A new study has revealed that Liverpool is the UK’s undisputed hay fever capital, with residents there facing the worst pollen conditions in Britain.

The research by AEG examined 72 cities nationwide, measuring each location against five key factors including pollen counts, antihistamine prescriptions and allergy-related search volumes to determine where sufferers face the toughest battle against seasonal symptoms. These factors were normalised to create an index score out of 100.

Liverpool topped the pollen severity index with an eye-watering score of 92.66 out of 100, making it by far the worst location for those plagued by allergies. The city recorded tree pollen levels of 302.50 PPM alongside severe grass pollen at 48.90 PPM and weed pollen hitting 9.70 PPM, creating a triple threat for residents who struggle through spring and summer months.

Birmingham snagged second place with 74.34. The city sees grass pollen levels of 45.00 PPM and tree pollen reaching 271.10 PPM, spelling misery for its 1.12 million residents when pollen season strikes each year.

Bradford landed in third spot with a score of 70.99, driven by weed pollen levels that match Liverpool’s at 9.70 PPM.

The North dominates these rankings, suggesting geographical factors play a significant role in determining which areas suffer most. Due to the more hilly terrain and wide open spaces, cities and towns in the North are at risk of higher pollen counts.

Doncaster and Wakefield complete the top five worst affected cities, scoring 67.66 and 66.35 respectively. Both Yorkshire locations show particularly high tree pollen readings, continuing the pattern of severe pollen issues.

Bolton secured sixth position with a score of 66.15, while London followed at 63.38. The capital is the only southern city to crack the top ten.

Blackburn (61.82), Reading (61.25), and Leeds (61.01) round out the top ten, with Reading being just the second southern location to make the list.

At the opposite end of the scale, Basildon enjoys the title of least affected city with a score of just 21.74, joined by Southend-on-Sea (24.68) and Derby (25.18). These results indicate that Essex and the East Midlands offer significantly better conditions for those looking to escape the annual onslaught of sneezing and itchy eyes.