safest cities to visit in uk

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12 Safest Cities In The UK (2024 Update)

Last updated: Jan 03 2024

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

The UK is a relatively safe country, with a low homicide rate of 1.2 per 100,000 people, while crime rates vary by nation. England and Wales have an average crime rate of 7760 per 100,000, Scotland has 4510 per 100,000, and Northern Ireland has 49.8 per 100,000. Pickpocketing is arguably the most common crime, and it is especially a problem in major cities and areas popular with tourists and visitors. Similarly, although terrorist attacks are a threat, they are relatively uncommon and tend to be concentrated at major events and transport hubs.

But crime is only one potential hazard , and some parts of the UK are blighted by poor air quality, high risks of flooding, and other potential dangers. The risks of natural disasters are low and the country is considered generally safe for lone female travellers, although some care should always be taken when travelling solo.

Whether you’re visiting the UK and want to ensure that you and your family have the best chance of being safe, or you are looking to relocate to the country and want somewhere safe to call home, below are 12 of the safest cities in the UK, taking as many of these factors into consideration as possible.

The Top 12 Safest Places in the UK

Bath is a large city in Somerset, England, with a population of nearly 100,000 people. On the river of Avon, Bath is known for the Roman baths that it’s named after and received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1987.

Since the 17th century, the city’s spring waters have been claimed to offer restorative powers and have helped Bath become one of the 10 most visited English cities. Having undergone major restorative building since the Bath Blitz of World War II, it has become a highly popular destination for residents and visitors. Bath has a low crime rate, equivalent to just 780 per 100,000, when taking into account burglary, robbery, and violent crimes. Average house prices in Bath are over £500,000 per property, which means that while it is safe, it is an expensive city to make a home.

York is another ancient UK city with a Roman heritage. The existing roman architecture includes the city walls, York Castle, and York Minster, all of which are popular tourist attractions and carve the city’s landscape. York was subject to bombing during World War II but did not suffer as badly as many other Northern cities.

The city has been voted the top European Tourism City of the Year, the safest place to visit, and Best Place to Live, cementing its place in a list of safest cities in the UK. With a population of just over 200,000, modern York still retains much of its ancient appeal and Roman architecture but also offers modern bars, trendy cafes, and a host of places of to shop and relax.

Average house prices are £300,000, which is reasonable for a modest to large city, and there are hundreds of traditional pubs, some of which are several hundred years old.

Telford is a medium-sized city in Shropshire, England, with 140,000 people. It is one of the fastest-growing towns and was traditionally an industrial town. The UNESCO World Heritage Site considers it the safest major town in Shropshire, and average house prices are £210,000.

The town is best known for The Iron Bridge, which was the first bridge of its size to be constructed solely from iron, with the metal having come from nearby Ironbridge Gorge. The Gorge has UNESCO status and has 10 industrial museums that are very popular with visitors. Telford Town Park was once voted the UK’s best park and is packed with play areas and activities for people of all ages.

4. Aberdeen

Aberdeen is the third most populous Scottish city and has 200,000 people. It has been settled for approximately 8,000 years and, historically, has benefited from fishing, paper making, the textile industry, and local granite mining.

More recently, it has become a major business hub. Once known as the Oil Capital of Europe, Aberdeen is exploring alternative energy and renewable energy sources to modernize and because of the dwindling oil resources. Five of Scotland’s ten largest businesses can be found in Aberdeen, so there are employment opportunities, while the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University are both located in the city.

Average house prices are relatively low, at £200,000, and the city has a crime rate of 520 per 100,000, making it a safe city in which to study or live.

Derby is a Roman city and the county seat of Derbyshire. It became a city in 1977 and now has a population of a quarter of a million people. Derby started as a market town but expanded during the industrial era and actually lays claim to being one of the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution. It is still considered an industrial town and home to Rolls-Royce and Toyota Manufacturing UK.

Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, spent her early years living around Derby, while Lara Croft of Tomb Raider and Batman of DC Comics were both “born” in the city. Furthermore, Harry M Stevens, credited with inventing the hotdog, was born in Derby before moving to the USA.

Swindon is a large town in the South West of England with a population of 185,000 people. It is approximately 70 miles from London and lies between Bristol and Reading. The town has low crime rates and includes major employers like BMW, Dolby Labs, and the headquarters of the Nationwide Building Society. Average house prices are £250,000, but it is the largest town or city in the UK that does not have its own university.

While the city is generally considered safe, the Magic Roundabout road junction has been named the scariest junction in the UK. Two Bond films were filmed, in part, in Swindon: Roger Moore’s A View To A Kill and Pierce Brosnan’s The World Is Not Enough . Although only a few seconds of footage of Swindon was used in either film, Brosnan said, “Swindon is a great place.”

Swansea is Wales’s second-largest city, with a population of a quarter of a million. Its average house price of £185,000 is lower than most other cities on our list. It has been voted the most beautiful city in the UK, as well as one of the happiest and friendliest, and its more than 30 miles of coast feature 50 named beaches.

Until the 19th century, Swansea only had approximately 2,000 people. Around this time, it became one of the world’s largest copper-smelting towns and benefited from nearby ports and shipping lanes. Poet Dylan Thomas and actress Catherine Zeta-Jones were born in Swansea.

8. Edinburgh

With a population of half a million people, Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and the second most populous city behind Glasgow. It is a compact city that is home to the Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament, and a host of governmental and political buildings. It is also well known for its place in culture, with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival being one of the most popular annual events. Edinburgh has three universities, and Old Town and New Town are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Over three-quarters of the city’s buildings are listed buildings.

Edinburgh has relatively low violent crime rates, although its burglary rate of 670 per 100,000 is quite high. The city was not only the inspiration for J K Rowling’s Harry Potter books, but many of the scenes from the films were also recorded in the city.

9. Plymouth

Plymouth is a city in the South West of England with a population of over 250,000. It was first settled in the Bronze Age and played a significant role in the English Civil War when the town was held by Parliamentarians. Plymouth became a city in 1928, is home to the largest Western European naval base, and has one university, the University of Plymouth. The city has low burglary rates , equivalent to 240 per 100,000 people but moderate violent crime rates of 1,140 per 100,000.

The Mayflower Pilgrims set sail from Plymouth to establish Plymouth Colony in the US. It is home to the country’s oldest working distillery and claims to have the world’s oldest commercial bakery.

Poole is a large town in Dorset with a population of 150,000 people. Poole started out as a fishing and harbour town and established successful trade links with the North American colonies during the 16th century. Today it has a balanced economy, and while manufacturing has declined in the area, Poole is still home to Sunseeker, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of motor yachts.

John Le Carre, real name David John Moore Cornwell, was born in Poole, and so was Alfred Russell Wallace, co-author of the Theory of Evolution with Charles Darwin. J. R. R. Tolkien lived in Poole for 4 years during his retirement.

11. Warrington

Warrington is a town in the north of England, on the banks of the River Mersey, with a population of 165,000. It saw considerable growth in the 1960s, having been designated a new town in 1968. The city was the location of a series of IRA bombings in the 1980s and 1990s, and Warrington was home to the first UK branch of Ikea, which opened in 1987. Only 2.9% of economically active people in the town are unemployed, with major employers including the Unilever factory and the NHS.

Although the attempt failed, Warrington bid to become the UK City of Culture in 2021 and has an arts centre, museums, and several nature reserves within the boundaries.

Luton is a large town located about 30 miles outside London. It has a population of 210,000 and is one of the largest towns by population that has not yet been granted city status. Luton Airport is now considered one of the three major airports in England. Luton’s economy has traditionally been one of industry and manufacturing, especially car manufacturing and engineering services. EasyJet, TUI, and Vauxhall Motors all have their headquarters in the town, while its proximity and easy travel access to London make it a popular commuting town for the capital.

The average house price in Luton is £300,000, and it is considered to have a low crime rate.

The UK is generally considered a safe country, but pickpocketing can be rife in some areas, especially busy cities and major tourist hubs. Homicide rates are low, and so too are incidents of violent crime. However, incidents still occur, and you can take the following steps to help ensure that you’re safe while in the country.

Do Your Research – Always research an area before travelling. You can find out a town’s safe and hazardous areas by researching them online. You should also study UK laws and find details of emergency services.
Protect Your Phone – Pickpocketing is arguably the biggest problem when visiting the UK, and mobile phones are a major target. Ensure that yours is fully charged, has tracking enabled, and is stored in a locked bag or hidden money belt.
Be Aware – ATMs offer easy access to cash, but they can also attract thieves and pickpockets. Be aware of who is around you and your general surroundings when using an ATM and, if in doubt, use a different machine.
Watch Your Drinks – Drink spiking is a rising problem in the UK, and police advise that you do not leave drinks unattended and never accept drinks from strangers. If you feel very drunk or otherwise affected even after one or two drinks, ask a staff member for help.

The UK is a safe country to visit and is considered a safe place to live. Homicide rates are low, and there are relatively few instances of violent crime. Terrorist attacks can occur, but they often happen in major cities and around transport hubs. Two of the most prevalent crimes in the UK are drink spiking and pickpocketing. Above are 12 of the safest places in the UK to visit or live, but there are many other safe towns and cities.

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10 Safest Cities in The UK

Do you know how many countries there are in the United Kingdom ?

Four! Now, can you guess what the names of those four countries are?

If you started to say Great Britain, you would be wrong.

The countries are actually Wales, Northern Ireland , Scotland , and England.

Formerly, the countries are known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland .

Funny about Southern Ireland, though, not being a part of it all!

If you are about to embark on an adventure to the UK in any shape or form, here is a great list to help you stay safe–the 10 safest cities in the United Kingdom.

1. Edinburgh, Scotland

2. aberystwyth, wales, 3. bath, england, 4. belfast, ireland, 5. poole, england, 6. north yorkshire, england, 7. the shetland islands, scotland, 8. richmond upon thames in london, england, 9. aberdeen, scotland, 10. galway, ireland, 1. covid-19 safety, 2. go in season, 3. use the local money exchange, 4. avoid wearing flashy jewelry, 5. be prepared for anything, united kingdom safety overview, where are the most dangerous boroughs in london, england , what is the most dangerous place to visit in the uk, should i travel alone to the uk, 10 safest cities in the uk.

The safest city in the United Kingdom is certainly not London and it is not even Bath , but that is close.

It is Edinburgh, Scotland where only 16 percent of residents report experiencing crime and 90 percent feel perfectly content.

As the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is the seventh-most populated city in the entire UK.

This includes the mythical sea beast known as Loch Ness here in the city called Dun Eideann in Gaelic.

If you want to visit the Scottish Lowlands, use Edinburgh as a safe jumping-off point.

The hardest city name to pronounce for an outsider is Aberystwyth , better known as Aber, in the community of Ceredigion, Wales.

This is a university town, which is typically not the safest or quietest.

However, with Aberystwyth, there must be an exception to the rule because it is known as both one of the friendliest cities in the UK, as well as one of the towns with the lowest crime rates.

By the way, for some UK pub trivia, the meaning of the name Aberystwyth is the mouth of Ystwyth, whatever that means!

Bath is a city located in Somerset , England, and there is a lot of UK history to be explored.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient Roman baths that can be visited today.

As a result, the town receives a fluctuating population of 100,000 people in swells based on the season.

The crime is surprisingly lower here than in all of Somerset County , located in the southwestern part of the country.

The Northern Ireland capital city of Belfast is surprisingly one of the safest and is the second safest city in the UK.

The crime rate in Belfast is 48.89 with 12,729 incidents in 2021.

If you want the safest neighborhoods in Belfast, stay in the southwest area.

However, from 2010 to 2015, the country of Ireland had a decrease in crime of a staggering 45 percent .

Traveling to Northern Ireland and Belfast means you have little possibility of being involved in a dangerous crime, which is great news.

Poole in Southwest England is a port town and seaport in Dorset County.

Here you have a large tourist population and a resort area that offers quaint beaches and a town history in Old Town.

There are about 151,500 residents as of 2016, yet there is minimal crime and street traffic.

Even so, Poole has a crime rate that is 5 percent lower than the surrounding county.

In 2020, crime in North Yorkshire dropped even in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, the city of North Yorkshire was determined to be the safest in all of England and Wales.

This is noted by a crime rate of 49.9 crimes per 1,000 people, which is the lowest in those two countries of the UK.

Here is an interesting place that is in the northernmost part of the UK–the Shetland Islands.

Located in Scotland, 130 miles from the mainland, it is hard to get to these islands.

That obviously adds to the allure of those who want to live in peace and away from criminal activity.

The isolation and island factor work, making the Shetlands one of the safest places to be in the United Kingdom.

In February 2022, for example, there were zero crimes reported in all of the Shetland Islands.

You cannot beat zero crime for a better crime rate!

What is the most famous city in the entire United Kingdom in terms of safety?

London as a whole is not exactly what you would call “safe” since the city has a crime rating of nine percent higher than the UK on average.

However, there are plenty of visitors to London, and it helps to know where the safest neighborhoods are in this fair city.

The safest borough is Richmond upon Thames, which is located in southwest London.

The area, which was the Sceon or Sheen in the medieval ages, was where Queen Elizabeth I spent her final days in her palace.

Harrow and Bexley are also top contenders for the safest boroughs in London.

Aberdeen, Scotland had the United Kingdom’s second-lowest crime rating for 2017, and these numbers continue to be low.

The crime rating is 34.52 with the Orkney Islands being another safe area in Scotland.

Another interesting figure is the crimes of dishonesty rating, and Aberdeen gets a score of 32.5, which is lower than the capital of Edinburgh with a rate of 38.4 crimes of dishonesty per 1,000 people.

As the hit song about the Galway girl suggests, there is plenty of pop and fun in Galway, Ireland.

But what about crime?

Well, you are also in luck because Galway ranks as the number one safest city in Ireland.

This is followed by Westport in County Mayo, Kinsale in County Cork , and Kenmare in County Kerry.

Overall, Ireland and its coastal villages and quintessential Irish towns are safe as long as you know how to avoid criminal activities.

5 Safety Tips for Traveling to the UK

Before you fly to the United Kingdom to visit any of the countries there, check the COVID-19 status.

You do not want to get to the UK only to be quarantined during your entire trip as a result of the pandemic.

Currently, there are negative COVID-19 test results and vaccinations required for the general public when traveling to the United Kingdom as a result of COVID-19.

The US Embassy is the place to go for coronavirus information.

When visiting the UK, travel to these countries in the tourist season.

This is from May to September when Great Britain, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland are all enjoying the summer.

This means you have better access to rooms at hotels and dining facilities.

In the off-season, lots of smaller villages will be shut down, especially in poor winter weather.

This means you will be left in an unsafe situation without resources.

Visit when there are plenty of other travelers for the best results in terms of personal safety.

Not sure what kind of money to take or get exchanged for here in the US for your UK trip?

Since Brexit, there is a general confusion about what to do when visiting the United Kingdom.

The pound sterling is the basic monetary unit for the UK and Great Britain.

If you are using Euros, you will need to get these exchanged as the UK does not participate in the European Union or uses the EU’s preferred form of currency.

The US dollar will not suffice, either, so make sure to get your money exchanged for a pound sterling when you arrive in the UK, or at your local bank in the US.

Want to avoid being the target of a would-be robber in the UK?

Stop wearing shiny metal or precious gemstones as jewelry.

Whenever you are traveling, you already stand out like a sore thumb.

If you add expensive jewels that flash in the sunlight, it is like you become a bird targeted by prey known as pickpockets.

Avoid wearing things that are shiny and flashy, to protect yourself when traveling abroad.

Leave your travel itinerary with a friend or colleague before you go.

Print off copies of your passport and driver’s license for them to have as a backup in case yours is stolen.

Consider all possibilities of what might go wrong while abroad, and you stand a better chance of preventing the unfortunate from happening.

READ THE FULL REPORT: United Kingdom Safety Review

OVERALL RISK: LOW
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Westminster is the most dangerous borough in London.

The next most dangerous are Kensington, Chelsea, and Camden.

Greater Manchester has the second-highest crime rate in the UK after Greater London.

This is a higher crime rate than in Wales and England.

However, Birmingham is considered the most unsafe city among the locals.

You can safely travel by yourself in the UK as long as you speak the predominant language of British English and have access to resources.

Additional Resources

2 Comments on 10 Safest Cities in The UK

The Loch Ness monster does not “live” in Edinburgh…

Loch Ness is about 150 miles away…

North Yorkshire is a county, the Shetland islands are, amazingly, islands, Richmond upon Thames is in London and Galway isn’t even in the UK. Nice research.

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10 Of The Safest Cities In The UK

Life varies greatly from one city (or country) to the next in the United Kingdom, meaning some places are safer than others.

The United Kingdom is truly a place unlike any other . From its beloved and extensive monarch history to some of Europe’s most renowned universities, the UK should definitely be a destination placed on your bucket list. Whether you're moving to the United Kingdom or just planning your next trip, feeling safe in your surroundings will allow you to enjoy your trip to some of the country’s most picturesque and welcoming towns.

RELATED: 10 Most Instagrammable Spots In Britain

There are currently 69 cities between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland combined, but only a few have been considered to be the safest above all the rest year after year.

10 Belfast, Northern Ireland

Dublin isn’t the only spirited Irish city that should be on your travel list. Unlike having one of the world’s oldest libraries, the United Kingdom’s largest urban park , and being the birthplace of Guinness stout beer that this Irish city is popular for, Belfast is known for its Games of Thrones sightings, its history with the invention of the infamous RMS Titanic ocean liner, and of course, its overall safety.

Despite its frantic civil issues stirred up from time to time in this Northern Irish town over the past few decades, among other popular large cities in Great Britain like Manchester or London, Belfast is by far one of the most peaceful and safest cities.

9 York, England

Recently voted among the friendliest city in the UK, York is home to many preserved medieval sights, including York Minster, one of northern England’s largest Gothic Cathedrals. Places known for their kind and welcoming locals are rarely known for their violent or petty crime statistics.

RELATED: 10 Etiquette Tips To Know Before Traveling To Great Britain

York’s most committed offense, which is still below the UK’s average, is antisocial behavior. These crimes range from verbal harassment and noise disturbance to public graffiti and littering. So, as a visitor, be sure to respect your neighbors and dispose of your trash responsibly.

8 Cambridge, England

Due to its breathtaking gardens and canals, Cambridge is by far one of England’s most picturesque cities. This eastern English metropolis is home to two of Great Britain’s most prestigious colleges: The University of Cambridge and St. John’s College. It is also one of the very few cities in the UK where you can take a relaxing boat ride to see the best parts of the city on the river.

Fortunately, crime is quite uncommon in this Gothic city. It should be no surprise that Cambridge’s safety statistics are far higher than its crime rates.

7 Southampton, England

Like Belfast, Southampton is home to many tourist attractions dedicated to the remembrance of the RMS Titanic. For vintage nautical history lovers or 90s movie buffs, this city’s nostalgic Titanic museum dedicated to the memory and victims of the historical vessel.

Though crime has increased in the last three years, Southampton’s statistics do not compare to that of its neighboring towns like Slough or London. Population plays a large role in this reasoning, as more than 7 million people reside in London, while Southampton only has 250,000 residents. Petty crime such as shoplifting happens near popular areas, but these offenses are rare.

6 Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is known for many of its historic castle, city center attractions, and – most recently – being home to the popular Harry Potter franchise’s Diagon Alley film location. This city has also been dubbed one of Great Britain's safest cities due to its low crime rates.

Like any city, Edinburgh experiences its fair share of petty crime like pickpockets. However, in comparison to bigger European cities with greater populations, petty crime is relatively uncommon. As you stroll the cobblestone streets of this charming Scottish town, besides finding great food, your overall safety will be one less thing to worry about during your stay.

5 Plymouth, England

Termed to locals as “Britain’s Ocean City,” Plymouth has the best of both worlds when it comes to what makes Great Britain so unique. If you’re looking for great food, limitless activities and fascinating local history surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and widespread coastlines, then Plymouth should be your next seasonal destination.

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Besides being the birthplace of the historical Mayflower vessel and the current base for the Royal Navy, this maritime town is known for its low crime records, its pet-friendly reputation and of course, its smaller tourism crowds compared to larger cities in the UK.

4 Aberdeen, Scotland

Aberdeen is a Scottish city unique in its own form but is similar to places like Edinburgh when it comes to its design and architecture. Though the city center is much like many towns in Great Britain - equipped with historical landmarks , public transportation, and tightly spaced building structures - Aberdeen doesn’t shy away from having deep valleys and majestic landscapes in its own backyard overlooking the North Sea on a rocky coastline.

The area is so majestic that it holds an array of hidden gems such as hiking trails to colossal castles, golf courses, and a few whiskey distilleries. On average, this town has meager crime statistics. Many of the crimes that happen here are also nonviolent.

3 Newcastle, England

Newcastle resembles London in many ways when it comes to great food, amazing tourist sights, corporate offices, and – unfortunately – congested traffic issues. However, the two cities differ greatly in local diversity and safety. Besides these differences between both skyline-famous cities, one way to tell them apart is by their crime statistics – specifically, types of crimes.

RELATED: 10 Of The UK’s Least Visited Cities You Should Travel To

Compared to London’s recent spike in theft and violent crime , this northeastern English town’s crime rates are extremely low. Keep in mind that Newcastle’s small population of around 270,000 residents plays a large role in its exceptionally low crime levels unlike densely populated cities in the UK and Europe.

2 Worcester, England

Worcester is similar to Newcastle when it comes to atmosphere, aesthetic, and low crime numbers. This small Medieval town located in the West Midlands region of England is known for its distinguished Worcester Porcelain kitchenware – and more importantly – its creation of the fermented, tangy condiment called Worcestershire Sauce.

Though famous for its staple steak topping and cooking sauce, Worcester, like many low-population cities, has been recognized as one of the safest places to live in the UK. Though crime numbers have slowly increased in the last three years , it still remains a fairly low-crime city with cordial locals and must-see tourist attractions.

1 Aberystwyth, Wales

Aberystwyth has been recognized as the safest city in the United Kingdom for the last few years. It also has also been ranked the friendliest place in the UK . With a population of fewer than 18,000 residents, this Welsh city has the lowest crime statistics on record as of this year.

The small Welsh town lies in between three massive hills and two beaches and is abundant in natural landscapes, which makes it a great summer vacation destination for both locals and tourists trying to avoid large crowds in the popular cities of the UK.

NEXT: 10 Of The Most Dangerous Cities In The United Kingdom

15 Absolute Best Cities to Visit in the UK (+Map & Travel Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 12, 2023

15 Absolute Best Cities to Visit in the UK (+Map & Travel Tips)

The United Kingdom’s rich and vibrant culture make its cities among the most fascinating to visit in the world. Whether you’re looking for stunning architecture, world-class museums, or the cool vibe of contemporary art and music, you’ll find it all in the best UK cities.

However, with so many great cities throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (the four countries of the UK) it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit in a limited amount of time.

So in this guide, we list the very best cities to visit in the UK that are worth your time the most . For each city, we include the main attractions that you simply must see. We also listed a few extras that are well worth visiting if you have enough time. For each town, we also indicate how much time you need for a visit.

Good to know: The great thing about visiting the UK is its small size and good transport links. This makes it quite easy to travel from one part of the country to another. Furthermore, quite a few of these cities can also be visited with organized tours from London (or other nearby towns). So if you plan well, you can visit several of these UK towns in one trip.

To help you plan your trip and see several of the nicest cities and towns in Great Britain, we asked our writer Christine, a UK local, to share the best places and tips for your visit. We also created a map indicating each town. That way, you have a better idea of where everything is and can plan your trip accordingly. Take a look!

How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

These are the most beautiful cities in the UK that are worth a visit the most:

London really has to be number one on any list of the best places in the UK! And there are so many reasons to visit the nation’s capital. Located on the banks of the River Thames, London is the country’s financial center, the seat of the Government of the United Kingdom, and home to the Royal Family.

All of this is reflected in its magnificent and historic architecture and a huge variety of things to see and do.

The diversity of London’s population is evident in its wonderful food scene. From traditional British food in local pubs, the finest cuisine in world-famous restaurants, to the ethnic street food in its many markets, London has it all. London also offers some of the very best shopping in the world. You’ll find designer stores, vintage boutiques, eclectic craft fairs, and quirky markets all over the city.

If you want to escape the bustling streets, museums, and galleries, London has some very beautiful and tranquil green spaces too. Don’t miss the scenic Hyde Park! If you have more time, visit the lesser-known Kew Gardens, with its stunning collection of tropical flora and fauna. London is truly a city that offers something for everyone.

Must see: The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace (don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ), Westminster (including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament), Tower Bridge, the London Eye , the British Museum, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square (home to Nelson’s Column), and Piccadilly Circus. Thames Cruise is also a must.

Nice to see: Greenwich , Hyde Park, Covent Garden, Kew Gardens, Borough Market, Camden Town & Camden Lock Market , National Gallery, Harrods, and Oxford Street. If you are visiting London with kids , don’t miss Madame Tussauds , the Natural History Museum, Leicester Square stores, and the Royal Mews. Also, don’t miss at least some of the best views in London !

How much time do you need. You can quickly see the major sites with just one day in London . However, if you want to be able to visit a few places inside and get a good feeling of the city you really need two days in London . To fully appreciate all of London’s major sights, visit a few of them inside, and check out a few different neighborhoods, you will need at least 3 to 4 days.

If you want to experience the diversity of attractions across the city, discover some of London’s hidden gems , or take a day tour to Windsor Castle or a day trip to other popular places near London , you can easily spend a week or even more.

Where to stay: Best areas to stay in London for first time .

Travel tips: Please see London travel tips for more information for planning your trip.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in London (Must-See!)

2. Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh is truly a tale of two cities! It has a New Town – packed with modern shops and trendy eateries – on one side, and a historic Old Town on the other.

The imposing Edinburgh Castle – one of Europe’s oldest fortified places – overlooks the entire city. Surrounding it are rolling green hills which often draw a comparison with Rome. Indeed Italy’s capital, like Edinburgh, was said to have been built on seven hills. Its neoclassical architecture, along with its reputation for philosophy and learning, have earned Edinburgh the nickname of the ‘Athens of the North’.

Edinburgh has a rich history, awesome views, incredible green spaces, and several world-class museums and galleries. In contrast, it also has an intriguingly dark past that you can learn more about by exploring its creepy kirkyards (churchyards) and a fascinating underground street that shows you just what life used to be like in the city.

Scotland’s capital is also known for its many festivals, including the world-famous Hogmanay at New Year.

Edinburgh - one of the most beautiful cities in the UK

Must see: Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat (for the views), the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, National Museum of Scotland, and Royal Yacht Britannia.

Nice to see: Royal Botanic Gardens, St Giles’ Cathedral, Princes Street Gardens, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions (nice views of the city), Scottish National Gallery, The Real Mary King’s Close.

How much time do you need. Given the city’s relatively small size, it’s possible to see the main sights of Edinburgh in 1 day , but it would be quite a rush. We recommend 2-3 days to take in and fully appreciate everything the city has to offer.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

3. Cambridge

Cambridge is probably best known for its University (the world’s 4th oldest surviving university). Which is home to more winners of the Nobel prize than any other university in the UK.

Cambridge is also a beautiful town, with lots of well-preserved historic buildings that are mostly centered around its 31 (!) colleges. Cambridge has some world-famous Alumni too. 14 British Prime Ministers studied here, world-famous physicist Stephen Hawking, and many others who have made a real impact on the world.

A must-do in Cambridge is taking a punt tour along the beautiful River Cam. Punt is a traditional flat bottomed boat and a very typical thing to do here. The river runs through the heart of the city offering great views of the ancient architecture of the city.

Being a student town, this medieval city still has a very modern vibe too. So there’s plenty of music, festivals, and a strong performing arts scene. There are several art galleries exhibiting everything from the classics to contemporary works. And you’ll find some lovely, quirky shops to buy souvenirs.

Must see: King’s College Chapel, Queen’s College and the Mathematical Bridge (built without nails), Trinity College (and other collages if you have more time), Fitzwilliam Museum, Great St Mary’s Church (climb to the top of the tower for incredible city views), the River Cam and punting tours .

Nice to see: The Botanic Garden, Angelsey Abbey, Wren Library (the Trinity College Library where you can see Newton’s “Principia Mathematica”; it’s only open between noon and 2 pm on weekdays, and Saturday morning), the Round Church, the Bridge of Sighs, The Backs (behind the colleges).

How much time do you need. You can see much of Cambridge within one full day, and it’s also possible to visit with a tour from the capital . But to give yourself time to browse the main museum and to go punting along the River Cam, it’s worth planning two days for your visit.

Of all the cities in the UK, the wonderful, walled city of York boasts the most attractions per square mile. Although it has all the modern shops and amenities you’d expect from a major UK city, the main appeal of York is in fascinating history.

As you wander the cobbled, medieval streets – some with beautifully preserved buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries – you can also see hints of its Roman roots and signs of Viking influence.

Among its many attractions, York has 30 museums, the UK’s best racecourse, and festivals on an almost monthly basis.

The city’s Cathedral – York Minster – is one of the largest in Europe. You can enjoy some incredible views of the city from the top. You can also view the city from the water by taking a boat trip along River Ouse or on Foss River. Another fun thing to do is learn about the history of chocolate-making at the place where the famous UK confectioners Terry’s and Rowntree were founded.

Must see: York Minster (formally known as the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York), the 14th century City Walls (you can walk along the top), National Railway Museum, the Shambles (one of the world’s best-preserved medieval streets), views along the River Ouse and river cruises .

Nice to see: York Maze, York Castle Museum, Castle Howard, York’s Chocolate Story, Clifford’s Tower (great views), York Racecourse.

How much time do you need. You can see the highlights of York in a day, but we recommend 2 full days to see things at a more leisurely pace. If you want to also explore the Yorkshire region, plan a few days extra. See the best suggestions for places to see via the link below.

8. Liverpool

Liverpool’s main claim to fame is as the birthplace of the Beatles. If you’re a fan, it’s a great place to visit the city where the band started and drew their inspiration. But there’s so much more to this city that makes it a fantastic place for anyone!

Liverpool is located on the River Mersey. One of the nicest things to do is walk around the docks, which are teeming with cool boutiques, fantastic eateries, and lively bars. The streets of the modern city center are filled with shoppers and street entertainers. But there is lots of history and culture to explore too, with more museums and galleries than you’ll find anywhere else outside London.

Liverpool really comes alive at night! So make sure to stay the night. Dine at one of the many fine restaurants, ending the evening with live music at the iconic Cavern Club. This is the venue at which the Beatles performed nearly 300 times.

READ ALSO: The Beatles in Liverpool (Best Places to See)

Must see: The Cavern Club, the Beatles Story , the Royal Albert Dock, World Museum, Liverpool Cathedral, Mersey River Cruises .

Nice to see: Tate Liverpool, Anfield Stadium , Sefton Park, Western Approaches WWII Museum , Liverpool Library, British Music Experience , Museum of Liverpool, Strawberry Field , and the views from Royal Liver Building 360 .

How much time do you need. You will need 1-2 days to see Liverpool’s main sights. If you are a Beatles fan and want to be sure to see all the Beatles-related exhibitions and tours, then you may even need 3 days in the city.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Liverpool & How to visit Liverpool from London (travel info & 1-day itinerary)

Oxford is best known for its university which was established in the 12th century. It’s one of the oldest and most famous universities in the world, and so many of the city’s attractions are related to it.

There are 38 separate college buildings and their architecture is incredible! You should definitely see the Christ Church with its impressive Hall (Harry Potter fans will instantly recognize it!) and Cathedral. The gardens of this cathedral are said to have inspired Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

This beautiful English city was also used as a filming location for some scenes in the Harry Potter movies. While you can probably spot a few of them on your own, fans should really consider a walking tour of the filming locations .

Oxford also has a few interesting museums, a nice riverside ( sightseeing cruises are available), and even its own ‘Bridge of Sighs’, Hertford Bridge. It connects two parts of Hertford College allowing students and professors to quicker travel between different parts of the university.

Oxford - one of the nicest towns in the UK

Must see: Oxford University with the Bodleian Library and some of the oldest colleges (Christ Church College, All Souls College, Magdalen College, Keble College), Radcliffe Camera, Ashmolean Museum, and Hertford Bridge.

Nice to see: Oxford University Museum of Natural History, University Church, Sheldonian Theater, Oxford Castle and Prison, The Pett Rivers Museum. Boat trips are also nice to do, especially in the warmest months.

How much time do you need. You can see many of the main landmarks in Oxford in half a day to a day. With two days, you should be able to cover most of the best attractions in Oxford.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Tips for Traveling to Europe

The Hall at Oxford Christ Church College.

10. Cardiff

The Welsh capital, Cardiff is quite small in size. It only takes about 15 minutes to cycle from one side to the other. But it has a lot to offer its visitors! With a 2000-year-old castle and more green space per capita than any other UK city, it offers lots of opportunities for scenic strolls. Make sure to explore the banks of the River Taff which runs through its beautiful Bute Park.

Just outside the city center is Cardiff Bay. Here, you can visit the seat of the Welsh Government or enjoy everything from cultural attractions to boat trips. Cardiff is a quirky, vibrant, and creative city with numerous music and arts venues and an up and coming culinary scene.

Cardiff is also known to sports fans for its world-famous stadium, the home of Welsh rugby, and the venue for Britain’s Speedway Grand Prix. You can enjoy a meal and a drink at a sports bar and restaurant Elevens Bar And Grill, which is owned by professional footballer Gareth Bale.

Cardiff Wales - one of the best cities in the UK

Must see: Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay, Principality Stadium, St Fagans National Museum of History, National Museum, Wales Millenium Centre.

Nice to see: Bute Park, Roath Park, Castell Coch, Cardiff International White Water Centre, the Senedd (the main building for the National Assembly of Wales), Spillers Records (the oldest record shop in the world). Doctor Who tours (popular TV series filming locations) are also very popular.

How much time do you need. Because of Cardiff’s compact size, you can see the best of its attractions in 1-2 days. But there is much worth exploring on its outskirts. So you might want to give yourself an extra day to venture outside the city center.

Pierhead and Wales Millennium Centre at Cardiff pier

11. Nottingham

Nottingham is another really nice city that’s worth your time when touring the UK! This city’s imposing, wide streets and scenic parks have earned it the nickname of the ‘Queen of the Midlands’. However, to most of us, Nottingham will always be the home of the legendary outlaw Robin Hood!

Boasting its own castle, a magnificent cathedral, a network of underground caves, and the vibrant Lace Market – teeming with independent cafes, restaurants, and bars – Nottingham is a city with something for everyone.

Yet just minutes away from its center you can enjoy the serenity and beauty of its green spaces. You can also venture a little further into the enormous Sherwood Forest, home to Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

Must see: Nottingham Castle , Wollaton Hall and Park, City of Caves, Old Market Square (Slab Square), Robin Hood Way & the Sherwood Forest.

Nice to see: National Justice Museum, the Arboretum, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (believed to be England’s oldest pub), Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery, Highfields Park, D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum.

How much time do you need. You can see most of Nottingham’s main sights in one full day. For a more relaxed experience (especially if you plan to include a trip out to Sherwood Forest), plan two days for your visit.

Nottingham Old Market Square and City Council

12. Manchester

Probably best known for its Premier League football teams, Manchester has a lot more going on than football! Located in the northwest of England, the city has a rich industrial past, but nowadays, you’ll find a vibrant place where history and modern-day life go hand in hand.

Manchester is a lively city with a warm atmosphere and plenty to see and do to suit all interests. You’ll find some world-class museums, beautiful architecture, great dining and shopping, and lots of fun activities for young and old.

Be sure to explore the city center and visit some of its historic landmarks! Manchester Cathedral is an absolute must-see, just as John Rylands Library. For contemporary architecture, head to the Quays, where you’ll find the impressive Imperial War Museum North and The Lowry cultural center. River cruises are a great way to explore this part of town as well!

It would be unthinkable to visit Manchester and not check out at least one of its major football stadiums – Old Trafford, home to Manchester United F.C. or Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester City F.C. In addition, the city is also home to the National Football Museum, the largest football museum in the world.

Must see: City center, Manchester Cathedral, one of the football stadiums , John Rylands Library, and Science and Industry Museum.

Nice to see: National Football Museum , Imperial War Museum North, Salford Quays, river cruises , People’s History Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, and Castlefield conservation area.

How much time do you need. It’s possible to see the main sights of Manchester in a day , but you won’t be able to explore much deeper. If you want to visit a few museums and do some shopping as well, you could easily spend 2-3 days here.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Manchester

Manchester Castlefield conservation area

13. Norwich

Norwich is a historic city in the heart of rural East Anglia. It was medieval England’s largest walled town. Because of its isolated location, Norwich was virtually bypassed by the Industrial Revolution. So the town has retained many of its medieval Churches and Tudor architecture. All this makes it a truly fascinating place to visit!

A UNESCO City of Literature, Norwich is also the only city in England to be located in a national park (the Norfolk Broads). It boasts a beautiful nature reserve with a river running through the city and an impressive Romanesque cathedral with scenic, peaceful grounds.

Thatched buildings and brightly colored merchant’s houses are just some of the historic sights that give the city its unique and ancient character. You’ll also find cozy pubs dotted everywhere, serving the finest craft beers and ales.

Must see: Norwich Cathedral, Norwich Castle, Norwich Market. Norwich Quayside. Outside the city – Blickling Estate.

Nice to see: The Forum, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Plantation Garden, Strangers Hall, City of Norwich Aviation Museum, Norwich Guildhall.

How much time do you need. You can see the main sights of Norwich in one day.

14. Bristol

Bristol in the southwest of England is one of the country’s coolest cities. The home town of famed UK street artist Banksy has a strong reputation for creativity. Ultra-modern museums and trendy restaurants make it a fun and lively place to visit, particularly around the port and harbor area which is full of bars and cafes.

But the city has an interesting history, too, with stunning ancient churches, a cathedral, and galleries. Perhaps most fascinating of all is Bristol’s seafaring links. It was the birthplace of the notorious pirate Blackbeard and inspired parts of the famous maritime novels Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe.

There are some lovely green spaces to explore in the city. Or you can choose to get away from the crowds by taking a boat trip along the River Avon. from the water, you can admire the unusually brightly colored buildings and houses that overlook it.

Statue of Ram Mohan Roy and Bristol Cathedral in the UK

Must see: Bristol Cathedral, Waterfront, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Clifton Suspension Bridge (looks great at night too), SS Great Britain, Brandon Hill Park & Cabot Tower (great views from the top).

Nice to see: St Mary Redcliffe church, Bristol Zoo Gardens (the 5th oldest zoo in the world), At-Bristol Science Centre, Queen Square. Also, Avon Valley Railway and Blaise Castle Estate (outside the city).

How much time do you need. Bristol is a relatively small city but has lots to see and do. You can cover the highlights in a day, but you need at least 2 days to enjoy it properly.

15. Brighton

The coastal city of Brighton is one of the UK’s most diverse places to visit. It offers everything from vintage seaside attractions to Bohemian markets and Victorian architecture. The city has Britain’s biggest gay scene and some of the best independent shops and boutiques, largely concentrated around the iconic Lanes.

Its pier – packed with rides and entertainment – is one of the biggest attractions in the southeast of England. Brighton even has an exotic palace, Royal Pavilion, that would look more at home in India or China than on the UK’s south coast!

Brighton is also a great UK city for foodies. You’ll find everything from traditional British fish & chips to the finest cuisine at gourmet restaurants. There are lots of bars and eateries lining the pebbled beach, which immediately gives you a vacation feel.

You are never far away from the raw beauty of nature either. Brighton is perfectly positioned to enjoy stunning walks along the England Coast Path. Be sure to visit the white cliffs of Seven Sisters and South Downs nearby!

Must see: Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton Royal Pavilion and Gardens, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, British Airways i360 Viewing Tower, The Lanes, North Laine.

Nice to see: Regency Square, Brighton Marina, Brighton Toy and Model Museum, Brighton Beach and Promenade, Old Steine Gardens, Brighton Festival (3 weeks every May).

How much time do you need. You will definitely need at least 3 days in Brighton. There is so much to do in Brighton that you could easily spend 5 days in the city, especially in summer.

So, this is our guide to the best, most beautiful cities in the UK.

As you can see, there’s so much more to the UK than just its cities! But even if you visit just a few of these, you’ll get to know a very different country than just by visiting London!

TIP: If you are looking for a more ‘local’ city/ beach holiday in the UK, check out Blackpool . It’s one of the most popular seaside resorts in the UK! Here you can learn all about what there is to see and do in Blackpool . Check it out!

More travel tips and inspiration for all over the UK:

Must-see in London: Top London Attractions
Different London : Hidden Gems of London & Best Views in London
Good to know: London Travel Tips & Best Areas to Stay in London
With kids: London with Kids & Family Afternoon Tea in London
Greenwich: Best Things to Do in Greenwich
Cornwall: Best Places to Visit in Cornwall & Where to Stay in Cornwall
Yorkshire: Yorkshire Day Trips
Blackpool: Best Things to Do in Blackpool & Tips for Visiting Blackpool & Best Day Trips from Blackpool
Scotland: Isle of Skye & Scotland Whisky Tour
Edinburgh: Top Edinburgh Attractions & One Day in Edinburgh
Glasgow: One Day in Glasgow

READ ALSO: Traditional British Food & Where to Try It in the UK

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Photos: Personal collection and Depositphotos.com. Additional credits: Featured image: TTstudio/Shutterstock.com// Cardiff Bay – photo by phil_bird/Depositphotos.com// Belfast Titanic – photo by zhuzhu/Depositphotos.com// Beatles – gianliguori/Depositphotos.com// Cambridge Bridge of Sighs – chrisdorney/Depositphotos.com// Cambridge University – Umdash9/Depositphotos.com// Manchester Castlefield – cowardlion /Depositphotos.com//.

Best cities to visit in the United Kingdom

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Thursday 21st of September 2023

Go to Southampton if you want to see nice cruiseships and the New Forest is very close too.

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

Thank you for sharing useful information ...

Saturday 5th of August 2023

Glad to help. Have a great trip!

Saturday 11th of February 2023

I can't believe Birmingham is not on the list, it's the most underrated city in the UK, perhaps it's because once the heart of the Indudtrial Revolution the slums of back to back houses were there until the 1970's, and its maze of run down underground canals. Most canals have now been restored with many nice bars and restaurants on the side of the canals, in and outside the City. It's a compact City Centre that is easy to walk around. The Art Gallery is one of the best I have ever been in, and each time I'm in the City I can't resist going in there, and it is free to go around, unlike in Venice where you have to pay and is nowhere near as interesting as Brums Art Gallery. For those who like to shop it is a City Centre renown for its Bull Ring Shopping Centre. Eating and enjoying Asian food, there is no-where better in Europe. But go and see the City for yourself. The only thing is traveling into the City by train looks awful, but don't judge the book by its cover. Brum has everything, and is a multi cultural City. I live in Spain these days but my heart is in Birmingham, and it's surroundings Remember Stratford upon Avon is only 20 miles away. 👍👍

Sunday 12th of February 2023

Thanks for your suggestions and tips. I'm sure it can be helpful for some of our readers who are looking for even more cities to explore in the UK. Happy travels!

Jessica Fletcher

Sunday 22nd of January 2023

London does not belong on any list of good cities, end of story. Miserable people, ugly buildings, expensive, nothing worthwhile to see except contrived tourist fodder and obscene wealth. One of the worst cities I've ever been to and I've been to most of the major towns and cities in the UK. Otherwise a great list! Glasgow is one that surprised me a lot, considering its bad reputation but it was surprisingly beautiful and the people were very friendly and down to Earth.

@Jessica Fletcher, Jessica you need to use the underground and look around different parts of the City. London is steeped in history and has something for all tastes..Dont be put off by being expensive. There are a lot of reasonably priced places just be adventurous and seek them out. Including places to stay.

Friday 10th of February 2023

@Jurga, now you know second person 😅 as I just hate London, anytime I have to go there it is a nightmare for me.

Monday 23rd of January 2023

Wow, that's a strong opinion about London, Jessica. You are literally the first person I ever 'met' who doesn't like London. I guess that just proves that everyone is different and likes different things. And that's ok. We all have our experiences and our opinions. For us, London is one of the most interesting cities in the world. No matter how many times we go back, there's always something new and exciting to discover, and so many amazing places everywhere you look. Perhaps you should give London a second chance and look beyond the main tourist attractions... We have a 'hidden gems' guide with some suggestions ;). Happy travels!

Friday 13th of January 2023

cardiff and Oxford do not deserve to be in that list, no where near as good as the others!

Sunday 15th of January 2023

Ha ha, we literally just added Oxford to this list because quite a few people thought it deserved a mention. :) And many of our American readers absolutely love it as a day trip from London too. I guess everybody has their own opinion and I'm sure our readers can make their own decisions on which places look the most interesting to them. Happy travels!

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The best cities in the UK: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

By Condé Nast Traveller

The survey for the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards is open, vote now for your favourite places, hotels, airports, cruise lines, travel fixers and more.

What's your favourite city in the UK? In 2023, we asked our readers just that – and your responses rank the top 10 of the UK's 51 cities in some surprising ways. There are cities from all four devolved nations represented in this list, with a new city in the top spot and two new additions of Brighton and Dundee.

Our annual Reader's Choice Awards are the biggest and most influential in the business, shining a light on the best places around the world. In collaboration with our sister title in the USA, we can now reveal the urban destinations that scored the highest marks when it comes to nightlife, restaurants and friendliness. For more inspiration, see our pick of the best places to visit in the UK .

These are the best cities in the UK, according to the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards . The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.

Two empty but colorful deckchairs sit on Brighton beach looking out to sea and Brighton's pleasure pier in the the...

10. Brighton. Score 80.22

This bohemian beach city has it all: a wealth of enticing restaurants , one of the UK's best LGBTQ+ scenes and – most importantly for any seaside destination – truly excellent fish and chips .

Where to stay: Bed down in elegant Regency Square in rooms filled with beautiful artworks at Artist Residence . Or opt for this sweet Airbnb in the historic Lanes . See more hotels in Brighton .

View of Dundee and the Tay railway bridge across the Tay River.

9. Dundee. Score 81.11

With its large-scale waterfront regeneration, including the architecturally impressive V&A Museum, Dundee is a thriving cultural hotspot.

Where to stay: Set in a former textile mill, Hotel Indigo has industrial interiors, a buzzy bar and is well located for exploring.

8. Belfast. Score 83.07

The Northern Irish capital is famous for being birthplace to the RMS Titanic – but also for its vibrant culture and art scene and welcoming locals, set against a backdrop of handsome cobbled streets and dapper Edwardian buildings. Check out our local's guide to Belfast to find out more.

Where to stay: At The Harrison , set in Victorian merchants' residences, given a colourful, light-hearted makeover. The hotel is close to some of the city's best cultural highlights, too. For more ideas, read our guide to the best hotels in Belfast .

7. Glasgow. Score 83.27

This buzzy Scottish city has made the list for the sixth year in a row. Read our feature on the best things to do in Glasgow to find out why, or tap into the Glaswegian food scene .

Where to stay: See our round-up of the best Airbnbs in Glasgow from which to base yourself – including this handsome studio in a classic townhouse that sleeps two.

6. Liverpool. Score 83.29

Liverpool comes in sixth place on our list this year, up a spot from last year. The once-gritty city is now a capital of cool, where vintage shops, art galleries and art venues inject a creative atmosphere into the streets – see our guide to things to do in Liverpool for ideas on how to spend a visit here.

Where to stay:

Book a room at Titanic Hotel Liverpool , converted from a soaring, cavernous former warehouse.

5. Cambridge. Score 84.16

History is woven into the medieval lanes and cloistered colleges of this free-wheeling university town. But now a perky batch of new arrivals are adding cocktail and coffee culture to the equation. Before your visit, see our pick of the best things to do in Cambridge .

Where to stay: The smartest choice in town is The University Arms , a coaching inn that’s been artfully reimagined.

4. Manchester. Score 85.36

Vibrant Manchester is packed with excellent chefs, music and culture. Grand libraries, street art, record shops and galleries are among the best things to do in the city , while excellent restaurants in Manchester range from Korean cooking to donut shops via Spanish, Italian, Vietnamese and Indian cuisine. There's a thriving LGBTQ+ scene in Manchester , too.

Where to stay: Whitworth Locke comprises apartments painted in dreamy pastels in an old cotton mill. See more of the best hotels in Manchester .

3. Edinburgh. Score 86.38

Edinburgh, famed for its festival and varied architecture, has come third in our list of the best cities in the UK. For first-time visitors, see our Edinburgh travel guide and the best things to do in the Scottish capital . In the last few years the city has developed into a foodie hotspot – these are the best restaurants in Edinburgh .

Where to stay: Gleneagles Townhouse is the most exciting newcomer on the scene. For a private stay, this loft Airbnb overlooks the city's most famous street. For more options, see our pick of the best Edinburgh hotels and the best Airbnbs in Edinburgh .

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2. London. Score 86.44

London is not just a major city but a thriving hub of 32 boroughs, each with their own, distinct character, from hip Dalston to colourful Notting Hill and buzzing Soho . Stay up to date with the latest happenings via our weekly roundup of the best things to do in London this weekend , as well as our list of the best restaurants in London (even better, sign up to our weekly newsletter on London's hottest restaurants right now too).

Where to stay: For something smart and classic, you can't get much better than Claridge's , in splashy Mayfair . For a cooler, more casual stay, look further East to One Hundred Shoreditch , which boasts a gorgeous rooftop bar. For more, see our edit of the best London hotels .

1. Cardiff. Score 86.84

The playful Welsh capital takes the top spot for 2023 with its exciting independent restaurants, buzzy bars and up-and-coming neighbourhoods. Take a bite into the cool food scene and discover the unmissable places to visit with our guide to the best things to do in Cardiff .

Where to stay: Take over an Airbnb in the city to live like a local and explore the Welsh capital at your own pace.

Safest cities in the UK for international students

Living in the safest cities in the UK brings more than just a feeling of security. We can study better, travel more, go out often and more — everything to make the most of our time in one of the greatest countries in the world.

In 2021-22, the crime rate in the UK was 79.52 per 1,000 people, according to CrimeRate, a data analysis and GIS project dedicated to uncovering crime trends in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

While this figure may seem like a lot, these could include crimes that do not affect your safety. All universities in the UK would likely have safety features such as round-the-clock security to CCTV surveillance as well.

But there are some cities that are considered safer than others. Bear in mind that “safety” here isn’t just about how likely you are to be a victim of violent crime. Studying in the safest cities in the UK also means getting better healthcare or fewer risks of getting hacked online.

Here is a list of the four safest cities in the UK for international students to live and study:

The crime rate in the UK was 79.52 per 1,000 people in 2021–22. Source: Stephane De Sakutin / AFP

1. Liverpool, England

The maritime city of Liverpool is filled with history and culture. As the home of the famous band, The Beatles, the city’s art and music scenes are still booming, and there’s always plenty to do.

The city is also home to one of the top public universities in the UK and the world. The University of Liverpool ranked 146th in the list of Best Global Universities.

Though previously receiving a bad reputation in terms of safety, Liverpool has improved and proven to be one of the safest cities in the UK in recent years.

With over 35,000 CCTV cameras installed, the most of any major UK city, the scale of surveillance ensures that many criminals are deterred.

Liverpool’s crime rate is also low, with just over 59,000 reported annually , compared to the UK’s average of 71,000 .

2. Bath, England

Located in Somerset, England, Bath is one of the most popular cities in the UK. Filled with rich British history to be explored, it is a popular tourist destination.

The large city is best known for the ancient Roman Baths that in 1987 were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Royal architecture, scenic parks and a vibrant array of cafes and bars add to the city’s charm.

Bath has been ranked as Somerset’s safest city with a crime rate that is lower than the county of Somerset in the southwest as a whole.

Although the city is not exempt from crime, Bath has a low crime rate, equivalent to just 780 per 100,000 when taking into account burglary, robbery, and violent crimes.

Edinburgh is the second most populated city in Scotland and one of the safest cities in the UK. Source: Lesley Martin / AFP

3. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburg, the capital of Scotland and one of the largest cities in the UK, is better known as the city where the Harry Potter books were written.

It is a wonderful city, full of great life and excitement, and is widely regarded as one of Britain’s most welcoming places. The second largest city in Scotland after Glasgow, Edinburgh currently has a population of 548,000 .

Three universities call this city home : Edinburgh Napier University, University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University.

In Edinburgh, only 16% of residents say they have ever experienced crime and 90% say they are perfectly happy.

4. Plymouth, England

Located in the South West of England is the city of Plymouth. Known as one of England’s ocean cities, Plymouth has been a centre of shipping for centuries. Originally for the transport of trade and commercial shipping, today it is used as a base for the Royal Navy.

With a population of 241,484, the city is the 30th most populated area in the UK and the second-largest city in the South West after Bristol.

It is home to five universities: the University of Plymouth, City College Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth, Plymouth Marjon University and Plymouth University International College.

In 2022, Plymouth has once again been named one of the safest cities in the UK to enjoy a night out in a pub or club . The Purple Flag accreditation assesses the way the city’s evening-and-night-time economy (ENTE) is managed. It previously won in 2020.

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These are the 15 safest cities in Britain

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Birmingham has some of the friendliest citizens in the UK

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Generally Brits are lucky to live in a very safe society, where they can feel safe and secure wherever they choose to live. However some places in the UK are obviously safer than others. But where in Britain do people feel the safest?

As part of it's “Unbroken Britain” survey — a look into how friendly, welcoming, and polite Britain's cities are — personal finance firm Provident Personal Credit took a look at which British cities are the safest.

Provident asked thousands of people in cities across the UK to rate how safe their hometown is. The responses were tallied, and each city was given a score out of 10, with one being the worst possible score.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, London didn't score highly when it comes to safety, but some of the UK's biggest cities did end up close to the top of the list. Check out Britain's safest cities below.

15. Liverpool — 7.1. Famous for the Beatles and football, Liverpool is also one of the safest places in the UK. Liverpudlians aren't massively invested in the city from a personal perspective. Just 23% said that they get “involved with activities” in their communities

14 (joint). Chelmsford — 7.18. Essex's county town is one of the safest in Britain according to Provident. The latest statistics show that there were 928 crimes in the city in June.

14 (joint). Swansea — 7.18. UK Crime Stats says there were just 1,850 crimes in the city during June this year. Around 20% of those crimes involved anti-social behaviour.

14 (joint). Norwich — 7.18. The East Anglian city of Norwich is the safest in the region, with Provident's survey showing that 31% of people feel so safe that they'd happily open their home to neighbours for drinks and dinner.

11. Brighton and Hove — 7.19. Just over an hour from London, Brighton is not just a popular commuter town, its also incredibly safe. There were 2,891 crimes in a population of over 280,000 in June this year.

10. Edinburgh — 7.21. The Scottish capital ranked as the second safest city in the country, according to Provident. More than three quarters of residents are happy to greet strangers in the street, the survey said.

9. Oxford — 7.26. Famous for its world class university, Oxford experienced 1,381 crimes in June this year, including 130 people getting their bikes stolen.

8. Birmingham — 7.27. England's second city has some of the friendliest citizens in the UK, with 81% of people saying that they greet people in the street. The city's population of just over one million witnesses between 8,000 and 9,000 crimes per month.

7. Belfast — 7.33. The Northern Irish capital is ranked as the safest city in the country by Provident. That stokes a lot of local pride, with around a third of citizens saying they're proud to hail from the city.

6. York — 7.38. York has a population of around 200,000 people, and attracts around 1,500 crimes per month, with the vast majority of them being related to anti-social behaviour.

5. Plymouth — 7.41. Plymouth is the largest city in the county of Devon, and the safest big city in south west England.

4. Aberdeen — 7.51. Aberdeen takes the crown as the safest city in Scotland, according to Provident. More than half of people surveyed also said that they frequently use local amenities in the city.

3. Wrexham — 7.6. Wrexham may be the third safest city in the UK, but it only ranks as the second safest in Wales, with a score of 7.6, far lower than the top city.

2. Worcester — 7.63. Worcester is the safest city in England, according to Provident. In June this year there were 1,305 crimes in the city, including only seven robberies.

1. Aberystwyth — 8.3. Aberystwyth takes the top spot as Britain's safest city, according to Provident. Residents are also the most likely of any in Britain to say hello to strangers in the street. A massive 89% do this frequently.

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The Safest Places to Visit in the UK

Let's be honest, most countries around the world have places to avoid, due to dangers and crime.

For example a city like Rio de Janeiro might be one of the most beautiful in the world, but wandering through the favelas late at night isn't recommended. And some countries really are either best avoided all together or best seen on an organised tour due to the threat of violence and even terrorism in certain locations.

The UK, although very safe by world crime standards still has problem hotspots with some parts of towns and cities best being avoided.

If you are going to be visiting the United Kingdom from overseas for the first time the chances are nothing bad will happen, especially as you will likely to be visiting very touristy areas. But there are some important things to know before departing, including buying travel insurance is essential.

For Brits, with domestic holidays are all the rage at the moment, with international travel having been made a little more expensive, and a little trickier to organise, in the aftermath of Brexit, it is vital to note that domestic travel isn’t without its own pitfalls. Not all destinations are altogether safe to travel to, whether with regard to crime rates or risk of injury.

If you are travelling solo, or even with friends or your family, a safety-first approach is best, but what are the the best to visit in this regard?

View our list of popular destinations where crime rates and risks are very low.

Located in the southwest of England, Bath is a historic and picturesque city renowned for its Roman-built baths, stunning Georgian architecture, and rich cultural heritage.

Bath is a popular with both domestic and international tourists, and it is one of the easiest day trips from London .

A university city, Bath has a quiet and relaxed atmosphere as well as historic importance in its appeal. Its Roman baths are worth the visit alone, and the low risk of both crime and road traffic injury makes travel around the city a relative breeze.

Must see places include:

1. Roman Baths: Start your visit with a trip to the Roman Baths, one of the city's most iconic attractions. Explore the well-preserved Roman bathing and socializing complex, complete with ancient pools and artefacts.

2. Bath Abbey: Adjacent to the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Take a tour or attend a service to appreciate the intricate stained glass windows and interior design.

3. The Royal Crescent: A short walk from the city centre, the Royal Crescent is a row of 30 terraced houses that form a graceful crescent shape. It's an iconic example of Georgian architecture and a great spot for photos.

2. St. Ives

Cornwall is a gorgeous place to visit in the UK especially during summer. St. Ives is the jewel in the crown, being a seaside destination that merges inland rural tranquillity with breezy coastal congeniality.

It is about as picturesque a town as you can imagine, and a real tourist draw for a number of reasons. For one, its beaches are surf heaven for water sports folk, while its art scene is peerless in the southwest.

Speaking of which, art enthusiasts should consider visiting the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, dedicated to the renowned sculptor's life and work. It is also a remarkably safe historic town, with quiet streets and friendly locals to ensure your visit is nothing but pleasant.

3. Edinburgh

Are you keen to visit Scotland?

This country renowned for its spectacular nature and culturally rich cities alike – but many avoid urban adventures in Scotland, largely due to the poor reputation given by unrepresentative tabloid articles on cities like Glasgow from crime to nightlife. Far from what you might had read in certain sections of the media, Scotland’s capital Edinburgh is one of the safest cities in the UK.

What you might not have considered though is the fact that safety when travelling can mean much more than just crime. There are so many different types of holidays available in Scotand, and if you venture out of Edinburgh you might want to go walking, hiking or even skiing in winter.

The risk on these types of holidays can really increases, from essential concerns like public health and safety to even the quality of local medical care, and the possibility of medical negligence in seeking treatment .

Edinburgh presents little to no risk in any adventure sports regards, but it is still wise to be vigilant at night especially around new years eve and the famous Hogmany celebrations with thousands of drunk people in the streets.

4. York, England

South of the Scottish border, in amongst the hills and dales of North Yorkshire, York resides.

York is a Roman walled city with Viking history, and one of the most picturesque cities you could hope to visit – or, at least, tied with Bath. As well as historical marvels like the city walls themselves, the York Minster and the artefacts held within the Jorvik Viking Centre, York is also home to modern cultural marvels such as the Shambles (J. K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books).

Visiting York, UK, is like stepping back in time, as this historic city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, rich history, and charming atmosphere.

Have you ever been anywhere you wish you avoided in the UK? Or what places do you consider to be very safe? Let us know.

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Yurt at Home Farm Glamping in Hertfordshire, UK

Beautiful places, safe spaces: the best UK holidays this summer

Hotels, campsites – and campervan rentals – are planning to reopen on 4 July. Here’s our pick of scenic staycations away from the crowds

A summer holiday abroad still looks like a distant possibility for Britons. The government advice against all but essential overseas travel remains in place, and rules that came into force on 8 June require anyone arriving in the UK – including British nationals – to quarantine for 14 days. A group of 500 travel and hospitality bosses says it has been given private assurance by government sources that “travel corridors” will be in place by the end of June, meaning that UK holidaymakers returning from low-risk countries won’t have to self-isolate , but at the time of going to press that had not been made public.

That’s the bad news for holidaymakers. The good news is that this really is likely to be the summer of the “great British staycation”. It’s a phrase that’s bandied about every year, but it’s never been more fitting. Campsites, cottages and hotels are preparing to reopen on 4 July in England and 20 July in Northern Ireland, subject to government confirmation. Dates have yet to be confirmed in Wales and Scotland, but accommodation providers are gearing up for a possible July reopening there too – lockdown measures are being reviewed on 18 June (Scotland) and 19 June (Wales).

Ed Bassett of Camptoo , a campervan rental company, says: “Once lockdown has been lifted in the UK, I expect staycations and camping to be many people’s first-choice travel option. After long stretches spent indoors, I think Brits will take advantage of exploring closer to home.”

Some larger companies have reported an increase in inquiries and bookings for accommodation in England in July and August since reopening was first mentioned by Boris Johnson in a speech on 10 May. According to Cool Camping, the number of bookings made in the last two weeks of May for its 600 UK campsites was almost double that for the same period last year. Its most popular regions are Cornwall, Devon, the Lake District and Dorset – so it could be worth looking elsewhere for quieter spots. Demand is continuing to increase as the reopening date gets closer – traffic to the Kip Hideaways ’ website, which features small self-catering properties, has tripled over the past two weeks. But people are warier of booking holidays to Scotland and Wales at this stage.

Elysian Estates , which has country houses to rent across England and Scotland, has noticed an increased demand for longer stays (a week or more) over short breaks, as customers give up on going abroad. And, with swimming baths still closed, the number one prerequisite for guests is a private pool – nine out of 10 say they wouldn’t book a property without one. Independent Cottages also reports an increase in inquiries for properties with pools, hot tubs and on-site fishing.

Broughton Hall stately home in Yorkshire.

But the staycation situation is still uncertain. Individual owners, such as Oliver Muntz of Umberslade campsite near Warwick, says their bookings do not reflect the trend reported by the larger collections. Muntz says bookings are slow and holidaymakers are anxious about safety.

Jonathan Knight, Cool Camping’s founder, is calling for confirmation of the reopening dates, “which campsite owners desperately need, to be able to plan ahead and save their season, or in some cases save their business”. Knight would also like official guidance on how to reopen safely. His concerns are echoed by Martin Smith of Campsites.co.uk , who says: “Campsite owners don’t know if shower facilities are safe to open and what provisions they must put in place to protect their customers. They need clear and definitive government advice to open safely this summer.” As things stand, businesses are planning their own measures, from cleaning regimes, physical distancing policies and takeaway food, to no-quibble refunds.

River Alde at Langham Bridge near Blaxhall, Suffolk, England

The Cool Camping website lists more than 700 campsites that are implementing social distancing measures, as well as 100 campsites with at least 10 metres between pitches. One that ticks both boxes is the Birds and Bees Campsite (reopening 9 July, from £36 a night for two) in the Alde valley, Suffolk. There are just 15 pitches across three meadows, each with half an acre of space and a firepit. Giant hedges, mature tree and wildflower plots attract insects and birds – hence the name – and wind turbines and solar panels help generate electricity and heat the showers.

Farmstay UK lists about 700 farms that offer accommodation, including camping. Brook Meadow (from £13 a night for two ) is a 400-acre working farm in the Leicestershire/Northamptonshire countryside, with 20 acres set aside for camping and glamping, and a five-acre fishing lake. The pick of the pitches are right by the lake. Clippesby Hall (from £32 a night for two) is a family-run holiday park in the Norfolk Broads, a short drive from the 15-mile-long beach at Great Yarmouth. There are eight areas for camping and caravans, including the Dell, a tents-only area in the woods. Bikes can be hired on site to explore the quiet lanes around the Broads.

Sperrinview Glamping in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

Sperrinview Glamping (from £100 a night for five) is a new glampsite at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains in County Tyrone. Each of the four pods has a large triangular viewing window (the area is a dark sky site), two double beds and a sofa bed, a kitchenette, a shower room, and a firepit and barbecue. The Beaghmore Stone Circles are 500 metres away and it is a mile to the mountain bike trails at Davagh Forest.

Cool Stays lists hundreds of glampsites and unusual places to stay in the UK, including Birdholme Glamping (four adults and two children from £260 a night) in Stanton on the Wolds, Nottinghamshire. There are four safari lodges on stilts in 17 acres of woodland and meadow, each with a woodburner and a veranda with a hot tub.

Londoners don’t have far to go for a glamping break: Home Farm Glamping in Elstree, Hertfordshire (from £120 for two adults for two nights, or £180 for two adults and two children) is a 10-minute taxi ride from the end of the Jubilee and Northern lines. There are nine bell tents and three yurts in a meadow on a 60-hectare farm, all with barbecues and firepits.

Self-catering

Queen Anne’s Summerhouse, in Shuttleworth, Old Warden, Bedfordshire

The Landmark Trust, which restores historic buildings and rents them to holidaymakers, has been housing NHS key workers during lockdown. It is now preparing to reopen properties to the public, such as the House of Correction in Lincolnshire (sleeps four, from £351 for four nights). This 19th-century gatehouse was once the grand entrance to a prison, and stands alone on the edge of the village of Folkingham.

Forest Holidays has log cabins and treehouses in 10 forest locations across the UK, and its English sites reopen from 6 July. Cabins at the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire (sleeping two to 10, from £460 for four nights for six people) all have hot tubs on the deck, and some have woodburners and hammocks. A new site is opening in Delamere Forest, Cheshire, in November.

Lots of Kip Hideaways ’ properties are far from other buildings, such as a converted engine house three miles from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, with its own walled garden(sleeps six, from £250 a night). Nearby Knettishall Heath, a nature reserve, has a wild swimming pool.

One Off Places has plenty of remote rentals, such as a converted barn near Reeth, North Yorkshire (sleeps two, from £500 for seven nights ). The barn is surrounded by moorland and there is no wifi or phone reception.

Canopy & Stars specialises in places to stay and reconnect with nature, such as a beach cabin on stilts facing Mersea Island, Essex (from £100 a night for two adults and two children). The isolated cabin is on marshland by an estuary, ideal for birdwatchers and kayakers.

Many hotels are gearing up to reopen from early July, with preparations to protect the health and peace of mind of guests – including increased cleaning regimes, hand sanitiser units, and table- or room-service in place of breakfast buffets.

On the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 20 minutes from the region’s wild coast, The Elmtree in Hundleby (B&B from £100) is due to reopen for a limited number of bookings from 4 July. The rural boutique B&B – a restored Georgian house with huge beds and slipper baths – will also be serving its famous afternoon tea and grazing platters for guests in their rooms.

Close to Grasmere in the Lake District, bistro with rooms The Yan (room-only from £100) is taking reservations for 5 July onwards (alongside its Broadrayne Farm self-catering holiday cottages). The converted 17th-century barn will serve its epic breakfasts and hearty dinners in the bistro – perfect after a long, muddy walk with the dog – with guest reservations taking priority (over external bookings) and the option of in-room service.

The Yan at Broadrayne in the Lake District

A short walk from the coast at Aldeburgh and Thorpeness, surrounded by private gardens and the Suffolk countryside, Five Acre Barn in Aldringham (room only from £100) is opening from 4 July. Each of the rooms at the B&B, a Riba award-winning 19th-century barn conversion, has its own lounge area, where breakfast and dinner can be served, and takeaways from elsewhere are welcome.

The Pig’s collection of six hotels in historic buildings around south and south-west England is due to reopen on 6 July. A seventh hotel at Harlyn Bay in north Cornwall (room-only from £150) is scheduled to open for the first time later in July. Restaurants in the hotels will operate at limited capacity, with tables reorganised to maintain social distancing.

As portable, private hideaways, campervans are set to be a popular choice for a UK break in 2020. A recent National Campervan Council survey found that 77% of people saw a UK motorhome break as an appealing option this year. Many are available to book from 4 July onwards, with online check-in, contactless pick-up, video tutorials in advance and extended gaps between bookings to allow for deep cleaning, along with flexible booking and fee-free date changes.

Many of Quirky Campers ’ listings are converted sprinter vans, from Scandi-inspired in the Midlands to cabin-style with a wood burner on the north-east coast , and a broad variety of other bespoke, independently owned vehicles (from £75pn).

With 700 rentals across the UK, Camplify ’s range includes restored 1970s VW campers; airstream-style trailers; modern motorhomes for large groups and more, many of which come with negotiable pick-up locations (prices from £35pn). Similarly, Camptoo ’s 600 UK listings include a huge variety of styles and sizes, from classic caravans for two to fully integrated seven-berth vehicles (from £50pn).

New to the UK last year, one of Europe’s largest rental companies, Indie Campers , says 62% of its UK bookings in May were for domestic breaks (compared with just 8% last year). Its fleet includes the modern Atlas and the Active models, available for summer. Each sleeps four, and includes a shower and toilet, with extras such as wifi and GPS ( from £100pn, picking up from Stanwell in Surrey).

Summer holidays
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United Kingdom holidays
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The UK’s Happiest, Friendliest and Safest Cities

By Phil Spencer

A study by Provident revealed the UK’s happiest, friendliest and safest cities. You might just be a little surprised by who tops the charts…

Following a survey of nearly 3,000 UK residents, a follow-up survey has found that Wolverhampton now just might be the best place to live in the UK if you want a happy life. Aberystwyth came bottom of the rankings which is a drop from the previous years high ranking results.

Here’s what the study found… How did your city fair?

Where are the happiest cities in the UK?

Feeling happy in your city is pretty vital to feeling settled and generally enjoying where you live. The problem is, a lot of external stresses from a city can taint your enjoyment. So, where is the happiest city in the UK?

Residents were asked to rate their city out of 10 for a number of criteria, including happiness. Wolverhampton topped the chart as the happiest place to live in the UK, pushing last year’s winner Worcester, into third position. While York came second place. Newcastle remains in the fourth spot with 7.03 out of 10 while Plymouth and Chelmsford came fifth and sixth. The rest of the top 10 includes Plymouth, Chelmsford, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Sheffield and Oxford..

Down at the other end of the table, we see Aberystwyth in last place with a rather low 3.98 out of 10 happiness score, followed by Cambridge, Brighton and Hove and Birmingham. Above that, Leicester, Aberdeen and Manchester where scores get pretty close.

So, what makes a city happy?

There’s plenty of different possible answers to this question, all of which differ from person to person. An abundance of green space, coffee shops on every corner, buzzy social scene or simply a feeling of cleanliness. Are Londoners really as unhappy as the research suggests?

What are your thoughts on the UK’s happiest cities? Tweet us and let us know how you’d rate happiness in your area.

What is the safest city in the UK?

When asked about how safe residents feel in their city, Wolverhampton again topped the charts with an average score of 8.07 out of 10. Also, the happiest city in the UK, with Worcester coming second place, followed by York, Oxford, and Plymouth.

At the bottom of the table, we see Aberystwyth take last place, with Brighton and Hove, Birmingham, Manchester and Cambridge also within the bottom five.

What is the friendliest city in the UK?

The residents of Wolverhampton have rated their city as the friendliest in the UK with a leading score of 8.23 out of 10. Worcester comes second with the happiest city in the UK (York) coming a close third, and Newcastle fourth..

On the other end of the scale, Aberystwyth takes the bottom spot once again with 3.88 out of 10. Familiar faces Brighton and Hove, Cambridge, London and Birmingham swiftly follow with a distinct feeling of unfriendliness communicated by residents.

Is Wolverhampton the best city to live in the UK?

Wolverhampton was rated the happiest and most polite place to live by its residents. Furthermore, it also rated first in the safety, trust and area upkeep categories. So, is Wolverhampton as good as its residents claim?

Located in the West Midlands it is home to a university, ensuring its economy continues to grow and the city attracts new visitors every year. The history of industry grew initially from the wool trade. During the industrial revolution, it was a major centre for coal mining, steel production, lock making, and car manufacturing.

Home to Wolverhampton Wanderers Football club the sports fascination creates a unique feeling of pride among residents.

The city offers access to green spaces and historic sites stooped in culture. When visiting the city, it’s easy to see why residents are so full of praise for this truly unique place to call home.

Is Aberystwyth really the worst place to live in the UK?

Last year it faired so much better, so whats happened? This time around those surveyed felt it to be unfriendly, unwelcoming, unsafe, not well kept, impolite and generally an unhappy place to live.

There doesn’t seem to be much local love to be found in Aberystwyth, with residents ranking it low across all the catagories for review.

The city itself is home to a respected university, and the city attracts new visitors every year with its coastal location nestled between three three hills and two beaches.

How does your area measure up?

Don’t move house without knowing everything there is to know about your new area first. We’re giving you the tools you need to make an informed decision about an area. Our property report will offer the latest information on local planning applications, crime rates, schools, amenities and more. Get your property report here .

Last Updated: January 25th, 2024

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8 best cities to visit in England and what you can do in each

Planning a trip to England ? Don’t just dip your toes into London . While the English capital is certainly a treat to explore, England has so much more to offer. From wild moors to football stadiums, England’s cities boast a wide variety of landscapes, attractions, and cultural experiences. We’ve narrowed down a list of eight top cities in England that you should add to your itinerary.

1. Brighton

Described as the U.K.’s hippest city, Brighto n is a seaside resort on the south coast of England. The pebbled Brighton Beach may deter some sunbathers, but there’s plenty to do at Brighton Palace Pier , from amusement rides to restaurants. Join a walking tour to explore the rest of the city, from the quirky Royal Pavilion to the eclectic independent shops in The Lanes and North Laine . This food tour will introduce you to more hidden gems and local hotspots.

When to visit: May to September for warmer and drier weather. Avoid July and August, when it’s peak tourist season.

Getting here: Traveling by train is usually the fastest way to get to Brighton from London. If you’re flying, Gatwick Airport is a 20-minute train journey from Brighton Railway Station .

Where to stay:

Beachside relaxation: A Room With A View
City living: Ibis Brighton City Center

2. Manchester

Located in northwest England, Manchester is a city of many talents. Not only is it the world’s first industrial city , but Manchester is also home to a thriving arts and music scene as well as two major English football teams. Immerse yourself in Manchester’s culture on this walking tour , or learn more about the city’s long history through its food . Football fans, don’t miss out on the National Football Museum and the Manchester City Stadium Tour at Etihad Stadium . The John Rylands Library is also worth a visit—its stunning Gothic architecture will make you feel like you’re in Hogwarts.

When to visit: June to August for festivals and fine weather; September to December for football season.

Getting here: Land in Manchester International Airport , or take the train from London to Manchester Piccadilly or Victoria .

Sophisticated boutique hotel: Dakota Manchester
Fully-equipped apartments: Roomzzz Aparthotel Manchester Victoria

Clifton Suspension Bridge with hot air balloons in Bristol

Bristol is a quirky port city situated on the River Avon with a hilly landscape. It was a key city during the Industrial Revolution when engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel built and designed the Great Western Railway, the world’s first great ocean liner , and the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. Today, you can still visit many of these Victorian-era landmarks and learn more about the historical figures who put Bristol on the map. Sail around the Bristol Harbor on a ferry boat , enjoy a night of magic and comedy at Smoke & Mirrors , or soar over the countryside on a hot air balloon —you’ll quickly understand why Bristol has been named one of the best places to live in the U.K.

When to visit: Late spring and early fall for comfortable weather.

Getting here: Bristol Temple Meads is the largest rail hub in west England, and Bristol Airport welcomes flights across Europe.

Quayside views: The Bristol
Victorian glamor: Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel

History buffs might know York as the ancient Roman city of Eboracum. Today, York is one of the most popular cities in England, with people all over the world traveling here to admire its medieval buildings. Stroll through York’s historic streets with a guide or embark on a hop-on hop-off bus tour to conveniently explore sights like York Minster , Shambles , and the York City Walls . For an alternative history of York, this award-winning tou r will regale you with tales of witches, queens, and murderers.

When to visit: York sees maximum sunshine from May through July. If you can put up with random cold snaps, the city is also exceptionally stunning in spring.

Getting here: The closest international airport is Leeds Bradford International Airport, but it’s far more convenient to travel from Manchester Airport via the TransPennine Express.

Five-star historic hotel: The Grand
Affordable bed and breakfast: B+B York

Umbrellas hanging in the streets of Durham

Nestled on the River Wear , Durham is a charming small city in northeast England. Discover how Durham rose to spiritual prominence and visit Durham Cathedral , which has been a center of pilgrimage for close to a thousand years. This self-guided audio tour is also an easy and convenient way to explore Durham’s highlights and history. Durham Castle , built by William the Conqueror, served as a strategic stronghold to defend England from Scottish armies. Today, the castle is home to Durham University, the third-oldest university in England.

When to visit: Temperatures in Durham are cold for most of the year, so it’s best to visit between June and September when it’s comfortably warm.

Getting here: Durham station is situated on the East Coast Main Line, while Newcastle Airport is 30 minutes away from Durham.

Romantic neighborhood: Hotel Indigo Durham
Buzzing university town: Premier Inn Hotel Durham City Centre (Walkergate)

People siting on green grass field in Dover

With natural landscapes and historic architecture, Dover is one of the most scenic cities in England. Known as the “key to England,” Dover Castle was founded in the 11th century and has stood tall through multiple wars. Explore the ferry port on a minibus tour , take a breezy walk along St Margaret’s Bay Beach , and hike the magnificent White Cliffs of Dover , where you can spot the iconic South Foreland Lighthouse and discover the cliffs’ hidden tunnels .

When to visit: Avoid autumn and winter, when rain and wind will prevent you from venturing outdoors.

Getting here: Direct trains lead from London to Dover in just 55 minutes, and cruise ships and ferries dock at the Port of Dover.

Cozy bed and breakfast: Bleriot’s
Sea views: Best Western Plus Dover Marina Hotel & Spa

7. Liverpool

“ Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes…” In the 1960s, the Beatles catapulted Liverpool into international fame. Today, visitors can walk in the Fab Four’s footsteps , pose for a picture by their iconic statue , and dive into the story of the band’s rise to fame . This award-winning hop-on hop-off bus tour will also take you to sights like Strawberry Field and John Lennon’s childhood home . But there’s more to Liverpool than just the Beatles. Learn about the city’s vast history on a guided tour around Royal Albert Dock , admire the grand Liverpool Cathedral , and join the LFC stadium tour of Anfield Stadium .

When to visit: January for snow; April to August for festivals and warm weather.

Getting here: Liverpool’s main station is Lime Street station . Cruises dock at the Port of Liverpool , and the Liverpool John Lennon Airport connects the city to the rest of Europe.

By the docks: Staybridge Suites
Surrounded by bars and restaurants: The Resident

Whether you’re on a solo trip or traveling with family , you’ll never feel bored in London. The biggest and most populous city in England, London is a diverse metropolis that celebrates its past while racing towards the future.

Where else can you explore a 1000-year fortress and climb a skyscraper all on the same day? And if you ever feel like getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city, there are plenty of other sights in the vicinity . You can even see Windsor Castle , Stonehenge , and Oxford in a single day on this guided tour .

When to visit: Check out our guide to the best times to visit London and plan your itinerary around these annual events .

Getting here: Most international flights land at Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport . London is also the center of the National Rail network, connecting to the rest of England via King’s Cross and Euston .

Unparalleled luxury: Hotel 41
Prime location: The Resident Covent Garden
Discover the 6 best neighborhoods to stay in London

Recommended tours and activities

The 15 best places to visit in the UK in 2023

Fancy holidaying a little closer to home next year? These are the places in the UK you’ll definitely want to visit

So you’re thinking about planning a holiday for 2023. Some time off to relax, see some art, hang out with pals or just generally explore. But where should you go, exactly? Well, Time Out’s UK team is here to remind you that, actually, there are loads of amazing destinations, like, right here. Believe it or not, there are fascinating places all over the country you can visit easily, cheaply, and without having to catch a flight (or travel very far at all, in fact).

To compile this ranking, we went to our local experts across the UK to figure out which cities, towns and regions are really worth visiting next year. These are places with thriving food, drink and arts scenes. They’re cities with big cultural openings and spectacular new hotels. And they all have at least one huge event (and in many cases, several) coming up that should immediately go in your calendars.

Basically, they’re the parts of the country that everyone will be talking about over the next 12 months. And deservedly so. From an underappreciated coastal town that’s set to host the Turner Prize and a city where fine-dining doesn’t necessarily mean having to splash out to an old-school resort town with world-beating beer and the region with two of our favourite music festivals , this is the best of the UK for 2023. Happy staycations!

RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in the UK

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Best places to visit in the UK in 2023

1. Eastbourne

This coastal town might conjure up images of OAPs on coach holidays, pesky pebbles in your jelly shoes and hordes of tennis fans at Rothesay International, but Eastbourne is well on its way to becoming an established hub for creatives. The Towner Eastbourne , an eye- catching gallery sporting a vibrant mural by German artist Lothar Götz, has been selected as the official host of the 2023 Turner Prize (from September 28), to tie in with the venue’s centenary year. While you’re in town, it’s also worth heading out to the South Downs National Park , perhaps during the Eastbourne Walking Festival (September 16 to 25), just before the launch of the Turner.

The perfect day After coffee at Beanzz Coffee & Kitchen , head to the seafront and take in t he views of Beachy Head. Go for a dip, then grab lunch at Port Hotel . Round off the day with live music at the Dew Drop Inn , Printers Playhouse or The Stage Door .

Plan your trip Alongside the Turner Prize, the town will also play host to Crossing The Screen International Film Festival (March 3 to 5) and Beach Life Music Festival (July 15 to 16). — Melita Cameron-Wood

2. Birmingham

Birmingham has long been bubbling away as the UK’s most underrated food destination. Its latest wave of accolades come from the Good Food Guide 2022, with three restaurants in Birmingham and Solihull ( Carters of Moseley , The Wilderness , Grace & Savour at Hampton Manor ) cited in its prestigious list of the 20 buzziest restaurants in the UK . Birmingham has also been crowned Britain’s ‘most exciting food destination’ by the very same guide, describing the city as having ‘a range of unique and frequently exceptional restaurants across the price range’. Contemporary British-Indian restaurant Opheem and pleasantly affordable fine-dining spot Harborne Kitchen are among the city’s standouts. Keep an eye out for chic French restaurant Orelle , on the 24th floor of the city’s shiny new 103 Colmore Row building. Views. For. Days.

The perfect day Kick off with coffee at Wayland’s Yard before lunchtime beer and baos at North Brewing Co ’s new Birmingham taproom, because why not? Just the one pint though, as a city-centre canal-kayak tour with Roundhouse Birmingham awaits. Back on ‘land’, grab a quick photo at the Black Sabbath bench on Broad Street, then dive into Brum’s best chicken at Bonehead and catch a new band at The Sunflower Lounge .

Plan your trip 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the city’s famous Bullring shopping centre, plus the tenth anniversary of the iconic Library of Birmingham – Europe’s largest. Expect commemorative events. The Ashes, cricket’s oldest rivalry, also returns to Edgbaston (June 16 to 20). — Richard Franks

📍 Discover the best things to do in Birmingham

3. Cardigan

West Wales remains criminally underappreciated, and charming Cardigan might be its finest spot. This is an old-fashioned Welsh market town with a dazzling creative streak, a beautiful place with fascinating history and countless ways to tell it. Cardigan was the birthplace of the Eisteddfod (brilliantly documented at the renovated Cardigan Castle ), and the town is brimming with gorgeous cafés, convivial pubs and other independent businesses – our faves being cinema Mwldan and gin distillery-cum-bar Bar 45 . The stunning Guildhall Market is a bustling centre of commerce (currently spread over three separate sites while the main building is being renovated) where Welsh ideas are celebrated and conversation is as valuable as currency . There are plenty of pretty beaches nearby too.

The perfect day Start by browsing the stalls at Canolfan Teifi before grabbing brunch at Bara Menyn Bakehouse . Nip into Stiwdio3 and then the castle before feasting at the brilliant Pizzatipi , just across the river. Rest your head at the fabulous Albion Aberteifi .

Plan your trip A celebration of Celtic creativity, music and magic, Other Voices festival , t akes over the town at the beginning of November. — John Bills

4. Manchester

Manchester in a word? Definitely ‘fun’. And 2023 promises to be one of the funnest years to visit, ever. In February, the Manchester Museum will finally reopen following a huge £15 million transformation, while in June the brand-new Factory International will host ‘You, Me and the Balloons’ , the largest-ever immersive exhibition from cult artist Yayoi Kusama. Later in the year, it will also be putting on a stage-show adaptation of The Matrix directed by Danny Boyle. Two brand-new green spaces – Mayfield Park and the Castlefield Viaduct – are proof that Manchester takes its green credentials as seriously as its culture.

The perfect day Stroll around the Northern Quarter and grab coffee and a pastry at Ezra and Gil before browsing the stylish wares at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre (pick up something to eat in the café while you’re there). Spend the afternoon on a guided tour of Unesco City of Literature sites before heading to HOME for a film and a pizza.

Plan your trip Time your visit to catch a show at Manchester International Festival (June 29 to July 16), which has its new base at Factory International. — Rob Martin

📍 Discover the best things to do in Manchester

5. Scarborough

It was way back in 1626 that a stream of acidic water running down Scarborough’s epic cliffs and into the sea was discovered. Doctors at the time claimed the water healed ailments because of its chemical make-up. This became a huge catalyst for visitors to Scarborough, and the town became Britain’s first seaside resort. Fast forward to the present day, and it’s thriving again. In 2023 the town will see its famous Scarborough Fair being revived (the dates are yet to be announced). And it’ s increasingly becoming a destination for craft beer fans too – micropubs like The Stumble Inn , Quayside Bar , The Frigate and Craft Bar are attracting connoisseurs to the coast, with Valley Bar in trendy South Cliff the go-to place to start a night out.

The perfect day Order a brew from Yay Coffee ’s little truck parked high on the Esplanade with amazing views over South Bay. Then enjoy a walk through the Victorian splendour of South Cliff Gardens, recently restored to their former glory. Browse the vintage stores of the Old Town, including the eclectic Yorkshire interiors from Woolley Edge in the refurbished Market Hall , before a hearty vegan lunch at Love Brew Café . Spend the afternoon at the Alpamare Wellness Spa , with its floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the North Sea. Finish the day with cocktails at Geo before an experimental British-Asian dinner at the Haus of S&M .

Plan your trip Scarborough is on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, which hosts an annual Dark Skies Festival (February 10 to 26). Expect w alks, talks and late-night stargazing events in one of Europe’s biggest protected Dark Sky Reserves. — Paul Drury

6. Glasgow

As a mecca of electronic dance music and the biggest city in the green-energy powerhouse of Scotland, how appropriate that Glasgow should be home to a pioneering system at the SWG3 nightclub complex that transforms visitors’ body heat into power for the entire venue. If dancing to save the planet isn’t reason enough alone to visit in 2023, consider too Glasgow’s first-class vegan food scene led by the likes of Mono , Sylvan and The Glad Café , and cultural treasures such as freshly refurbished art gallery the Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park. For a bit of everything from fine dining to boutique shopping, great pubs and basement gigs, all in one short stretch, hit Great Western Road in the West End, named the coolest street in the UK by Time Out this year.

The perfect day Start with shakshuka and chilli toast at Morning Glory , before a walk through Glasgow’s newest nature reserve the Claypits . Have dinner at the uncategorisable Big Counter , and drinks at The Bell Jar or The Allison Arms . Let the iconic flashing signage of the Barrowland Ballroom guide you in for a show at one of the world’s best gig venues, before burning off any remaining energy on the dancefloor at SWG3, Sub Club or La Cheetah .

Plan your trip Glasgow Film Festival will fly the flag for the Scottish movie scene in 2023, following the sad demise of its Edinburgh counterpart . Centred around Art Deco cinema the GFT , it’s always packed with must-see premieres and red-carpet events. — Malcolm Jack

📍 Discover the best things to do in Glasgow

7. Dorset

With its quaint towns and picture-perfect coastlines, it’s unsurprising that more than half of Dorset is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. But what might be more surprising is that next year, Dorset will be home to two of the UK’s most exciting independent music festivals. There’s End of the Road (August 31 to September 3), a wide exploration of everything from post-punk and experimental folk to dance DJs. And then there’s We Out Here (August 10 to 14), an underground electronic and contemporary jazz festival curated by BBC Radio DJ Gilles Peterson, which will be moving to the south-west from Cambridgeshire.

The perfect day Wake up in the quaint town of Poole and wander along any of the stunning nearby beaches before hopping on the ferry to Brownsea Island, where you can spot rare birds like spoonbills, avocets and black-tailed godwits. Finish up with a dinner of fresh, sustainable seafood at Rockfish Poole .

Plan your trip Grab your tickets now for End of the Road at Larmer Tree Gardens. Last year the festival featured such varied acts as Black Midi, I. Jordan and Sudan Archives. — Chiara Wilkinson

8. London

Obviously, there are 12,347 reasons you should pay a visit to the capital (you don’t need us to tell you that). But 2023 is looking particularly exciting – especially if you’re looking to let off some steam. We’ll wave goodbye to one of the country’s most treasured nightlife destinations with a final season at Printworks , look forward to more massive shows at new industrial party space The Beams and welcome Exodus , the first-ever festival from clubbing institution Fabric . If you’re after something more tame, though, the Young V&A and National Portrait Gallery are both finally reopening after huge transformations.

The perfect day Load up with lunch at Borough Market , then stroll along the Southbank to watch the skateboarders and catch some free art at the Tate Modern . When night falls, head over to Hackney for cocktails at agave bar Hacha and live music at Earth .

Plan your trip Book a ticket well in advance for the stage adaptation of Olga Tokarczuk’s ‘Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead’ at the Barbican (March 15 to April 1). — Chiara Wilkinson

📍 Discover the best things to do in London

9. Edinburgh

In case you missed the news, we named Edinburgh the best city in the world in 2022. Why? Well, with its ancient castle slap-bang in the city centre and loads of green space, it’s bloody beautiful, for a start. Edinburgh is one of those places that’s small and interesting enough to walk around and see where the day takes you – from exploring the nooks of the Old Town to browsing the trendy independent shops of Stockbridge. The Scottish capital also has a ton of nice-looking new hotel openings for you to rest your head: check out W Edinburgh in the spanking-new St James centre and Gleneagles Townhouse for luxury Georgian chic.

The perfect day Start your day off with a windswept hike up Arthur’s Seat, where you can take in spectacular views of the city’s skyline and the sea over to Fife. Recharge with a coffee from Artisan Roast , then head over Leith for a sarnie from Alby’s or seafood at Fishers . If you’ve got enough energy left after all of that, catch a gig at the legendary Sneaky Pete’s .

Plan your trip The Fringe in August can get pretty hectic, so head up in late July for the annual Jazz and Blues Festival instead. The line-up is usually a good mix of legends and up-and-comers. — Chiara Wilkinson

📍Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh

10. Liverpool

It’s been 15 years since Liverpool was named the European Capital of Culture, but its legacy endures in all the bars, restaurants and arts spaces that have opened up across the city over the past decade. And 2023 might just be the best time to visit, as the locals will be pulling out all of the stops with Liverpool set to host Eurovision . While business owners are gearing up to give their warmest Scouse welcomes, Liverpool Council has also confirmed plans to open a Eurovision Village on the city’s famous Pier Head. It will be a celebration of both Liverpool’s culture and that of Ukraine, which won last year’s competition. Expect street art from Ukrainian artists and an art trail featuring Liverpudlian Eurovision legend Sonia.

The perfect day Start your day in the Baltic Triangle area with brunch at Chapters Of Us , then head down the road to the iconic Albert Dock, where you can visit museums including Tate Liverpool and The Beatles Story . Have an early dinner at Maray , a local favourite where you can sample Levantine-inspired small plates, or Madre , if you’d rather margaritas and the best tacos this side of the Mersey. Round off your day with a show at the Everyman Theatre .

Plan your trip It would only be right to visit Liverpool in the run-up to Eurovision (May 13), perhaps for the semi-finals or one of the various spin-off events taking place the week before. You might be hard-pressed to find accommodation, but you could always stay in Manchester and hop on the train. — Alice Porter

📍Discover the best things to do in Liverpool

11. Padstow

The Cornish town of Padstow has been a haunt of foodies for some time. Rick Stein launching his restaurant empire here back in the 1970s was the beginning. Gordon Ramsay buying a massive pad across the water in Rock also helped. Now a new generation of chefs is attracting gourmets from across the country. You’ve got Prawn on the Lawn and its sophisticated seafood. You’ve got The Pig at Harlyn Bay , one of the country-hotel chain’s most recent openings, with its restaurant either growing or sourcing everything from within 25 miles (we can vouch for the smoked haddock bake and homemade haggis). And then you’ve got the tiny Duchy Grub in nearby St Merryn, from young chef Joe, which goes even further and sources all its ingredients from within five miles. Not to mention any of Stein’s four Padstow restaurants – still going strong decades on.

The perfect day Kick off with an early-morning walk along part of the The Camel Trail, an 18-mile route that follows a disused railway line. Grab a pasty at Stein’s Deli for lunch and say hello to the majestic creatures at the National Lobster Hatchery . After dinner at Duchy Grub, stay the night at Atlanta Trevone , a recently done-up collection of holiday homes just a few minutes’ drive away.

Plan your trip ’Obby ’Oss, one of the oldest festivals in the UK, takes place here on May Day. Expect two colourful processions, led by the titular ‘hobby horse’, to wend their way through the town. — Huw Oliver

📍Discover the best things to do in Padstow

12. Orkney

Orkney is a bit of a trek from the English capital, but this otherworldly archipelago of more than 70 islands is about to feel that bit closer. Starting in April 2023, Loganair’s twice-weekly flights between London City and Kirkwall will provide a much-needed tourism boost for this intricate island network. Orkney boasts Britain’s largest concentration of prehistoric monuments and is worth a trip on that basis alone – but there’s plenty more to explore. Four causeways, officially named the Churchill Barriers, link the mainland (that’s an Orcadian island, not the Scottish mainland) with Lamb Holm, Glimps Holm, Burray and South Ronaldsay, making onward travel a doddle. Don’t miss the world-famous Ring of Brodgar standing stones and the ornate Italian Chapel .

The perfect day Start your day at Archive Coffee in Kirkwall, then swing by the Orkney Distillery for a Kirkjuvagr gin tasting. After that, hop the ferry from Houton to Hoy and traverse the hills towards the Old Man sea stack. If the weather’s kind – and by kind in these parts, we mean brooding skies and crashing waves – you’ll enjoy one of Scotland’s most dramatic scenes. Back on Mainland, head for the prehistoric village of Skara Brae, western Europe’s best-kept example of a Neolithic settlement. End your day with live music at Ferry Inn , a few miles down the road.

Plan your trip On the west of Orkney’s Mainland, the Ness of Brodgar excavation site will be open to the public between July 5 and August 17 2023. Visit then to get up close and personal with what is one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological excavations, and a 5,000-year-old Neolithic site. — Richard Franks

13. Margate

Margate was once famed for Dreamland , its 1920s theme park, home to the UK’s oldest working roller coaster. But since the opening of the Turner Contemporary in 2011, Margate has earned its respected position in the art world. It’s where Tracey Emin has chosen to open her new art school and where you’ll find exciting artist-owned galleries like Quench and Hotel Michele . But it’s not all about the art. Margate’s burgeoning restaurant scene is unrivalled for a town of its size. Critically acclaimed restaurants like Angela’s and Bottega Caruso have been joined by newer venues like Sargasso and Fort Road Hotel . And while Margate’s tourists have previously stuck to the Old Town, Cliftonville was recently named one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods by Time Out. Newbies to the area include Parisian-style wine bar Sète , cocktail bar-cum-restaurant Daisy and queer bar and community space CAMP .

The perfect day Wake up at Fort Road and take a stroll along the Main Sands. Stop at Big Shot for coffee and mooch around the shops in the Old Town before walking along the coast to Cliftonville. Tuck into lunch at Mori Mori before embarking on a bar crawl along Northdown Road.

Plan your trip Power of Women Festival (March 3 to 12) is an annual celebration of International Women’s Day. Expect a programme of exhibitions, workshops, performances, panel talks and more. — Sophie Brown

📍Discover the best things to do in Margate

14. Sheffield

There’s a good reason people are flocking to Sheffield at the moment, both to visit and to live . The combination of being the greenest city in the UK – with 250 public parks and 52 square miles of national park – along with its increasingly vibrant food, drink and arts scenes, make it a perfect blend of bustling city break and serene escape. R ecent attractions include a city-centre shipping-container complex, hidden cocktail bars , elegant Turkish grills , next-level Asian cuisine , a huge new nightclub , and a new location for a restaurant lauded by broadsheet critics. All of which makes 2023 the perfect year to discover all Sheffield has to offer.

The perfect day Kick off with New Zealand-inspired breakfast at Tamper Sellers Wheel , then pick up a coffee at Mow’s , catch an exhibition at Site Gallery and head on a bar crawl around Kelham Island. If you’re veggie or vegan, head to V or V for dinner or swing by Domo for the works.

Plan your trip Two legendary Sheffield bands return to the city for major shows for the first time in years. Arctic Monkeys play Hillsborough Park on June 9 and 10, and Pulp the Utilita Arena on July 14 and 15. — Daniel Dylan Wray

📍Discover the best things to do in Sheffield

15. Cheshire

Part Bond villain’s lair, part Teletubbyland, this £21.5 million attraction is the First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank Observatory , documenting the fascinating history of radio astronomy in the UK, and is so worth the schlep, even if you saw nothing else in Cheshire while you’re there. But that would be a waste, wouldn’t it? With nearby Macclesfield’s beautiful cinema-turned-food hall the Picturedrome and craft-beer haven Fiveclouds turning this small industrial town into a destination in its own right, plus the perennial charms of Chester , in all its Roman and Medieval splendour, you’d be a fool not to spend a full weekend in a region that most people know for its Real Housewives .

The perfect day Wake up at the historic Chester Grosvenor , order a flat white at the Jaunty Goat and mooch around the boutiques that line the half-timbered galleries known as The Rows . Lunch should be at the Brewery Tap , teamed with a local craft brew, then spend the afternoon learning about how Bernard Lovell came to pioneer the study of cosmic rays at Jodrell. Comme dinner time, grab a fish-finger butty from Macclesfield’s Savages Mussels plus a glass of something nice from Reserve Wines.

Plan your trip Music festival Bluedot (July 20 to 23) takes place in the shadow of the Lovell Telescope, and the line-up is often just as spectacular as the setting (last year’s headliners included Mogwai and Björk). — Huw Oliver

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17 Best Cities in the UK to Visit Right Now

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

United Kingdom

Updated On: February 8, 2024

The UK is not short on incredible cities to visit. England , Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have fascinating cultures that you can experience through their cities’ architecture, attractions, and hospitality.

We’ll cover the finest in the United Kingdom – from major cities like London and Edinburgh to lesser-visited cities like Inverness, Bristol, and York. When planning a trip to the United Kingdom, these are the places that you should be adding to your itinerary.

Table of Contents

Top Cities in the UK

The UK includes some of the best countries to visit in the world, and each city reflects a unique culture and identity.

Whether you want to visit a lesser-known city or join the masses of tourists visiting major cities that have been darlings for decades, this list will give you plenty of choices.

1. London (Largest City)

As the capital of England and the country’s largest, London was always going to be on this list. It is one of the greatest arts and cultural hubs in both Europe and the rest of the world.

London is easily the most popular and famous to visit in England, and for many good reasons. London is full of attractions, including historical sites, landmarks , art galleries, theatres, and museums. Your days visiting London will be varied and action-packed. For example, you may spend a morning at the Natural History Museum, an afternoon grabbing lunch and shopping at the market in Camden Borough, and an evening watching a West End show.

If you are a first-time visitor to the UK, prioritize a visit to London. Not only does the city give you a broad impression of England, but London is also very accessible.

You’ll be bowled over by the number of things to do and see; just do some research and choose where to stay carefully beforehand to maximize your time when you arrive. If you need some extra guidance, you can read our 3-day itinerary for more information. Read More: 38 Best Things to do in London, England In 2023

2. Manchester

Manchester is one of the best cities in Northern England. Its flamboyant urban area and nightlife make it popular with university students, and visitors can expect a fun, friendly atmosphere.

Manchester was massively shaped by the Industrial Revolution and is widely claimed to be the world’s first industrial city. Manchester was once famous for textile production, the wealth from which was reinvested in the city’s development and into wealthy families. However, Manchester has outgrown its Revolution associations nowadays and is now known as an entertaining weekend getaway and sought-after place to live.

You can learn about the Industrial Revolution at Manchester’s Science & Industry Museum. We’d recommend also allowing time to visit the Manchester Art Gallery and the National Football Museum. The Manchester Art Gallery showcases artworks from over six centuries, and the football museum is a must for Premier League fans.

In the evening, head to The Gay Village or Spinningfields for a few drinks at the best pubs and clubs. The Manchester dress code is retro and indie regardless of the venue, so come prepared with your trendiest outfits.

If Manchester is one of the greatest cities in Northern England, Leeds is not far behind.

Like Manchester, Leeds was also massively influenced by the Industrial Revolution, and you’ll notice converted mill and factory buildings in many of the nearby areas. Leeds is the third biggest in England and is known for its hospitality, small city center, and proximity to the Yorkshire Dales.

Leeds is favored amongst university students – meaning you’ll enjoy a friendly atmosphere and lots of cheap eateries. The center is small, easily walkable, and perfect for a weekend of shopping, wining, and dining. We’d recommend allowing time to take a day trip to Yorkshire Dales National Park, visit the Industrial Museum, and Kirkstall Abbey.

If you want a drink, don an embarrassing fancy dress costume for the Otley Run (a famous local pub crawl) or head to The Calls for photogenic venues along the river.

4. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is an amazing city to visit. As the Scottish capital, it attracts millions of tourists and, honestly, you should join the crowd.

Edinburgh is famed for its Old Town, which has those dreamy cobbled streets lined with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. Some of the buildings in the Old Town are 500 years old, and the architecture gives the neighborhood a time capsule effect – especially with Edinburgh Castle and the sound of bagpipes in the background.

Edinburgh Castle is easily one of the best things to do , although you should also visit the National Museum, climb the Scott Monument, and walk the Royal Mile. Edinburgh excellently encapsulates Scottish culture, history, and identity.

As a first-time visitor to Scotland, we’d highly recommend visiting Edinburgh.

Of course, just because Edinburgh is fantastic doesn’t mean you should skip visiting Glasgow.

Glasgow is a great city to visit, and you’ll find lots of things to do and see. It has a slightly more modern feel than Edinburgh and lots of public green space to enjoy in the summer. Of course, Glasgow has two very passionate rival football teams, and fans should try to attend a Celtic or Rangers game to experience the sporting passion firsthand.

You should prioritize visiting the Glasgow Necropolis, People’s Palace, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and Pollok Country Park. Pollok Country Park is particularly popular amongst tourists wanting to see Highland Cattle. The park has a herd that lives on-site, so note it down if you want to meet one.

Glasgow is widely known as the country’s second city, but we think it ranks just as highly as Edinburgh.

The Northern Irish capital is well-deserving of a place on our list; Belfast has a lot going for it.

Belfast is easily added to a trip to England. You can catch a ferry from Liverpool or a domestic flight from any UK airport – sometimes costing less than $15 when booked in advance.

Belfast has a vibrant feel, with plenty of new developments like Castle Court Shopping Center. However, there is also a lot of history. You can learn about The Troubles by touring Belfast’s political murals, visiting the Titanic Belfast Museum, touring Crumlin Road Gaol, or walking up to Stormont – the home of the NI government.

From the city, there are hundreds of things to do , including visiting The Giant’s Causeway and the Mourne Mountains. Belfast is a fantastic base if you want to experience Northern Ireland for the first or millionth time.

While not one of the most famous cities in Great Britain, Bristol is easily one of the best cities for tourists.

Over the years, Bristol has transformed from a port town to a thriving city – highly sought after to visit, study, and live. Bristol is located along the Bristol Channel, an inlet from the Atlantic Ocean, so it is close to beaches should you want a sunbathe or swim. However, most impressively, Bristol is divided by a deep river gorge. Visitors entering Bristol cross over suspension bridges – making a scenic and memorable start to a holiday.

Bristol’s attractions include the SS Great Britain. SS Great Britain is an 1843 restored passenger liner. The ship is revered as the world’s first great ocean liner and has two museums, refurbished ship areas, and dockyards. The ship also houses many artifacts from its sister ship, The Royal Charter, which sailed around the world before her shipwreck.

For more naval history, you can stop by the nearby Underfall Yard Visitor Center to visit its popular maritime museum. Bristol is a fascinating place in England for those interested in maritime stories.

8. Liverpool

Liverpool is cool. Birthplace of the Beatles, dockside bar hopping, and the home of the huge Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool is easily one of the most entertaining cities in England.

If you are traveling north of London, we recommend visiting Liverpool. The Liverpool atmosphere is down-to-earth and friendly, and it is the sort of place where you could go for a drink alone and leave to the next bar with twenty new friends.

Visiting the Beatles Story is a number one recommendation of things to do in Liverpool and is a world-famous attraction. But the British Music Experience, World Museum, and Port Sunlight Museum are all also worth visiting.

Music is at the heart of Liverpool’s identity, so we highly suggest watching some live music at Cavern Club during your stay. Cavern Club is a popular venue in Liverpool and specializes in tribute performances that run day and night.

If you want to experience music culture in England, look no further than Liverpool.

Unlike Liverpool, York is a quiet city surrounded mostly by country towns and villages. It may not be a popular destination for first-time travelers to the UK, but York does provide an idyllic introduction to England.

York is in the county of North Yorkshire and, despite its city status, has more of a town feel than a metropolitan one. York has incredible architecture, with its walls dating back to the 13th century and its narrowing shopping street, The Shambles, widely hailed as one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe.

York Minster Cathedral is beautiful to visit, while the York Dungeons and Jorvik Viking Center are immersive historical attractions to enjoy. Since York is located near both the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks, we’d suggest allowing time for a day trip in your itinerary.

For a laidback trip to Britain, York provides a relaxing experience with world-renowned, stunning medieval architecture.

10. Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle is a famously fun city with outrageous nightlife and plenty of culture. Newcastle is split in two by the River Tyne, with several footbridges and suspension bridges connecting either side of the city. Metropolitan but pretty (especially at night by the river), Newcastle has a lot to offer.

The city’s nightlife reputation was rocketed to fame by the reality TV program Geordie Shore, and it is also a popular choice amongst university students. The city’s popularity is well deserved, as you’ll find many pubs, clubs, and bars. However, the city isn’t just where you go for a party in the north of England.

Newcastle is fantastic for tourism, with lots of museums and art galleries. You should prioritize visiting Great North Museum: Hancock, Laing Art Gallery, and Discovery Museum. Newcastle Castle is also a great attraction to visit and doesn’t hold back on telling some of the most gruesome stories from history in England.

11. Birmingham (Second Largest City)

Birmingham is the second-largest city in England and has a massive population of over a million people. Visitors will find restaurants, attractions, and hotels at every step – a benefit of choosing such a major city to visit in England.

You can choose to visit popular attractions like Cadbury World, Legoland, and Sea Life. Or, visit some of Birmingham’s unique attractions like The Coffin Works, which runs tours explaining the process of coffin making and telling stories about the funerals of famous people. If you want diversity, Birmingham is one of the best cities in England.

Is Birmingham a little rough around the edges? Yes, in parts. Birmingham is best suited to people who want to experience a supercity in England and have already experienced other cities in the country. Birmingham is a destination for travelers who know exactly what they want and have a solid grasp on traveling in the UK.

12. Brighton

Brighton is a seaside city with a big personality. While only just south of London, Brighton has a strong identity and boldly stands as a destination in its own right. You’ll see plenty of young families and couples commuting to Brighton from London and teenagers traveling with friends from neighboring towns.

Located on the south coast of England, Brighton is lined by beaches and overlooks the English Channel. There’s a mix of cheesy seaside attractions, a twisting maze of shopping alleys called The Lanes that were built from the 1500s, and an eccentrically placed Royal Pavilion – a palace constructed with Asian architecture.

A medieval town? Seaside resort? City of luxurious architectural follies? Who knows. Brighton denies a category, which definitely adds to the city’s tourism appeal. If you want a memorable seaside city in England, Brighton is a good choice. Brighton constantly remixes any expectations you might have of English cities, meaning you’ll never get bored.

13. Cardiff

Cardiff is the largest city and capital of Wales. As far as Welsh cities go, Cardiff is the main celebrity and one of the best places to visit .

Located just south of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Cardiff is a riverside city famous for television production, sports, museums, and nightlife. Unfortunately, as many people rush to the coast or National Parks in Wales, Cardiff is often overlooked as a city break.

What’s Cardiff got? In short, everything that you need. You’ll find green space to sunbathe in summer, nearby beaches if you want to brave a swim, and indoor activities if you get unlucky with the weather.

We suggest planning a stay in Cardiff, even if you continue to the Welsh countryside. There is the Museum of Cardiff, Cardiff Castle, and even a White Water Rafting Center to challenge yourself with rapids. The castle is around 2,000 years old, so there is no denying that the Cardiff has substance and plenty of stories to tell.

Book a hotel, slow down, and enjoy the capital before rushing off around Wales.

14. Cambridge

Cambridge is a prestigious university city – perfect for getting a taste of the elite student experience in England. The city is classy to the core, and you can fill your days with punting on the River Cam and visiting its many museums.

Aside from museums, Cambridge is home to many churches and the Ely Cathedral. The Ely Cathedral is a classic gothic cathedral and a popular religious site to experience on a booked tour. The Round Church is also worth visiting and dates back to the 12th century. The medieval church has a distinctive rounded shape and is a fun bit of architecture to visit.

Cambridge is easily one of the best cities in England to experience southern Englishness firsthand.

Speaking of elite universities, Oxford is Cambridge’s rival city. Oxford is home to Oxford University, which was established in the 12th century and is renowned across the world.

Like Cambridge, Oxford is a city where you go to experience southern Englishness. The city center is full of gothic architecture, and the buildings are typically made from pale cream clipsham stone. Oxford has a definite aesthetic, and it is easy to imagine yourself stepping back a hundred years.

Oxford also has a beautiful cathedral and is famous for its arts. Literature lovers should prioritize visiting the Bodleian Library, the UK’s second-largest library and containing over 11 million texts.

Bath is a Georgian-styled city, with lots of terrace buildings cut from pale yellow Bath Stone. Like Oxford, Bath has an aesthetic feel, and the uniformed buildings cut from the same stone make you feel like you are stepping out from the 18th century.

If you are a history lover, we especially suggest considering Bath, as it is one of the best cities to visit in England for literary and Roman history.

Bath has a Mary Shelley and a Jane Austen museum. The city also has The Roman Baths, where you can tour the preserved ruins, learn from the interactive exhibits, and observe original Roman artifacts. Next door to the Roman Baths, you can actually bathe in the UK’s only natural thermal baths. The Thermae Bath Spa uses natural spring water to heat a rooftop pool and multi-level spa.

17. Inverness

Inverness is heaven. The Scottish Highlands are understandably popular and a stunning region of the UK to visit, and Inverness provides a city base in their center.

While Edinburgh and Glasgow get the brunt of tourist attention, those that venture further north are greatly rewarded. Known as the gateway to the Highlands, Inverness is a pocket of city life in a dramatic natural setting.

Just outside of the city, you can pay your respects at Culloden Battlefield – the final battle site of the Jacobite Rising. While in the city, you can visit St Andrew’s Cathedral, visit the Inverness Museum, or walk around Ness Islands. Inverness is a lesser-visited but fantastic Scottish city You can expect lots of exciting and inspiring things to do.

Cities in the United Kingdom FAQ

When Is The Best Time To Visit The UK?

The best time to visit the UK is in spring or summer. The UK will be warmer and have longer daylight hours during these months, and outdoor activities will be more enjoyable.

Keep in mind that there are school holidays in April and between July and August. School holidays may impact hotel availability and the busyness of tours and attractions.

What are the Largest Cities in the UK by population?

London has the largest population in the UK and has over seven million people. Birmingham, Leeds, then Glasgow follow closely behind.

What city in the UK should I visit first?

It might seem obvious, but you should visit London first. London is an amazing city with lots to see and do, but it is also the most accessible city for those flying into the UK. You should find the cheapest flights and a higher likelihood of direct flight routes.

Those wanting to combine visiting Britain and Europe should also consider taking the train to or from France. The Eurostar takes less than two and a half hours to reach Paris from London – which doesn’t get much easier.

What is the most beautiful city in the UK?

The most beautiful city in the UK is Bath. The bath stone color, Georgian street style, and general architecture make Bath a beautiful place.

What are the most popular cities in the UK?

The most popular cities in the UK are London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Liverpool, and Manchester.

These are thriving cities with plenty of arts, transport links, and things to do. Most people visiting the UK for the first time choose one of these cities.

The United Kingdom has a lot of beautiful cities that you should add to your bucket list. From incredible history and architecture to famous landmarks and tasty food, all of these cities in the UK offer something different depending on what you are looking for. If you are planning a trip to the UK anytime soon then make sure to add a few of these cities to your itinerary.

Plan Your Next Trip to The UK With These Resources

Amazing Places to Visit in the UK
10 Fun Facts About England That You Don’t Already Know
British Food: 23 Best UK Dishes to Try at Home or Abroad
What to Expect when Coasteering in Wales
North Coast 500 – The Ultimate Trip Guide to Scotland’s Epic Drive

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO .

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

About ThePlanetD Team

Guest writers for The Planet D offer insider tips and information on destinations that they are experts in. We can't be everywhere at once, and it is important to have the highest level of travel information from local writers and experienced travelers.

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Safety and the City – where are the safest cities in the UK?

Safety in the city – uk safest cities to live.

Once you’ve decided on price points and property types, safety is one of the most crucial considerations when it comes to deciding where to live. While you can find transport links and green spaces all over the UK, knowing that you live in a safe area is vital to your peace of mind, and even getting a good night’s sleep!

Want to rest assured knowing you’ve bought a home in a secure city? Here’s a run-down of some of the safest cities in the UK:

The safest cities in the UK:

If you want to be as comfortable as possible in your home city, buying a Shared Ownership home in Plymouth is a no-brainer. The city was ranked as the safest place to live in a recent census, which considered factors like crime levels, ambulance response times, and the number of car accidents. But Plymouth isn’t just a safe place to live – you can also expect a lively way of life, stunning seaside locales, and a bustling city centre that has everything you need.

There’s something about the seaside that just inspires a sense of calm and security. In Brighton, you can rest assured knowing that you are living in one of the safest cities in the UK. Known for the Brighton & Hove Pride Festival and its famous gay village, Brighton is especially welcoming to people from the LGBTQ+ community, there’s a reason why people from all kinds of backgrounds are drawn to living here. Choosing a Shared Ownership property in Brighton could be the best move you ever make.

Dorset is probably best known for its stunning coastline, and lazy summer stays by the beach. However, it’s also growing as a popular living city, with the prospect of job opportunities and a thriving tourist industry in nearby Bournemouth. With a rate of just 66.2 crimes per 1,000 people, this is a city where you can really enjoy peace of mind. Explore Shared Ownership properties in Dorset .

With its friendly locals and peaceful way of life, you may not be shocked to hear that Devon is one of the safer cities in the UK. This charming holiday destination boasts just 58.9 crimes per 1,000 people and stands out with its low levels of theft and burglary. The area is also a magnet for the tourist industry, drawing in holiday revellers with its great beaches and surfing opportunities. So if you’re looking for a safe yet exciting place to live (and enjoy its famous clotted cream), Shared Ownership in Devon has got you covered.

You might not think it at first glance, but London continues to be one of the safest cities to live in the UK. With one of the highest populations in the UK, the capital ranks high purely for the amount of emergency services and precautions available. For example, there is a huge amount of security cameras and doctors relative to the population. Throw in the added bonus of a lively way of life, and endless entertainment options, and it’s no surprise why Shared Ownership in London continues to be a popular option for many.

Known as a hub of culture and entertainment (and the home of The Beatles), there’s a lot to love about living in Liverpool. Crucially, it’s also a safe environment to buy a home, with a high amount of security cameras, fast emergency response times and an LGBTQ+ friendly environment. Liverpool is home to one of the biggest LGBTQ+ populations in the UK, and caters to this demographic with an extensive calendar of events. This means that everyone can enjoy a welcoming place to call home, with Shared Ownership in Liverpool .

You probably know Cambridge for its illustrious University, but did you know it’s also one of the safest living cities in the UK? Impressively, Cambridge scored the best for its crime rate, with a rate of just 22.6 per 1,000 people, and a real lack of anti-social behaviour and violence. That means if you buy a Shared Ownership home in Cambridge , you can be pretty confident in your own safety and security.

When you buy a home, being safe and confident in your possessions is paramount. Thankfully, with a Shared Ownership home in York , you can rest assured knowing that you are living in one of the safest cities for theft and burglary. York has a rate of just 0.52 burglaries per 1,000 people, as well as just 24.1 crimes per 1,000 people. You’ll be able to head out of your door and explore the culture and history of York, without worrying about the security of your home.

Looking for an affordable home in a safe living environment? At Share to Buy, you can discover an affordable homeownership scheme in some of the safest cities in the UK. With options like Shared Ownership and Deposit Unlock , find you r dream home today !

Information correct at time of publishing on 17/01/2024.

6 Safest areas to stay in London for tourists (and Where to avoid)

Wondering What are the safest areas in London to stay ? Where to avoid staying in London? In this post, I will help you to find the safest areas and neighborhoods to stay in London for tourists and the best hotels to stay in London.

London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom . It is one of the most iconic and vibrant cities in the world, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and numerous landmarks.

London is home to numerous iconic landmarks, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament (which includes the famous Big Ben clock tower), the London Eye, and the British Museum, among others.

The River Thames flows through the heart of the city, and its presence has played a crucial role in London’s development and identity.

The city is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, with a diverse population from all over the world. This diversity is reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and neighborhoods.

London has an extensive public transportation system , including the iconic red double-decker buses, the London Underground (the Tube), and commuter trains, making it relatively easy to navigate around the city.

Football (soccer) is a major sport in London, with several prominent football clubs, such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur, based in the city.

Is London Safe to Visit?

London is generally a safe city for tourist s to visit. But, like any major city, it is essential to take some precautions to avoid pickpocketing and tourist scams.

Here are some safety tips for travelers in London:

London has many safe neighborhoods, b ut like any city, some areas may have higher crime rates. Research the areas you plan to visit and stay in well-known, tourist-friendly areas.
Stay vigilant and aware of your belongings, especially in crowded public transport and tourist attractions. Keep your bags and valuables secure.
If you need transportation, use licensed taxis or reputable ride-sharing services to ensure your safety.
Familiarize yourself with the emergency numbers, including the police (dial 999 in UK).
Be cautious of scams targeting tourists , such as fake ticket vendors, distraction theft, or unsolicited offers.
Traveling in a group , especially at night, can add an extra layer of security.
In London, traffic can be heavy. Always look both ways before crossing the street and use designated pedestrian crossings.
Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs to avoid any unintentional offenses.

What are the safest areas in London to stay?

The safest areas to stay in London for tourists are Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, South Kensington, Chelsea, and Covent Garden. Regardless of where you stay, it’s essential to use common sense, keep your belongings secure, and avoid poorly-lit areas at night as you would in any major city.

Other safe residential neighborhoods in London are Richmond, Bermondsey, Highbury, and Hampstead. Richmond is considered one of the safest areas in London. It is a leafy suburb, located in southwest London, known for its picturesque Richmond Park.

Westminster is generally considered a safe area . It is a great base for sightseeing as it is home to many iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey, and it attracts millions of tourists every year.

Westminster is also a major political and administrative center, which means there is a significant presence of police and security forces . As a result, the area is typically well-patrolled, and the crime rate is generally lower than in some other parts of London.

However, like any major city, tourist-heavy areas can attract pickpockets and petty thieves , so it’s essential to remain vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings. Additionally, late at night, it’s advisable to use well-lit, busy streets when walking alone.

Where to avoid staying in London as a tourist?

While London is generally a safe city for travelers, there are certain areas that are known for higher crime rates or have a reputation for being less desirable to stay in. They include Hackney, Haringey, Tower Hamlets, Stratford, Lambeth, Southwark, and Croydon.

Camden is known for its popular markets and music scene, but it can get crowded, and certain parts might not feel as safe, especially late at night.

King’s Cross has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, certain parts can still be a bit rough, particularly late at night.

Map of the best areas in London for travelers

Safest areas & neighborhoods to stay in London for tourists

Mayfair is one of the best areas to stay in London for tourists, especially for first-timers due to its central location, safety, and proximity to major attractions such as Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park.

Mayfair is an affluent area in the heart of London. It is one of the most prestigious and exclusive districts in the city, known for its upscale shops, luxurious hotels, fine dining restaurants, and beautiful Georgian architecture.

Mayfair is situated within the City of Westminster and is bordered by Piccadilly to the south, Oxford Street to the north, Hyde Park to the west, and Regent Street to the east.

While Mayfair is generally considered a safe area compared to many other parts of London, like any urban area, it’s essential to take common-sense precautions to ensure personal safety.

Mayfair is renowned for its high-end shopping, with famous streets like Bond Street, Savile Row, and Mount Street hosting luxury boutiques and flagship stores for top fashion brands and designers.

The area is home to several art galleries that showcase both traditional and contemporary art, attracting art enthusiasts from all over the world.

Mayfair is close to three royal parks, including Hyde Park, Green Park, and St James’s Park providing a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

There are numerous historic landmarks in the area, including Buckingham Palace , Berkeley Square, Grosvenor Square, and the Handel House Museum.

Mayfair offers a plethora of high-end restaurants, Michelin-starred eateries , and exclusive members’ clubs, making it a popular destination for gourmet dining.

Mayfair boasts luxurious hotels, upscale apartments and grand townhouses , attracting wealthy residents and prominent figures.

Due to its central location and prestigious reputation, Mayfair remains a sought-after address for businesses, residents, and first-time visitors looking to experience the epitome of luxury in London .

Best places to stay in London in Mayfair:

Luxury ($$$): The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts , 5-star hotel, located on Grosvenor Square in the affluent area of London’s West End, easy access to the finest shopping, dining and royal parks. It’s within walking distance from New Bond Street, Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Hyde Park.
Mid-range ($$): Park Lane Apartments/Shaw House , former home of the famous author William Somerset Maugham, apartments are in the heart of Mayfair, close to Hyde Park and Oxford Street. Within walking distance from Bond Street Underground Station.
Budget ($): The Chesterfield Mayfair , 4-star luxury hotel in London’s Mayfair, just off Berkeley Square, between Hyde Park and Green Park. It is a short walk from Green Park Underground Station, and Bond Street. You can enjoy the daily Traditional Afternoon Tea, which won the Tea Guild Award of Excellence.

2. Knightsbridge

Knightsbridge is an affluent and prestigious district in central London, ideal base for visitors seeking central location and luxury holiday. Knightsbridge is famous for its high-end shopping, luxurious hotels, and elegant lifestyle.

Knightsbridge is a safe area . It is an affluent and well-maintained district with a significant police presence, contributing to its overall safety. The neighborhood attracts high-end residents and visitors, which also tends to result in lower crime rates compared to some other areas of the city.

Knightsbridge is home to some of the world’s most renowned luxury department stores and boutiques. Harrods , a world-famous department store, is located in the heart of Knightsbridge and attracts millions of visitors each year.

Additionally, you can find designer stores such as Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Dior, a nd many others along the bustling streets.

Knightsbridge is adjacent to Hyde Park , offers ample green spaces, walking paths, boating opportunities on the Serpentine lake, and various recreational activities.

History buffs can visit The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and the Natural History Museum . The V&A houses a vast collection of art and design artifacts, while the Natural History Museum showcases various specimens of plants, animals, minerals, and fossils.

The district itself is steeped in history, and you can find some beautiful examples of architecture, including elegant townhouses and historic buildings.

Knightsbridge offers an array of fine dining restaurants and chic bars that cater to its affluent residents and visitors. You can experience a diverse range of cuisines from around the world.

The area boasts several luxurious hotels, attracting international tourists and high-profile guests. It is one of London’s most desirable neighborhoods for those seeking luxurious living.

Knightsbridge is well-connected to the rest of London through various transport options, including the Knightsbridge Underground Station (served by the Piccadilly line) and several bus routes.

Best places to stay in London in Knightsbridge:

Luxury ($$$): Knightsbridge Hotel, Firmdale Hotels , 5-star hotel is located in a quiet street in the heart of London, within a short walk from Hyde Park, Harrods and the international designer stores of Sloane Street and Brompton Cross.
Luxury ($$$): Beaufort House – Knightsbridge , luxury serviced apartments situated in Beaufort Gardens, a quiet tree-lined Regency terrace in the heart of London’s exclusive Knightsbridge area.
Luxury ($$$): The Capital Hotel, Apartments & Townhouse , 5-star hotel in the heart of Knightsbridge London, close to Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

3. Belgravia

Belgravia is a safe and affluent district in Central London . It is located in the City of Westminster and is bordered by Hyde Park to the northwest, Buckingham Palace to the east, Chelsea to the south, and Knightsbridge to the west.

Historically, Belgravia was developed in the early 19th century by the Grosvenor family, who owned the vast estate of the area. The name Belgravia comes from one of their subsidiary titles, Viscount Belgrave.

The district was planned and designed by architect Thomas Cubitt, who created a grid of grand terraces and garden squares, giving it a distinctive and elegant architectural style.

Belgravia is characterized by its stately white stucco townhouses, private garden squares, and tree-lined streets . It is considered one of the most prestigious and expensive residential areas in London, attracting wealthy residents and international investors.

In addition to its residential appeal, Belgravia is also home to exclusive boutiques, fine-dining restaurants, and high-end amenities.

Some of the notable landmarks and attractions in Belgravia include Belgrave Square, Eaton Square, Elizabeth Street, and the shopping area of Motcomb Street.

The area is well-connected by public transportation, with several Underground stations nearby, including Victoria, Knightsbridge, and Sloane Square , making it easy to access other parts of London.

Belgravia has a wide range of accommodations, ranging from luxury to budget options. It is an ideal neighborhood for visitors seeking a c entral safe location, easy access to public transportation, and attractions.

Best places to stay in London in Belgravia:

Luxury ($$$): The Hari London , 5-star hotel, located a 10 minutes’ walk from Harrods and the Knightsbridge area, a 15-minute walk to the tube at Victoria underground station, offering links to central London.
Mid-range ($$): The Clermont London, Victoria , 4-star hotel, located in the heart of the of London Victoria, next to London Victoria station. Easy distance from The Apollo and Victoria Palace theaters, Buckingham Palace, Royal Parks, River Thames, Tate Britain.
Budget ($): The Tophams Hotel , located in a quiet location in the historic Belgravia district, close to London Victoria Station and the Gatwick Express. Short walk from museums, the theaters of the West End and the shops of Knightsbridge.

4. South Kensington

South Kensington is a safe and vibrant neighborhood located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It is well-known for its cultural attractions, beautiful architecture, and prestigious educational institutions .

South Kensington is one of the best areas to stay in London for family and kids due to its central location, safety, family-friendly museums and parks.

The area is home to several world-class museums that form the Museum Quarter . The most famous ones are:

The Natural History Museum , a vast collection of natural specimens, including fossils, minerals, and exhibits on various aspects of the natural world.
The Science Museum , featuring exhibits on space exploration, computing, transport.
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) , the world’s largest museum of art and design.

Within the neighborhood, you can find the Imperial College London, the Royal Albert Hall, and Hyde Park, one of London’s largest and most famous parks.

Exhibition Road is the central thoroughfare in South Kensington lined with museums, cultural institutions, shops, and cafes, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The area features upscale shopping opportunities along streets like Brompton Road, where you can find luxury boutiques and designer stores.

South Kensington is characterized by elegant Victorian and Edwardian townhouses , making it a picturesque and affluent residential area.

The neighborhood has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a diverse population and a wide range of international restaurants , reflecting the city’s multicultural identity.

South Kensington is well-connected by public transportation. The South Kensington tube station, served by the District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines, provides easy access to other parts of London.

Best places to stay in London in South Kensington:

Luxury ($$$): The Exhibitionist Hotel , 5-star luxury boutique hotel in front of the Natural History Museum, in the heart of South Kensington. Short walk from the V&A Museum, Science Museum, Albert Hall, Knightsbridge, Sloane Street, Harvey Nichols and Harrods.
Mid-range ($$): Meliá London Kensington Member of Meliá Collection , 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of fashionable Kensington, a short walk from Gloucester Road Tube Station, with links to Westminster and the South Bank.
Budget ($): 54 Queen’s Gate Hotel , great hotel in the heart of South Kensington, easy walk from Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, The Natural History and the V&A Museums.

Chelsea along with Knightsbridge and Kensington is one of the safest neighborhoods of London for tourists . It is a highly affluent and fashionable area, known for its elegant architecture, upscale shops, and vibrant cultural scene.

Chelsea is bordered by the River Thames to the south, Belgravia and Knightsbridge to the north, Earl’s Court to the west, and South Kensington to the east.

Some notable landmarks and attractions in Chelsea include:

King’s Road . This iconic street is famous for its trendy boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. It has long been associated with the Swinging London fashion and music scene of the 1960s.

Chelsea Physic Garden. Established in 1673, this botanical garden is one of the oldest in London and features a wide variety of plants and herbs.

Chelsea Embankment . A picturesque walkway along the River Thames offering stunning views of the river and the city’s skyline.

Chelsea Old Town Hall . A grand Victorian building that has served as a venue for various events and functions.

There is also a Saatchi Gallery hosting various exhibitions and installations. Additionally, Chelsea FC is one of London’s most successful football clubs, based at Stamford Bridge stadium in Chelsea.

Chelsea has a rich history and has been associated with various famous personalities, artists, and musicians throughout the years. It is also a sought-after residential area due to its central location and upscale living amenities.

Best places to stay in London in Chelsea:

Luxury ($$$): San Domenico House , a luxurious boutique hotel located a short walk from Sloane Square and fashionable Chelsea. Also close to Victoria Station, Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park.
Mid-range ($$): 11 Cadogan Gardens , a townhouse building located just off Sloane Square in the heart of Chelsea.
Budget ($): Sloane Place , boutique hotel in central London, close to many things.

6. Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a popular area for first-time visitors because it is located in the heart of London, England. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and diverse range of attractions.

Covent Garden is considered safe during the day and into the evening . However, like in any touristy area, it’s advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to prevent pickpocketing and tourist scams.

Covent Garden has a long history dating back to the 17th century. Originally a fruit and vegetable market, it later evolved into a center for entertainment and shopping. The market moved to a new location in 1974, and the old market buildings were redeveloped into a thriving commercial and cultural district.

The Covent Garden Piazza is the main focal point of the area, surrounded by charming arcades filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great place to relax, people-watch, and enjoy street performances by talented musicians and street artists.

Although the original fruit and vegetable market is no longer there, the area is still home to the Covent Garden Market, an indoor market selling various goods, including artisanal products, crafts, clothing, and unique gifts.

Covent Garden is home to the Royal Opera House , one of the world’s most famous opera and ballet venues. It hosts performances by the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera, attracting visitors from all over the globe.

The area around Covent Garden boasts a wide range of theaters and performance venues. From West End musicals to classic plays, there’s always something happening on stage.

Covent Garden offers a mix of high-end designer boutiques, independent shops, and well-known brand stores , making it a fantastic shopping destination.

The dining options in Covent Garden are diverse, catering to all tastes and budgets . You can find everything from traditional British pubs to international cuisine from around the world.

Covent Garden is well-connected by public transport. The Covent Garden tube station (Piccadilly Line) is conveniently located in the area, making it easy to reach other parts of London.

Overall, Covent Garden is a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and shopping experiences in the heart of London.

Best places to stay in London in Covent Garden:

Luxury ($$$): The Savoy , 5-star hotel set on the banks of the Thames, an easy walk from The British Museum and The Royal Opera House, with some of the city’s best-known restaurants and bars, including Simpson’s-In-The-Strand, Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill and The River Restaurant, serving UK’s finest shellfish and seafood.
Mid-range ($$): The Henrietta Hotel , great 4-star hotel, close to Royal Opera House and Arts Theatre.
Budget ($): Assembly Covent Garden , centrally located near the Charing Cross Road, Trafalgar Square, and Shaftesbury Avenue.
Where to Stay in London for First Time
best areas to stay in London on a budget
How To Manage Transportation for 4 Days in London
What to Wear in London? – a Simple Guidlines

In conclusion, Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, South Kensington, Chelsea, and Covent Garden are the safest places to stay in London for tourists .They are all the best areas for first-time visitors due to their central locations, safety, wide range of tourist amenities, and excellent connections to public transportations.

Mayfair suits luxury seekers, Knightsbridge for shoppers, Belgravia for upscale living, South Kensington for cultural enthusiasts, Chelsea for vibrant city life, and Covent Garden for art and entertainment lovers. Choose your ideal haven wisely!

Remember that while these areas are generally safe, it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and keep your belongings secure. It’s also a good idea to check for any updated safety information from local authorities before your trip.

About Author: Linda Smith

I'm Linda Smith, the Hotel Expert, an experienced travel blogger who passionate about traveling. I'm here to share with you all my travel experiences and tips. I cover a wide range of travel topics, specializing in sharing information about the best areas, neighborhoods, and hotels in each city. I hope all these things will make your travel easier.

Top 10 safest cities to live in the UK

Plus the least safest cities...

Using data from the last three years, the team at Confused.com scored the UK's most populated postcodes against a number of metrics to find out which are the most secure to move to. From burglary rate to fastest ambulance response time and flood risks, they analysed which are the best — and worst — for families with young children.

While Liverpool took the top spot, Swansea was found to have the lowest crimes (20,602), while Plymouth has the lowest burglary rate with 4.1 per 1,000 people. Meanwhile, over in London , there are 31,175 officers — the most in the country.

On the other hand, Hull, Manchester and Southampton all rank as the UK's least safe cities. Despite Hull having a high sense of security, the city was found to have the highest flood risk, the fifth highest burglary rate and just 1,901 recorded police officers.

'As a parent, there are lots of different elements to consider when looking for a new home for your family, from being in the right school catchment area to finding a location your whole family can feel safe in and enjoy,' say Confused.com.

Looking to relocate? Take a look at the full findings...

10 of the safest cities in the UK

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10 of the least safest cities in the UK

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Lisa Joyner is the Senior Digital Writer at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK , where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening , dog breeds , pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller , House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.

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The best places to live in the UK in 2024

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10 safest places to live in the UK
Leisure & Lifestyle
Home & Garden

Despite the scary stories you often hear on the news, the UK is considered a very safe country. However, some places are definitely safer than others.

If you’re thinking about relocating, then feeling secure in your neighbourhood is one of the most important things to consider. As, no matter how beautiful a town may be, if you don’t feel safe walking around, you won’t be able to enjoy it in the same way.

So, if you’re looking for a safe new place to settle – or you’re just thinking about a move that may improve the quality of your life – we’ve got some suggestions.

Based on data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) , and comparing each destination’s crime rate to the UK national average of 79.52 per 1,000 people, here are the 10 safest places to live in the UK.

1. The Orkney Islands, Scotland

If you’re really looking to get away from it all and to relocate somewhere both remote and idyllic, where crime is incredibly rare, you might want to think about heading to the Orkney Islands.

Tucked away on the coast of Scotland, surrounded by the Norwegian and North seas, this rugged archipelago of over 70 islands is wonderfully peaceful.

Only 20 of the 70 islands are actually inhabited, so perhaps it’s no surprise that the crime rate is so low. And it is very, very low: with a crime rate of 16.41 per 1,000 people , your chances of being a victim of crime are vastly lower than anywhere else in the UK – and months can go by without a single crime being reported.

On top of that, the locals – known as Orcadians – are warm and hospitable, and there’s a vibrant community. So, while these islands are isolated, that doesn’t mean they’re lonely. Plus, the Orkney Islands are known for their incredible wildlife (such as puffins, seals, dolphins, and whales), cultural heritage (including a unique dialect of the Scots language and a rich tradition of music, dance, and storytelling), and prehistoric sites.

Browse properties to buy in The Orkney Islands

2. east renfrewshire, scotland.

If you like the idea of living in a small, rural community on the UK mainland, where there’s a strong sense of community, spectacular scenery, and a very low crime rate, then the Scottish district of East Renfrewshire might be the ideal destination for you.

Sharing borders with Glasgow, East Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, and North Ayrshire, you’re ideally placed to explore other parts of Scotland. Although, with so much beautiful countryside around you, from moors to rolling hills and woodland – not to mention many charming towns and villages – there’s plenty to do on your own doorstep too.

East Renfrewshire has a very low crime rate of 22.61 per 1,000 people , which is 46% lower than the Scottish average. The overall crime statistics also show that crime is 72% less likely to occur here than the average UK rate.

Ultimately, given its low crime rate, excellent housing, wide range of artistic and leisure activities, friendly community, and lovely landscape, East Renfrewshire is a great place to live.

Browse properties to buy in East Renfrewshire

3. north yorkshire, england.

North Yorkshire might seem like a more surprising entry on this list – because not only is it the largest non-metropolitan county in England, but it’s also the English county with the lowest crime rate.

According to the Office for National Statistics crime report, North Yorkshire had a crime rate of 49.9 per 1,000 people – the lowest in the country and way below the national average of 79.52.

North Yorkshire is made up of 3,480 square miles of land, and national parks cover 40% of the county. The vast expanses of countryside may explain why the crime rate is so low, although the excellent work of the North Yorkshire police force has also been praised.

But North Yorkshire has much more than just safety going for it. The beauty of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors is outstanding, so if you enjoy hiking in gorgeous landscapes, and enjoying a sense of peace and solitude, you’re in the right place. Plus, houses cost much less here than in many other places in the UK (typically below £250,000), so you get far more property for your money.

Browse properties to buy in North Yorkshire

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4. Wiltshire, England

Another lovely and safe place to live is Wiltshire, in the South West of England.

This rural county is famous for its bucolic beauty, and around half of Wiltshire is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, from the Cotswolds to Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs. And that’s without mentioning prehistoric Stonehenge and Avenuebury stone circles!

Aside from its gently rolling greenery, there are many great places to live here, and house prices (average £385,756) are cheaper than nearby Bristol or Bath. There are 21 different towns in Wiltshire; the largest is Swindon, followed by Salisbury, and if you prefer more rural locations, there are countless pretty villages to choose from.

In terms of safety, Wiltshire is very respectable. In 2021, it was ranked as the second safest place to live in the UK, with just 50.7 crimes per 1,000 people, which means it has around 33% less crime than the UK average. It also is the lowest-ranked county in the UK for criminal damage and arson, and is the second-lowest-ranked county for residential burglary.

Browse properties to buy in Wiltshire

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5. Mid Ulster, Northern Ireland

If you live in Northern Ireland, or are interested in relocating there, you might want to consider a move to Mid Ulster. It’s Northern Ireland’s safest district and one of the safest places to live in the UK.

Mid Ulster has plenty more going for it too, as its breathtaking landscape offers residents a wonderful sense of calm and quiet. You can take tranquil walks through emerald-green valleys, around gleaming lakes, and up craggy peaks, and enjoy exploring the Sperrin Mountains and Clogher Valley.

The area is also known for its unique cultural heritage and history. For example, you can visit Bronze Age settlements, impressive stone circles, and ancient strongholds, as well as many historic houses and elegant gardens.

And of course, the crime rate – or lack of it! – is a huge plus. Mid Ulster’s crime rate sits around 32 per 1,000 population, which is much less than the UK average.

Recent research also shows that Mid Ulster has the fewest burglaries in Northern Ireland, and the third-fewest in the UK – so you can feel confident that your home is likely to be secure in this lovely part of the world.

Browse properties to buy in Mid Ulster

6. surrey, england.

If you’d prefer to live in the South East of England, Surrey is an excellent choice.

This well-heeled county is a popular choice for people looking to take advantage of the excitement of city life while still living in a quiet, peaceful area. It takes just 30 minutes to get to London from Surrey by train, which is a major perk.

Surrey also has many lovely towns and villages, and a strong sense of community. It’s known for its annual county show and many different festivals throughout the year – such as The Surrey Hills International Music Festival and Pub in the Park – all of which are designed to celebrate the county and help residents bond as they appreciate their local area.

According to research , Surrey is the safest place to live in the Southeast, and the fourth safest place to live in the UK.

With a crime rate of 55 per 1,000 people, this home county is far less likely to experience crime than the average UK county. However, when compared to other safe counties, like North Yorkshire, it has a higher rate of drug offences and theft – but a lower rate of violence.

Browse properties to buy in Surrey

7. devon and cornwall, england.

While Devon and Cornwall are two separate counties, they have a joint police force – so crime stats encompass both Southwestern regions.

Together, Devon and Cornwall are ranked as the third safest places in the UK, with a crime rate of 51 , which is 28% lower than the national average.

Devon has a lower crime rate than Cornwall, but both counties are below the national average, with low rates of burglaries, vandalism, and violent crime. While its rates of non-residential burglary, drug offences, and criminal damage and arson are slightly higher, they’re still well under the national average.

Adding to Devon or Cornwall’s appeal is the fact that they’re two of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations. They boast gorgeous beaches, beautiful national parks, and quaint fishing villages – and they’re very popular retirement destinations too.

If you’re looking to enjoy a slower pace of life, and the natural beauty around you, either Devon or Cornwall could be ideal.

Browse properties to buy in Devon and Cornwall

8. gloucestershire, england.

Gloucestershire is another rural county in the South West of England that’s considered one of the safest places to live.

While Gloucester is the only city in the county – famous for its grand cathedral and elegant homes – other towns include Cheltenham, Stroud, Tewkesbury, and Dursley, not to mention a whole range of picturesque villages.

Gloucestershire has a crime rate of 58.3 per 1,000 people , which is well below the national average – although interestingly, compared to the other 10 safest places to live, it has the highest crime rate for robbery, and the second-highest for residential burglary and theft. But, all things considered, the overall crime rate is still significantly lower than the rest of the UK.

Despite the higher crime rate for certain offences, there are many perks to living in this county. For example, if you don’t fancy living in a more urban area, there are many gorgeous small towns and villages, many of which have pretty Cotswold stone houses. There are also many great local pubs, quaint tea rooms, and quirky shops to browse.

Browse properties to buy in Gloucestershire

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9. Powys, Wales

The county of Powys is Wales’ largest country, and it covers much of Mid Wales, including parts of North and South Wales, and gorgeous national parks like the Brecon Beacons.

Known for its rolling green valleys, glorious mountains, and starry night skies, it’s a popular travel destination in the UK – and despite its large size, it’s still got a good reputation when it comes to safety.

What’s interesting about Powys crime is that it’s governed by the Dyfed-Powys Police. This is a territorial police force, just like Devon and Cornwall, that covers Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys. While Dyfed-Powys covers four areas in one, it still has the ninth-lowest crime rate in the UK – and is the only Welsh region to make the list.

Dyfed-Powys has a crime rate of 61.5 per 1,000 people , which is significantly below the national average. In terms of robbery and shoplifting, it actually has the lowest rates in the whole of the UK, but the fact it has more drug offences than average gives it a slightly higher ranking.

Still, this large and sparsely populated county is a great place to live, especially if you’re seeking solitude.

Browse properties to buy in Powys

10. cumbria, england.

Cumbria was pipped to the post by Powys for ninth position by a tiny 0.4%! But this non-metropolitan county, located in the North West of England and bordering on Scotland, also has a low crime rate compared to the national average. There are 61.9 crimes per 1,000 people, compared to the UK average of 79.52.

Cumbria’s crime statistics are rather interesting. While it’s undeniably a safe county in terms of statistics, it actually has higher rates of criminal damage and arson than the UK average – although only by 0.5%.

Violence against people is also higher than in any of the other destinations on this list. However, that’s not to say Cumbria isn’t a safe place to live overall – and it has a lot else going for it too.

This rural county is known for its spectacular scenery, including the breathtaking Lake District. Around one-third of the Yorkshire Dales National Park falls within Cumbria too, so if you’re looking to move somewhere with plenty of green space, you’ll find that here.

Plus, you’re only a two-hour drive from major cities like Manchester, Liverpool, York and Leeds, so you can still take advantage of city life should you wish to.

Browse properties to buy in Cumbria

Final thoughts….

As this article shows, the safest places to live in the UK are as diverse as they are geographically dispersed.

From the remote Orkney Islands to affluent Surrey, and rural mid-Ulster to popular Devon and Cornwall, there are safe places to live all throughout the country – no matter where on our island you want to lay your hat.

While crime statistics do vary, and also fluctuate year by year, the places featured on this list have been selected not only for their consistently low crime rates, but also the quality of life they provide – whether it’s access to lots of green space, enjoyable leisure activities, or strong community spirit. So whichever destination catches your eye, you can feel reassured that a good quality of life awaits there too.

For more inspiration for where to live, why not check out the moving home section of our website?

Selene Nelson is an author, freelance journalist, and lifestyle writer for Rest Less. After graduating from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature, Selene began contributing to many major newspapers and websites, and has written for the BBC, The Sunday Times, The Independent, Town & Country, and HuffPost. Her specialist subjects include food, travel, and health, though she enjoys writing about a wide range of topics (e.g. her two books are about veganism and psychopathy, respectively!). She enjoys cooking (particularly pasta and Asian noodle soups), reading, travelling, hiking, attempting to keep fit, and watching animal videos on YouTube.

* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here .

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Where’s the safest place to live and study in the UK in 2023?

Kirsty Thomson

There are many things that go into choosing a university, such as the best nightlife or how many firsts it gives out , however, it’s also important to consider which is the safest place to live and study in the UK. We break down the 10 safest cities to live in 2023, according to Numbeo’s safety index . You might actually be surprised to see which cities are actually considered safe, despite being known as party cities.

10. Glasgow

Glasgow is one of the safest cities and places to live in the UK

Glasgow is generally considered to be a safe place for students to live. The city has a relatively low crime rate and a strong police presence, which helps to keep residents and visitors safe. Additionally, Glasgow has a vibrant student community and a wide range of amenities and services that cater to students’ needs. Many universities in Glasgow also have their own security teams and campus security measures in place, which provide an added level of protection for students. Overall, Glasgow is a great choice for students looking for a safe and welcoming place to live and study.

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a historic and culturally rich city with a strong sense of community. It is home to two major universities, Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University, making it a popular destination for students. The city has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, and many areas have been revitalised with new shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. Although the city has been home to sectarian tensions, it’s considered safe to walk around and visit these areas. Overall, Belfast is considered the 9th safest place to live in the UK according to safety indexes, and offers students a unique and diverse experience.

8. Sheffield

Located in the north of England, Sheffield is generally considered to be a safe place for students to live. It’s home to two major universities, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, and the city has a large and active student population. In the past, Sheffield has topped lists of being the safest place to live in the UK, and in 2023, it remains that way. That’s why Sheffield is a great place to live, especially for first-time students living away for the first time.

Leeds is one of the safest places to live in the UK as a student, but it also has several other benefits. Beyond the amenities and great transportation links, Leeds has a diverse and multicultural community, which allows students to experience different cultures and customs. Furthermore, Leeds has a growing economy and job market, providing students with opportunities for internships, part-time jobs, and career prospects after graduation.

Bristol is one of the safest places to live in the UK

This student city is known for being a safe place to live in the UK. Bristol generally has a low crime rate, despite some crime occurring in the city centre as with all major cities. For year, Bristol has received the purple flag accreditation, which means the city is a safe and fun place to enjoy a night out! However, as with any city, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe.

5. Newcastle upon Tyne

Arguably one of the most surprising findings from Numbeo’s data, Newcastle has a surprisingly low comparative crime rate index. It came in as the 4th safest city to live, although different sources might challenge this. Overall, Newcastle is popular among students, particularly in areas such as Jesmond and Heaton. As with all major cities, it’s worth being cautious when out a night nevertheless.

Is Cardiff a safe place to live and study?

Cardiff is the capital of Wales and stands at the eleventh largest city in the UK. It was made famous for its production and export of coal back in the day, but nowadays, it’s the bustling centre of Welsh rugby. As well as being a very safe and easygoing city, it’s also one of the best value cities in Europe, with the cost of living averaging at being 41% less than London. Cardiff has all the perks of being a city while also being very close to the water, meaning that beautiful beaches like Penarth and St Mary’s are only a short drive away.

3. Brighton

Often dubbed London-by-the-sea, Brighton is actually way safe than the capital city. Other than being one of the safest places to live in the UK, it’s a popular student city for several reasons. One reason is that it is home to the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton, which have a combined student population of over 60,000. Additionally, Brighton is a coastal city with a vibrant and diverse culture, making it an attractive destination for students. The city has a thriving nightlife and many recreational activities, which makes it a great place for meeting people and having great nights out. It also has easy access to London and good transportation options, which makes it easy for students to travel and explore the surrounding area.

2. Aberdeen

As the second-safest place to live in the UK, Aberdeen has numerous purple flags to it’s name, showing you can have a great night out there safely. It’s one of two Scottish cities to receive this, which makes it a great choice for students wanting to study somewhere in Scotland and not worry about crime. It’s home to the University of Aberdeen, which has a large student population of around 14,000 students. Additionally, Aberdeen is a historic city that has a rich cultural heritage and a thriving arts and music scene. Aberdeen also has stunning natural beauty, located close to the coast and stunning countryside.

1. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a wonderful city full of life and excitement and is considered one of the friendliest and most welcoming parts of the UK. No wonder Edinburgh is the safest city and place to live in the UK. The university campus lies through the centre of the city, so you never feel separated from what’s going on with the locals. Edinburgh hosts two of the biggest parties in the world every year with Hogmanay celebrations and the Festivals in August. Therefore, it is ideal if you want somewhere that is exciting, and artistic but also a place where you can call home and feel secure.

So there you have it, those are the safest place to live and study in the UK. For more city rankings, check out which 4 UK cities have been voted as some of the best student cities in the world!

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Top 5 Safest places to live in the UK with the Best quality of life – 2024

Last updated on: February 20, 2024

The United Kingdom offers a diverse cultural experience, with a rich history, multicultural cities, and renowned educational institutions like Oxford and Cambridge.

Moving to the UK can provide career opportunities across industries like finance and technology, along with access to world-class cultural amenities and education. However, before moving, make sure to research certain requirements like safety and the cost of living.

Here are the top 5 safest places to live in the UK with the best quality of life in 2024.

Top 5 Safest places to live in the UK with the Best quality of life – 2024

Methodology

Our ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of crime rates derived from the Scottish Government website and UK government website with their most recent data from 2022 to 2023 and calculated the average number of various crimes per 10000 people . The data are composed of crimes of dishonesty, non-sexual crimes of violence, crimes against society, damage and reckless behaviour, and sexual crimes.

The “best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, the environment (cleanliness), as well as the availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Safest places to live in the UK

1. the orkney islands.

Safest place in the UK

Population: 22,540
Crimes: 228 total number of crimes per 10000 people

Consisting of 70 individual islands, with only 20 inhabited, the Orkney Islands lie approximately 10 miles off Scotland’s north coast. With only 228 total crimes per 10,000 people , Orkney offers a safe and secure environment for all ages. While its remote location, Orkney provides access to supermarkets and recognizable chain stores, alongside a diverse array of independent local shops catering for various needs, from food and fashion to fishing gear and electronics.

The islands’ high employment rates, low crime rates, excellent academic achievements, smaller class sizes, and overall good health and happiness scores contribute to its welcoming atmosphere. It comes as no surprise that Orkney has been named Scotland’s best place to live for the eighth consecutive year in the Bank of Scotland Quality of Life survey 2020 . Volunteering is a way of life in Orkney, fostering cohesion and ensuring vibrant local groups, services, clubs, and societies open to all.

Scotland Statistics (2021) & Gov.Scot (2022-2023)

The Orkney Islands, Scotland

2. East Renfrewshire

Provides CCTV service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Population: 96,580
Crimes: 238 total number of crimes per 10000 people

In East Renfrewshire, community safety is very important, that is why it is no surprise that it has a low crime rate of 238 total crimes per 10,000 people . The Community Safety Unit ensures 24/7 CCTV surveillance and offers programs addressing antisocial behaviour, neighbour disputes, and dog problems, along with free and confidential victim support services.

Beyond safety, locals can enjoy a range of indoor sports like racquet sports, gymnastics, dance, and martial arts regardless of the weather. For outdoor enthusiasts, Giffnock offers a family-friendly National Park with diverse activities and scenic views. Additionally, Greenbank House’s educational garden provides insight into cultivating a wide range of unusual plants.

East Renfrewshire, Scotland

3. East Dunbartonshire

Various community plans for residents

Population: 108,900
Crimes: 254 total number of crimes per 10000 people

East Dunbartonshire, located north of Glasgow and bordered by the Campsie Fells and Kilpatrick Hills, stands out as one of the UK’s safest places to live, with only 254 crimes per 10,000 people . Besides safety, their ‘ Local Outcomes Improvement Plan ‘ outlines community efforts to address inequalities, setting goals for employment and health over the next decade.

For those locals seeking activities in East Dunbartonshire, there’s plenty to explore with friends and families, including three local nature reserves: Merkland, Lenzie Moss, and Kilmardinny Loch. Mugdock Country Park offers 270 hectares of diverse woodland, moorland, and heathland, interconnected by pathways. Kilmardinny House, a listed building refurbished by the Council and EDLC Trust, now features a modern Garden Pavilion extension, ideal for various activities and events.

East Dunbartonshire, Scotland

4. Shetland Islands

Access to local NHS facilities

Population: 22,940
Crimes: 278 total number of crimes per 10000 people

Shetland Islands are a safe and welcoming haven, with only 278 crimes per 10,000 people , offering high-standard public services, including excellent free education in well-equipped schools and access to local NHS facilities. With exceptional roads and convenient internal ferries and buses, getting around is easy. Shopping options include supermarkets in Lerwick and Brae, along with numerous independent shops offering local goods.

In Shetland, boredom is never an issue, with impressive landscapes, coastlines, and wildlife to explore, along with fresh air and clear waters. Locals enjoy the extraordinary light and tranquil surroundings. Temperatures in July and August range from 14°C to 18°C, occasionally climbing into the low to mid-20s, much like the rest of Scotland.

Shetland Islands, Scotland

5. Aberdeenshire

Promotes multiple initiatives for locals' well-being

Population: 262,690
Crimes: 306 total number of crimes per 10000 people

Aberdeenshire is known for its high standard of living, low unemployment, and impressively low crime rate of 306 total crimes per 10,000 people , making it an ideal place to call home. With breathtaking countryside, from the majestic Cairngorms to the picturesque coastline, residents enjoy both tranquility and adventure. The Rosemount & Midstocket area is popular among young professionals and families.

This place prioritizes safety through initiatives like the Aberdeenshire Community Safety Partnership . This partnership oversees various programs, including Adult protection and support, Aberdeenshire Violence Against Women & Girls Partnership, and Alcohol and Drugs Service, ensuring the well-being of locals. Locals in Aberdeenshire love exploring the area’s history, with over 300 castles and stately homes to visit. They also enjoy playing golf at more than 50 beautiful courses and tasting whisky at local distilleries. Along the coastline, beaches like Balmedie Beach are perfect for relaxing and taking peaceful walks.

Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Conclusion:

It is comforting to live in a place where you feel safe and protected, without having to worry about possible danger. Before deciding where to move to, make sure to consider your preferences in terms of amenities, safety and more. But whatever your choice is, these are the safest places to live in the UK with the best quality of life in 2024. Are you moving to the UK, soon? Consider the best removal companies in London .

Last year’s ranking (2023)

The Orkney Islands
The Shetland Islands
East Renfrewshire

Our rankings are meticulously curated, considering recent data crime rates derived from a government website and quality of life. It’s important to highlight that certain places may have changed from last year’s lists due to fluctuations in criteria used in our methodology. We encourage readers to weigh these rankings in light of their individual needs and preferences for a more informed decision-making process.

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The 20 safest places to live in Britain

Do you live in one of them?

A new report has revealed the safest places to live in Britain, according to the feedback from residents across the country.

Here's the top 20 countdown for safest areas to live. Are any near you?

20. Brighton and Hove – 7.27

Even though Brighton has made it into the top 20, there has been a dramatic drop in feelings of safety since last year's results.

19. Belfast – 7.29

There has not been much change in the way the residents of Belfast view the city's safety. This year's results are similar to the previous surveys.

18. Liverpool – 7.3

Residents feel that safety in Liverpool has increased in a major way, scoring an average of 7.3.

17. Manchester — 7.32

This large northern city is considered safe buy its inhabitants.

16. Cambridge — 7.35

Peaceful surroundings make this university city one of the safest in Britain. Residents have positive views overall of the city, with many feeling it is a happy and safe place to live.

15. Cardiff — 7.36

Though Cardiff is a city with a lively nightlife, it is still ranked in the top 20 of safest places to live in the country. Positive perceptions of the city have increased since last year's rankings.

14. Bristol — 7.38

This south west city has relatively low crime rates and most residents feel that the city is still as welcoming, friendly and safe as it's been for a while.

13. Glasgow — 7.44

The large Scottish city of Glasgow has seen a rise in perceptions of safety and happiness, regardless of its size.

12. Gloucester — 7.46

Coming in twelfth place is the city of Gloucester.

11. Newcastle — 7.46

The university city in northeast England rose by 10 places since the last survey for feelings of safety, scoring well above average for the country.

10. Norwich — 7.5

The East Anglian city of Norwich is the safest in the region, with neighbours feeling a strong sense of community.

9. Worcester — 7.51

Since the previous survey, Worcester residents feel similarly happy with safety in the city.

8. Swansea — 7.54

A strong sense of community and safety are why Swansea has been included in the list.

7. Edinburgh — 7.67

The Scottish capital has done well in the rankings, with most residents feeling safe.

6. Wrexham — 7.72

The largest town in North Wales is still considered one of the safest by people who live there.

5. Southampton — 7.75

The port city on England's south coast is considered one of the safest in the whole of the UK.

4. Aberystwyth — 7.76

This Welsh town has scored well in the safety department. However, it has dropped in rankings since previously being in the top position.

3. York — 7.77

York scores highly as a welcoming and friendly city, coming in third place in the safety ranking.

2. Plymouth — 7.78

The largest city in Devon, Plymouth residents enjoy a strong sense of personal safety and community.

1. Aberdeen — 7.82

The survey found that the safest place in Britain is this Scottish port city. Residents ranked personal safety highly, along with a great community spirit and neighbourly trust.

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International

Rare 4.8 magnitude quake rattles Northeast

By Elise Hammond , Leinz Vales and Matt Meyer , CNN

4.0 magnitude aftershock recorded in New Jersey, USGS says

From CNN's Brandon Miller

An aftershock of a preliminary magnitude 4.0 has struck just southwest of Gladstone, New Jersey, according to the United States Geological Survey .

It happened at about 5:59 p.m. ET, USGS said.

The aftershock comes nearly 8 hours after the main shock of 4.8 magnitude this morning. There have been at least 10 aftershocks, though most were in the 1.8 to 2.2 magnitude range.

No injuries or major damage in Northeast after morning quake in New Jersey. What to know to get caught up

From CNN staff

Residents and police gather outside of Newark, New Jersey, homes that were structurally damaged and had to be evacuated after an earthquake Friday.

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake rattled buildings across parts of the US Northeast on Friday morning, according to the US Geological Survey, with tremors felt from Washington, DC to New York City and to Maine.

It was the third-largest earthquake recorded in the area in the last five decades and the strongest in New Jersey i n more than 240 years , the USGS said. But with authorities reporting little or no damage, and minimal travel disruptions, people soon resumed their everyday lives.

Here's what to know:

New Jersey: Gov. Phil Murphy said there are limited reports of damage and "little to no injuries" in the state. The USGS recorded at least six aftershocks in the immediate area of the initial earthquake. In an area more than 30 miles from the epicenter, three neighboring homes in Newark were evacuated after residents reported structural damage, according to Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé.
New York: Gov. Kathy Hochul said there were no "life-threatening situations" after the earthquake and no reports of damaged buildings . There was one report of a gas line leak, but so far there's no “major” infrastructure impact, state officials said . New York City Mayor Eric Adams also said there have not been any reports of injuries and told people to " go about their normal day ." Additionally, all aspects of the New York City transit system were operating safely, said Metropolitan Transport Authority CEO Janno Lieber.
Philadelphia: The Philadelphia Police Department received "over 200 calls" from 911 "in a very short period of 20 minutes," following the earthquake, according to Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. But, there were no injuries reported in the city, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said.
Connecticut: State officials did not report any significant damage. Emergency management officials said their operations center was partially activated as agencies inspected key infrastructure points.
Travel: Runways at the three main airports servicing the New York City area were inspected and cleared, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Port Authority also said there were no operational or physical impacts to the bridges and tunnels. Amtrak said its trains were r unning at normal speeds after restrictions were put in place for track inspections.
Widespread impact: The shaking was felt by millions of people across hundreds of miles of the Northeast — a phenomenon made more likely by a few factors, including the geology of the region itself, according to the USGS. Rocks in the eastern US are much older, denser and harder, making them more efficient conduits of the seismic energy released by an earthquake, allowing it to travel in a more potent form over longer distances, the USGS says.

Amtrak trains resume running at normal speeds

From CNN's Pete Muntean

Amtrak trains are back to operating at normal speeds after an earthquake in New Jersey on Friday, the company said.

It said it started inspecting its tracks shortly after 11 a.m. ET, and put speed restrictions in place throughout the region. Amtrak said it has now completed those inspections.

“As of 3:30 PM ET, All inspections have been completed and service has been restored to normal speed. Residual delays should be expected,” Amtrak posted on X.

At least 6 aftershocks recorded following New Jersey earthquake, USGS reports

From CNN’s Samantha Beech, Brandon Miller and Taylor Ward

There have been at least six aftershocks in the hours following the New Jersey earthquake Friday morning, according to United States Geological Survey data.

The initial earthquake was felt in northern New Jersey just before 10:30 a.m. ET, and the aftershocks were all recorded in the immediate area of the earthquake, USGS said.

According to USGS, the largest of the six aftershocks was 2.2 magnitude, recorded just after 1:30 p.m. ET.

Here's a timeline (all times are ET):

10:23 a.m.: The initial 4.8 magnitude earthquake occurred
11:20 a.m.: 2.0 magnitude aftershock
11:37 a.m.: 1.8 magnitude aftershock
11:49 a.m.: 2.0 magnitude aftershock
12:31 p.m.: 1.8 magnitude aftershock
1:14 p.m.: 2.0 magnitude aftershock
1:32 p.m.: 2.2 magnitude aftershock

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a social media post that "aftershocks of these size are normal and are not expected to cause further damage."

The governor said there have been no reports of injuries or damage.

See how people in the Northeast reacted when the earthquake hit

From CNN's Jeremy Moorhead and Sean Clark

When an earthquake rattled buildings across the Northeast Friday morning, stunned residents described initially thinking a passing tractor-trailer or freight train was passing them before they realized it was something more.

There were reports of the 4.8 magnitude quake being felt from Philadelphia to New York City, according to the US Geological Survey.

See how some people reacted:

3 neighboring homes in New Jersey evacuated after reporting structural damage, offical says

From CNN’s Nic F. Anderson and David Goldman

Three neighboring homes in Newark, New Jersey, have been evacuated after residents reported structural damage following this morning’s earthquake, according to the local public safety director.

Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé told CNN no injuries have been reported after firefighters responded to reports of damage at the homes in an area more than 30 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter.

He said 10 families were relocated from the buildings, including 25 adults and three children.

Fragé added that all Newark city buildings, including City Hall and recreation centers, are closed. He said the city is inspecting buildings for any potential damage and power outages.

Also in New Jersey’s Essex County, in Montclair, officials believe the earthquake caused a water main break, according to an update from the Office of Emergency Management for the Township of Montclair. The OEM said the water bureau is working to repair the line.

The Montclair OEM said authorities have conducted a damage assessment of the township and there are no signs of damage to the infrastructure and all schools and municipal properties report no damage.

Today's earthquake was the strongest in New Jersey in more than 240 years

From CNN's Elliana Hebert, Sara Tonks and Eric Zerkel

First responders arrive to inspect homes in Lebanon, New Jersey, on Friday.

The rare 4.8 earthquake that struck northern New Jersey Friday was the third-strongest to strike the state, according to CNN analysis of US Geological Survey data.

The Friday morning earthquake also marked the strongest since 1783, more than 240 years ago. Two 5.1 magnitude temblors are the only stronger quakes in the state — one in 1755 and another in 1783. Both happened before New Jersey became a state in December 1787, but happened in the geographic area that now comprises the state's boundaries.

The quake is the third-strongest to hit the Northeast in 50 years and the 10th-strongest of all time in the region, USGS data shows.

Earthquakes in New Jersey and the region are rare. There have only been 24 earthquakes of 2.5 magnitude or greater in New Jersey since 1700.

All aspects of New York City transit system operating safely after earthquake, MTA chief says

From CNN's Samantha Beech

All aspects of the New York City transit system are operating safely following this morning’s earthquake, the Metropolitan Transport Authority, which runs the city's subway and other forms of public transit, said.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said every part of the transit system operated safely during the earthquake, as well.

He said initial facility inspections have been completed, including inspections of the seven bridges the MTA operate.

“I want to emphasize those were designed to withstand much stronger seismic impact than we experienced today,” he added.

According to the MTA website , MTA Bridges and Tunnels (B&T) serves more than 900,000 vehicles on an average day. In 2019, it carried more traffic than any bridge and tunnel authority in the nation — more than 329 million vehicles, the MTA says.

Lieber said MTA frontline staff have been directed to report any abnormalities in the system, but he said nothing had been flagged so far.

There's a low likelihood of aftershocks following today's quake, New York City's emergency chief says

New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Iscol speaks at news conference at the New York City Emergency Management Department on Friday in New York.

There is a low likelihood of aftershocks following Friday's 4.8 magnitude earthquake that rattled several Northeast cities, New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Iscol said.

Iscol, however, urged New Yorkers to remain vigilant.

“If you are outside during an aftershock, please move to an open area, away from buildings, trees and power lines. If you are driving, pull over to a safe location," he said at a news conference Friday alongside New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Iscol said there were no major impacts or safety events related to the earthquake, and added that New Yorkers can call 311 to report any damage.

The quake, he said, triggered the activation of the city's emergency response teams and prompted officials to issue guidance to the public.

“We activated our protocols for this earthquake, we immediately began coordinating with all city, state, federal and our utility partners. Public notifications were sent out both by Notify NYC and our wireless emergency alert system,” he said.

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4.8 magnitude earthquake rattles NYC, New Jersey: Live updates

NEW YORK – A 4.8 magnitude earthquake recorded in New Jersey that shook residents in surrounding states and New York City on Friday morning was one of the strongest in state history.

The temblor was reported about 5 miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, at about 10:23 a.m. Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter was about 45 miles from New York City, where residents reported shaking furniture and floors.

“Earthquakes in this region are uncommon but not unexpected. It’s likely people near the epicenter are going to feel aftershocks for this earthquake in the magnitude 2-3 range, and there’s a small chance there can be an earthquake as large or larger, following an earthquake like this,” Paul Earle, a seismologist at the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program told reporters. “In terms of our operations, this is a routine earthquake … Immediately we knew this would be of high interest and important to people who don’t feel earthquakes a lot.”

People reported feeling the shaking as far north as Maine and as far south as Norfolk, Virginia, following the quake, according to USGS. Scientists said those in the affected area should listen to local emergency officials and be prepared to seek cover if aftershocks occur.

“If you feel shaking, drop, cover and hold,” Earle said.

No major disruptions or damage have been reported in New Jersey or New York.

"We have activated our State Emergency Operations Center. Please do not call 911 unless you have an actual emergency," said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

President Joe Biden spoke with Murphy about the earthquake and the White House is monitoring the situation.

“He thinks everything's under control,” Biden told reporters before leaving the White House for a trip to Baltimore. “He’s not too concerned about it, the governor of New Jersey, so things are all right.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the quake was felt throughout New York, and officials are assessing impacts and any potential damage.

In Yonkers, New York, Mayor Mike Spano said City Hall shook but no injuries were reported.

"A few moments ago our entire house shook for about 25 seconds or so here in Mendham, New Jersey," former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said.

USGS is still investigating the exact fault line at the center of Friday’s quake and said it occurred in a region with dozens of fault lines that were more active millions of years ago.

4.0 magnitude aftershock strikes hours after earthquake

Officials in New York and New Jersey alerted residents to an aftershock Monday evening, nearly eight hours after the earthquake.

A 4.0 magnitude aftershock slammed New Jersey at around 6 p.m., with an epicenter about four miles southwest of Gladstone, according to the USGS. New York City’s emergency notification system alerted residents to the aftershock minutes later, urging people to remain indoors and call 911 if injured.

Hochul said there were no reports of serious damage after the aftershock, and officials were continuing to assess critical infrastructure.

The aftershock Monday evening was at least the third that USGS recorded after the quake struck.

As of Friday afternoon, the USGS aftershock forecast predicted a 36% chance of aftershocks at a 3.0 magnitude or higher, an 8% chance of aftershocks at a 4.0 magnitude or higher, and a 1% chance for aftershocks at a magnitude of 5.0 or higher over the next week.

USGS scientists said informal observations can be a big help in understanding earthquakes, especially in a region where they’re less common.

“We encourage people to fill out the ‘Did You Feel It?’ reports on our website,” said Sara McBride, a scientist with the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program. “This citizen science project is critical in terms of building our knowledge around earthquakes.”

By midafternoon on Friday, the agency said it had received more than 161,000 reports, and extrapolated that the quake had been felt by millions of people. McBride acknowledged that earthquakes can be nerve-wracking for people who don’t live in seismologically active regions, and said knowledge is power in combatting that discomfort.

“The best thing you can do to relieve any unsettling feelings you might have is to learn how to protect yourself during shaking and how to prepare for earthquakes in the future,” she said.

Man getting vasectomy during earthquake recounts experience

One Horsham, Pennsylvania, man shared his unusual earthquake experience, saying the tremors hit when he was in the middle of receiving a vasectomy.

"The surgeon sort of froze and all of us kind of seemed a bit confused," Justin Allen told USA TODAY . "Even when the surgeon said 'that’s gotta be an earthquake,' I thought he was joking."

Luckily, Allen's doctor was able to resume the procedure after a brief pause, and the rest went off without a hitch. Now recovering at home, Allen said it's an experience no one involved will forget, especially because his social media post about the incident has since gone viral.

"My wife says that 'this is a clear and obvious sign that we should not have any more kids,'" Allen said.

New Jersey resident thought sound from earthquake was an explosion

Madeline Nafus had just finished feeding her 7-week-old baby when, simultaneously, she was thrown off balance and the loudest sound she’d ever heard rang out.

“I thought it was either an explosion or a bombing because of how loud it was,” said Nafus, who lives in Long Valley, New Jersey, a few miles from the earthquake's epicenter. “It was just terrifying.”

Nafus, 29, watched as her light fixtures swung and wine glasses, framed photos and a 6-foot elk head crashed onto the floor. Feeling as if her “house was going to crumble,” she picked up her baby boy, grabbed some blankets and headed outside. Meanwhile, her friend came running downstairs and picked up Nafus’ quivering dog, Olivia, a small golden doodle.

After about 15 seconds, the rumbling went away and only occasional, minor tremors could be felt. Nafus called her husband, who was teaching a golf lesson at the time, and then their 2-year-old’s day care.

“They said the children were all confused and asking a lot of questions but that they were OK,” she said.'

How common are East Coast quakes?

Earthquakes are less frequent in the eastern part of the country than in the west, but they have occurred in every state east of the Mississippi River, according to the USGS.

"Since colonial times people in the New York – Philadelphia – Wilmington urban corridor have felt small earthquakes and suffered damage from infrequent larger ones," according to the USGS. "Moderately damaging earthquakes strike somewhere in the urban corridor roughly twice a century, and smaller earthquakes are felt roughly every two to three years."

USGS officials also said that even smaller-magnitude quakes are more likely to be felt more widely on the East Coast than similar size quakes on the West Coast due to the rock properties of eastern soil, which can cause concern to East Coasters not used to the tremors.

Rocks in the eastern part of the country are much older than in the west, by up to millions of years. Those older rocks have been exposed to more extreme temperatures and pressure, and faults have had more time to heal. Seismic waves travel across the resulting harder and denser faults much more efficiently, so the effects of a quake are felt across a larger area. In the West, faults are newer and absorb more of the seismic wave energy without spreading as far.

Quake felt in Massachusetts

In Auburn, Massachusetts, more than 200 miles from the earthquake's epicenter, Jerry Steinhelper was on a video call for work when his house began to tremble. His dog Maize started barking, and books and trinkets fell from their shelves. He looked out the window and saw trees shaking.

“I thought at first it may be ice falling off the roof. But it kept going and the entire house was shaking,” he told USA TODAY. “Then I just knew it was an earthquake.”

Steinhelper, 55, lived in San Diego in the 1980s and experienced temblors there, but he’s never felt one in Massachusetts, where he’s been for over 25 years.

“It was an interesting 10 to 15 seconds,” he said.

'It felt like a plane crashed outside' near epicenter

Nicole Kravitz, 33, was baking muffins at the cafe she co-owns with her husband in New Jersey when the floor began to shake. She and the cooks looked at each other for a few moments, and then at some stacked plates and glasses that had started vibrating.

Their eatery, Branchburg's Best, is located in New Jersey's Somerset County, near the epicenter of Friday’s earthquake.

“It felt like a plane crashed outside,” she said. “No one knew what was happening.”

Some workers ran out the door to see if something had smashed into the building while she checked the basement for damage. Meanwhile, Patrick Tucker, her husband, who was picking up beef from a nearby farm, watched agitated chickens and cows run around in their pens, visibly shaken by the quake.

Kravitz said the intensity of the earthquake made her feel like she was back in Southern California, where she had lived for several years before she returned to her home state in 2016.

Quake was one of the strongest to ever impact New Jersey

Friday's earthquake was the most significant in New Jersey since 1884 , when an Aug. 10 earthquake somewhere near Jamaica Bay, New York, toppled chimneys and moved houses off their foundations as far as Rahway, New Jersey, 30 miles away.

Other than that quake, there were only three earthquakes in modern history that caused damage in the state: 1737 (New York City), 1783 (west of New York City) and 1927 (New Jersey coast near Asbury), according to New Jersey Office of Emergency Management records.

The Dec. 19, 1737 earthquake is believed by modern experts to have been a 5.2 magnitude quake. Charted as taking place in the greater New York City area, some accounts say its epicenter was near Weehawken. State records show it threw down chimneys. Chimneys were also hurled down during the Nov. 29, 1783 quake. Estimated at a 5.3 magnitude that originated in modern-day Rockaway Township, according to state records, it was felt from Pennsylvania to New England.

The Aug. 10, 1884 quake, estimated at a 5.2 magnitude was the last the state has seen of its significance and was felt from Virginia to Maine, according to state records.

Read more about New Jersey's earthquake history.

– David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com

New Jersey business owner describes worst quake ever felt but went right back to work

It was a busy day for La Bella Salon & Spa in Lebanon, New Jersey, when an earthquake struck near the rural township.

About a dozen stylists and customers, some whom were getting their hair dyed while others got manicures and eyelash extensions, all froze as the building rattled for about 30 seconds.

“People started to feel the shaking, and it got worse and worse. We were like ‘Oh, my god, what is going on?’" said shop owner Rosanne Drechsel. “I thought a truck hit the building or something.”

After the tremor subsided, nearly everyone in the building started receiving texts and phone calls from friends and family, Drechsel, 61, said.

Nothing was damaged and no one was injured, but Drechsel, who was born and raised in New Jersey, said it was “by far the worst earthquake” she had ever felt.

“We all went back to work and finished the appointments,” she said. “Customers are calling now to see if we're still open and if they can still make their appointments later on today.”

'It was scary': Quake rattles shelves in Brooklyn bodega

In Brooklyn, residents said they felt their buildings shake and many went outdoors after the rumbling stopped to check in with neighbors.

Julio Melo, a deli worker, said he thought the sounds of the earthquake resembled those of a large truck going down the street. But when Melo, 32, looked around and saw beer bottles rattling on store shelves, and a potted plant shimmy down the counter, he thought it might be something bigger, he told USA TODAY.

“I looked at my employee and he had the same tragic face on as me, it was scary,” he said at Jenesis’ Grocery Corp. in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.

– Claire Thornton

Where was the earthquake felt?

Residents and officials said the earthquake was felt throughout New York, as well as in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and elsewhere. It was also felt as far away as Cambridge, Massachusetts, about 250 miles away from the reported epicenter.

Charita Walcott, a 38-year-old resident in the Bronx borough of New York, said the quake felt "like a violent rumble that lasted about 30 seconds or so."

"It was kind of like being in a drum circle, that vibration," she said.

Earthquakes common in the region, but the size is unusual: Expert

Chuck Ver Straeten, a geologist and curator of sedimentary rocks at the New York State Museum, told USA TODAY it’s not surprising this earthquake happened where it did.

“New York, around New York City going into New Jersey, there’s a lot of earthquakes historically down there. Happens every year,” he said. But it’s less common for them to be of such a high magnitude. It’s not surprising that many people felt it, he said. Usually, earthquakes in the region are at a lower magnitude and less likely to be felt.

Ver Straeten said the real question now is if this is just a precursor to a larger quake.

“You never know what is the earthquake, what is a pre-earthquake, what is an earthquake happening after the main earthquake, you just have to see,” he said. “One slip along the rock fault, when one happens, it makes other areas around there more tense also and they start to slip and you slip again and slip again.”

But, he added, it would be unlikely for a larger quake to follow this one. In the Northeast, it’s more common for one large quake to be followed by smaller aftershocks, rather than a mounting series of tremors.

What does magnitude mean in an earthquake?

Magnitude is a measurement of the strength of an earthquake . Officially it's called the Moment Magnitude Scale . It's a logarithmic scale , meaning each number is ten times as strong as the one before it. So a 5.2 earthquake is moderate while a 6.2 is strong.

The magnitude and effect of an earthquake, according to Michigan Technological University :

◾ Below 2.5: Generally not felt

◾ 2.5 to 5.4: Minor or no damage

◾ 5.5 to 6.0: Slight damage to buildings

◾ 6.1 to 6.9: Serious damage

◾ 8.0 or greater: Massive damage, can totally destroy communities

Intensity scales, measured in Roman numerals, are used to describe how strong the earthquake felt to people in the area.

According to the California Earthquake Authority , an intensity of I is typically felt only under especially favorable conditions. A IV, which leads to light shaking, is felt indoors by many, but not typically outdoors. It might awaken some people at night and lead to a sensation like a truck striking a building. A parked car would rock. Intensities VI and above would be strong, frightening and felt by all, with the damage increasing up to a X where the shaking would be violent. Some well-built wooden structures would be destroyed and most masonry and frame structures along with their foundations would be ruined.

While you might have heard the term " the Richter Scale " used to describe earthquakes, it is no longer commonly used because it was only valid for certain earthquake frequencies and distance ranges.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Contributing: Reuters

Magnitude 4.8 earthquake hits NJ, rattles entire tri-state; 4.0 aftershock felt hours later

The u.s. geological survey said the quake hit 3.7 miles east-southeast of califon, in hunterdon county. no damage to buildings or injuries to people were reported. it was the strongest earthquake with an east coast epicenter since 1884, by jennifer millman , tom shea , lauren maroney and jennifer peltz • published april 5, 2024 • updated on april 5, 2024 at 9:53 pm, what to know.

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake hit Hunterdon County, New Jersey, at 10:23 a.m. Friday -- and it reverberated across the entire tri-state area; there have been no reports of damaged buildings
No injuries were reported; no earthquake of that magnitude has had an epicenter near NYC since 1884, according to the U.S. Geological Survey
Hours later, a magnitude 4.0 aftershock hit the same area of New Jersey just before 6 p.m., according to the USGS. Further aftershocks will be unpredictable but are possible for the next week, experts say; if you find yourself in one, drop to the floor and cover your neck

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck New Jersey Friday, triggering frenzied phone calls from Manhattan to Albany to Long Island, Montclair and New Haven, as buildings rumbled in a region unaccustomed to the ground shaking — and that was before the area was hit with an aftershock almost as powerful.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the inital quake hit just over four miles north of Whitehouse Station, just below Tewksbury in Hunterdon County, about 40 miles west of New York City, at 10:23 a.m. It was a shallow earthquake, only 2.9 miles deep, which means an earthquake of that strength would be felt by a larger number of people. USGS put that number at 42 million.

"We're taking this extremely seriously," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said, calling it the most powerful earthquake felt by the East Coast since at least 2011 and the strongest to hit the East Coast directly in the last century.

Get Tri-state area news and weather forecasts to your inbox. Sign up for NBC New York newsletters.

Perhaps most surprising: No injuries or any significant building damages were reported throughout the entire region.

For context, a magnitude 4.0 quake can be felt about 60 miles from the epicenter; a magnitude 5.5 quake can be felt from 300 miles from the center. This 4.8 one reverberated throughout the entire tri-state, and was felt as far away as Maryland and Maine, according to witness reports.

USGS reported "moderate" intensity near the epicenter, with light and weak shaking reported regionally.

Hours later, a magnitude 4.0 aftershock hit the same area of New Jersey just before 6 p.m., according to the USGS. The epicenter of the aftershock was said to be 7.4 miles northwest of Bridgewater, which is just over the county line in Somerset County. The aftershock was significantly deeper than the initial quake, about 5.6 miles deep, which explains why it wouldn't have been felt by as many people.

A much smaller aftershock, magnitude 2.0, was reported by the USGS in Bedminster, New Jersey, around 11:20 a.m. It was one of 12 aftershocks since the initial quake that have registered at least 1.8 or higher on the Richter scale, according to USGS geophysicist Timothy Clements. There may have been more, but any below 1.8 in magnitude would have been undetected.

Further aftershocks will be unpredictable but are possible for the next week, experts say. The USGS said there would be nearly a 50% probability of an aftershock magnitude 3.0 or more, a 16% of one magnitude 4.0 or more, and even a 3% chance of one that was more intense than the initial quake. If you find yourself in an aftershock, experts say you should drop to the floor and cover your neck.

Hochul said she directed her team to conduct damage assessments, including checking all state roads as well as major transmission lines and dams. The Democrat encouraged all municipalities to send crews for structural integrity assessments and vulnerable locations.

In New Jersey, there were few reports of damage, despite the epicenter being located there. There were three homes in along Seventh Avenue in Newark that saw structural damage after their roofs appeared to have collided during the shaking. Ten families, including 25 adults and three children, were relocated as a result.

Pictures and decorative plates tumbled off the wall in Christiann Thompson's house near Whitehouse Station, she said, relaying what her husband had told her by phone as she volunteered at a library.

“The dogs lost their minds and got very terrified and ran around," she said.

Whitehouse Station Fire Chief Tim Apgar said no injuries were reported, but responders fielded some calls from people who smelled gas. Nearby, the upper portion of the 264-year-old Col. John Taylor’s Grist Mill historic site collapsed onto a roadway, according to Readington Township Mayor Adam Mueller.

In New York City, people described feeling the quake as a slight vibration. Some thought it was just a subway rolling underground beneath them or construction nearby; others didn't feel it at all. A meeting at the United Nations was briefly disrupted. Hour-long ground stops were ordered at JFK and Newark airports to allow crews time to ensure the quake didn't cause any runway cracks, but no damage was found and those stops were lifted.

Traffic through the Holland Tunnel between Jersey City and lower Manhattan was stopped for about 10 minutes for inspections, the Port Authority of New York and Jersey said.

In midtown Manhattan, motorists blared their horns on shuddering streets. Some Brooklyn residents heard a boom and felt their building shaking. Cellphone circuits were overloaded for a time as people tried to reach loved ones. Later, phones blared with earthquake-related notifications during the New York Philharmonic’s morning performance, where Anton Webern’s Six Pieces for Orchestra “literally ended with a cellphone alert,” said spokesperson Adam Crane.

The Department of Education sent messages to guardians of New York City Public School students ensuring them that their kids' were safest inside their classrooms, and that dismissal proceeded as usual later in the day.

The NYPD says all relevant emergency agencies were briefed on the situation, though impacts were minimal. Mayor Eric Adams said there were no reported safety or infrastructure problems, nor any disruptions to the power, water or gas system.

The mayor also said the Department of Buildings found no problems after conducting inspections, though the DOB will continue to look at all buildings in the coming days for any delayed cracks or other effects on the city's 1.1 million buildings. The department had not received any calls about structural concerns.

Engineers said New York’s skyscrapers are made of high-strength materials and designed to sway slowly to withstand winds and other impacts. Modern high rises also have other features to help absorb any shock.

“High-rise buildings can be one of the safest places you can be in an earthquake,” said Ahmad Rahimian of the engineering firm WSP Global.

Our @NYCSchools haven't reported any issues, and our students and staff are safe. Dismissal and afterschool will continue as scheduled for today. — Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) April 5, 2024

The MTA said service was not impacted, though teams were dispatched to inspect train lines and tunnels. New Jersey Transit reported up to 20-minute delays due to crew bridge inspections in the aftermath, but service was not impacted further.

There were no reported issues along the infrastructure for MTA, after both the initial quake and the powerful aftershock hours later, saying that the system continued to run "safely and normally."

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit west of Manhattan and has been felt throughout New York. My team is assessing impacts and any damage that may have occurred, and we will update the public throughout the day. — Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) April 5, 2024

History of earthquakes in Tri-State

Earthquakes with magnitudes near or above 5 struck near New York City in 1737, 1783 and 1884, the USGS said. Take a look at a list of the most powerful earthquakes near NYC in history.

The most powerful quakes near the city were on Aug. 10, 1884, and Dec. 19, 1737, according to the Lamont-Doherty Cooperative Seismographic Network. Both of those quakes were magnitude 5.2 in the greater NYC area, but the exact spot where they occurred is not known.

Friday's quake stirred memories of the Aug. 23, 2011, earthquake that jolted tens of millions of people from Georgia to Canada. With an epicenter in Virginia, it left cracks in the Washington Monument and rattled New Yorkers ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

It's not the first quake to rumble the tri-state area this year. In January, a magnitude 1.7 earthquake struck near Astoria, Queens, according to USGS.

Earthquakes in the New York City area are rare, even if they seem increasingly common in recent years.

There are fault lines in the city but experts say residents have nothing to fear.

“I wouldn’t worry about it too much. The East Coast has been geologically stable for millions of years," Stephen Holler, an associate professor of physics and engineering at Fordham University, said.

He did not expect aftershocks to be a concern.

While a relatively strong earthquake for this part of the United States, it doesn't compare to the one that hit Taiwan earlier this week. T he country's strongest earthquake in more than 25 years, the magnitude 7.4 quake that hit Wednesday killed at least nine people died and hurt more than 1,000. Scores remain missing.

Earthquake felt across Northeast

In Astoria, Cassondra Kurtz was giving her 14-year-old Chihuahua, Chiki, a cocoa-butter rubdown for her dry skin. Kurtz was recording the moment on video, as an everyday memory of the dog’s older years, when her apartment started shaking hard enough that a 9-foot-tall mirror banged audibly against a wall.

Kurtz assumed at first it was a big truck going by. The video captured her looking around, perplexed. Chiki, however, “was completely unbothered.”

Attorney Finn Dusenbery was in a law office in midtown Manhattan. “The building shook and I thought that the ceiling above me was going to collapse,” Dusenbery said. “I did think that maybe the building was going to fall down for a second, and I wanted to get out of the building when I felt that.”

At a coffee shop in lower Manhattan, customers buzzed over the unexpected earthquake, which rattled dishware and shook the concrete counter. “I noticed the door trembling on its frame,” said India Hays, a barista. “I thought surely there couldn’t be an earthquake here.”

Solomon Byron was sitting on a park bench in Manhattan’s East Village when he felt an unfamiliar rumble. “I felt this vibration, and I was just like, where is that vibration coming from,” Byron said. “There’s no trains nowhere close by here or anything like that.” Byron said he didn’t realize there had been an earthquake until he got the alert on his cellphone.

People in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Connecticut and other areas of the Northeast reported shaking. Tremors lasting for several seconds were felt over 200 miles away near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border.

WATCH: Water gushes from Manhattan high-rise

Fierce earthquake rattles Taiwan, killing 9 and injuring more than 1,000

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

Photo Illustration: The phases of a total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com and TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

This composite image of thirteen photographs shows the progression of a total solar eclipse

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or pinhole projectors are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury, according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at.

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

The "diamond ring effect" is shown following totality of the solar eclipse at Palm Cove in Australia's Tropical North Queensland in 2012.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

The Bailey's Beads effect is seen as the moon makes its final move over the sun during the total solar eclipse on Monday, August 21, 2017 above Madras, Oregon.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

Total solar eclipse April 8, 2024 facts: Path, time and the best places to view

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality.

Scroll down to see the list of U.S. cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible, the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com .

"Eclipse Across America," will air live Monday, April 8, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu as well as network social media platforms.

On April 8, 2024, a historic total solar eclipse will cast a shadow over parts of the United States, prompting a mass travel event to the path of totality -- from Texas to Maine and several states and cities in between.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the face of the sun, according to NASA .

PHOTO: Tyler Hanson, of Fort Rucker, Ala., watches the sun moments before the total eclipse, Aug. 21, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn.

The track of the moon's shadow across Earth's surface is called the path of totality, and to witness the April 8 total solar eclipse, viewers must be within the 115-mile-wide path. To discover when to see the solar eclipse in totality or the partial eclipse in locations across the U.S. outside of the path, check out NASA's Eclipse Explorer tool .

Eclipse travel

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality, bringing the celestial phenomenon to their doorsteps, Michael Zeiler, expert solar eclipse cartographer at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told ABC News.

MORE: Eclipse glasses: What to know to keep your eyes safe

But for individuals outside of the path, investing time and money are needed to experience the event in totality.

PHOTO: People watch a partial solar eclipse from the roof deck at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge on Aug. 21, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

Eclipse chasers, or umbraphiles, are individuals who will do almost anything, and travel almost anywhere, to see totality, according to the American Astronomical Society .

"There's a very active community of solar eclipse chasers and we will go to any reasonable lengths to see solar eclipses anywhere in the world," Zeiler said. "All of us are united in pursuing the unimaginable beauty of a total solar eclipse."

MORE: The surprising reason why a Texas county issued a disaster declaration ahead of April total solar eclipse

Bringing together both eclipse experts and novice sky watchers, the total solar eclipse on April 8 is projected to be the U.S.'s largest mass travel event in 2024, according to Zeiler, who likened it to "50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation."

"When you look at the number of people expected to come to the path of totality for the solar eclipse, we estimate those numbers are roughly the equivalent of 50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation, from Texas to Maine," he said.

Eclipse map, path of totality

In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA.

Best times, places to view eclipse

Below is a list of some American cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be most visible -- pending weather forecasts -- the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com.

Eagle Pass, Texas, 1:27 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
Uvalde, Texas, 1:29 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 16 seconds
Kerrville, Texas, 1:32 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
Austin, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 1 minute, 53 seconds
Killeen, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 17 seconds
Fort Worth, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 34 seconds
Dallas, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 47 seconds
Little Rock, Arkansas, 1:51 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 33 seconds
Jonesboro, Arkansas, 1:55 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 24 seconds
Poplar Bluff, Arkansas, 1:56 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1:58 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 6 seconds
Carbondale, Illinois, 1:59 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
Mount Vernon, Illinois, 2:00 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
Evansville, Indiana, 2:02 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 2 seconds
Terre Haute, Indiana, 3:04 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 57 seconds
Indianapolis, Indiana, 3:06 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 46 seconds
Dayton, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 46 seconds
Wapakoneta, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 55 seconds
Toledo, Ohio, 3:12 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 54 seconds
Cleveland, Ohio, 3:13 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 50 seconds

Pennsylvania

Erie, Pennsylvania, 3:16 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 43 seconds
Buffalo, New York, 3:18 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
Rochester, New York, 3:20 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
Syracuse, New York, 3:23 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 26 seconds
Burlington, Vermont, 3:26 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 14 seconds
Island Falls, Maine, 3:31 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 20 seconds
Presque Island, Maine, 3:32 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 47 seconds

Why schools are closing for total solar eclipse

Apr 4, 7:03 PM

Why April’s total solar eclipse will be historic

Apr 4, 10:23 AM

Total solar eclipse weather forecast on April 8

Apr 5, 3:38 PM

April total solar eclipse: Where to avoid clouds

Apr 1, 5:02 AM

History and mythology of total solar eclipses

Apr 6, 5:00 AM

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1. London (Largest City) As the capital of England and the country's largest, London was always going to be on this list. It is one of the greatest arts and cultural hubs in both Europe and the rest of the world. London is easily the most popular and famous to visit in England, and for many good reasons.
Top 10 safest places to live in the UK
56.9 crimes per 1,000 people. Topping our list of the safest places to live in England and Wales is Wiltshire, a charming rural county in South West England. Green and chock-full of history - Stone Henge being a prime example - Wiltshire is also very affluent.
Safety and the City
York. When you buy a home, being safe and confident in your possessions is paramount. Thankfully, with a Shared Ownership home in York, you can rest assured knowing that you are living in one of the safest cities for theft and burglary. York has a rate of just 0.52 burglaries per 1,000 people, as well as just 24.1 crimes per 1,000 people.
6 Safest areas to stay in London for tourists (and Where to avoid)
Safest areas & neighborhoods to stay in London for tourists 1. Mayfair. Mayfair is one of the best areas to stay in London for tourists, especially for first-timers due to its central location, safety, and proximity to major attractions such as Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park.. Mayfair is an affluent area in the heart of London. It is one of the most prestigious and exclusive districts in the ...
Top 10 Safest UK Cities To Live In
While Liverpool took the top spot, Swansea was found to have the lowest crimes (20,602), while Plymouth has the lowest burglary rate with 4.1 per 1,000 people. Meanwhile, over in London, there are ...
10 safest places to live in the UK
Based on data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), and comparing each destination's crime rate to the UK national average of 79.52 per 1,000 people, here are the 10 safest places to live in the UK. 1. The Orkney Islands, Scotland. If you're really looking to get away from it all and to relocate somewhere both remote and idyllic ...
Where's the safest place to live and study in the UK in 2023?
We break down the 10 safest cities to live in 2023, according to Numbeo's safety index. You might actually be surprised to see which cities are actually considered safe, despite being known as party cities. 10. Glasgow. Glasgow is generally considered to be a safe place for students to live.
The 12 Safest Areas to Live in The UK
From cities to suburbs, these are the places to consider when making a move. While Manchester scooped first place, East Riding of Yorkshire followed closely behind with a safety score of 80 out of 100. Alongside Manchester, this beautiful district also scores well for streetlight expenditure and low levels of crime.
Top 5 Safest places to live in the UK with the Best quality of life
3. East Dunbartonshire. Various community plans for residents. Population: 108,900. Crimes: 254 total number of crimes per 10000 people. East Dunbartonshire, located north of Glasgow and bordered by the Campsie Fells and Kilpatrick Hills, stands out as one of the UK's safest places to live, with only 254 crimes per 10,000 people.
The 20 safest places to live in Britain
5. Southampton — 7.75. The port city on England's south coast is considered one of the safest in the whole of the UK. 4. Aberystwyth — 7.76. This Welsh town has scored well in the safety department. However, it has dropped in rankings since previously being in the top position. 3. York — 7.77.
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Eclipse glasses distributed by UK Libraries may not be safe
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12 Safest Cities In The UK (2024 Update)

The Top 12 Safest Places in the UK

4. Aberdeen

8. Edinburgh

9. Plymouth

11. Warrington

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10 Safest Cities in The UK

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Safety Index

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10 Of The Safest Cities In The UK

10 Belfast, Northern Ireland

9 York, England

8 Cambridge, England

7 Southampton, England

6 Edinburgh, Scotland

5 Plymouth, England

4 Aberdeen, Scotland

3 Newcastle, England

2 Worcester, England

1 Aberystwyth, Wales

15 Absolute Best Cities to Visit in the UK (+Map & Travel Tips)

2. Edinburgh

3. Cambridge

8. Liverpool

10. Cardiff

11. Nottingham

12. Manchester

13. Norwich

14. Bristol

15. Brighton

The best cities in the UK: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

10. Brighton. Score 80.22

9. Dundee. Score 81.11

8. Belfast. Score 83.07

7. Glasgow. Score 83.27

6. Liverpool. Score 83.29

5. Cambridge. Score 84.16

4. Manchester. Score 85.36

3. Edinburgh. Score 86.38

2. London. Score 86.44

1. Cardiff. Score 86.84

Safest cities in the UK for international students

Here is a list of the four safest cities in the UK for international students to live and study:

1. Liverpool, England

2. Bath, England

3. Edinburgh, Scotland

4. Plymouth, England

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The Safest Places to Visit in the UK

2. St. Ives

3. Edinburgh

4. York, England

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