Said by many to be amongst the greatest streets in 'England if not Europe', this gently curving and rising street has been 'sensitively restored and improved in the last decade'.

One voter describes coming up the steps from the Metro every morning and being 'filled with joy at the sight of the street unfolding'. Another comments, 'the shop fronts may not be original but they are in keeping with the spirit of the original design and fit in very well with the scale of the buildings.' 'A street on a human scale with a grand vision', says another.

Although approaching its 170th birthday, the street still works well for pedestrians and traffic alike because it is 'well maintained, has activity day and night and is respected by Geordies and visitors alike'. Design, maintenance and activity in perfect harmony, it seems to us.

BEST STREETS IN THE UK:
1. Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne
2. High Pavement, Nottingham
3. Buchanan Street, Glasgow
4. New Street, Birmingham
5. Water Street / Castle Street, Liverpool

WORST STREETS IN THE UK:
1. Streatham High Road, Streatham
2. Cornmarket Street, Oxford
3. Drakes Circus, Plymouth
4. Maid Marion Way, Nottingham
5. Leatherhead High Street, Surrey