Ambition Board, our shared ambition is to make sure that the entirety of our population can enjoy everything Bath and North East Somerset has to offer – not just today, but for generations to come. By continuing to work together, we can build on the qualities that make this such a special place, ensuring our communities, businesses and future generations continue to thrive.