If you’re planning to relocate, there are many things to consider about a potential destination. While culture, transport links, architecture, and surroundings are all important, there’s one factor that’s often overlooked: the people.
Living somewhere where the locals are warm, welcoming, and hospitable can make a huge difference to how happy and settled you feel – but which places in the UK are the friendliest?
While there’s no single method to determine this (and, of course, it’ll always be subjective!), there are many ways to get an idea. By looking at surveys, reports, and reviews, we’ve found 13 of the friendliest places to live. And, in no particular order, here they are.
1. Glasgow, Scotland
Scotland’s largest city is often overlooked in favour of Edinburgh. And while you could argue that the capital may be grander and more historic, Glasgow has scooped the top spot, yet again, in Condé Nast’s annual list of the UK’s friendliest cities.
Considering that the city’s slogan is ‘People make Glasgow’, perhaps this shouldn’t come as a surprise, and to many locals, it isn’t. Travel writer and Glasgow native Steve King wrote that the city is a place where “complete strangers will talk to you as if you’d been at school together” – and, while they’re generally friendly to everyone, they have a particular affinity with the French.
Aside from its friendly residents, Glasgow also boasts world-class attractions, a fabulous culinary scene, vibrant neighbourhoods, and an exceptional variety of museums, galleries, and theatres. You’ll also have plenty of gorgeous green spaces and botanical gardens to explore – in fact, in Gaelic, Glasgow translates to ‘Dear Green Place’.
If you’ve always wanted to visit (or move) here, perhaps now is the time to experience the famous Glaswegian welcome.
2. Manchester, England
Manchester is another Northern English city regularly ranked as one of the friendliest, taking second place in 2025’s Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards for the friendliest UK city. And in Time Out’s 2022 survey, Manchester was voted as the world’s second-friendliest city.
Time Out also found it to be the second-best city in the world for resilience and the third-best for progressiveness. Plus, according to 20,000 global respondents, Manchester also ranks as the 13th-best city on the planet, thanks to its community spirit and cultural scene.
According to residents, it isn’t just Manchester’s friendliness that makes it so unique, but its wide landscape of restaurants, bars, and events. But best of all, it’s known for being an inclusive, multicultural hub where people of all backgrounds can feel at home.
Manchester’s industrial history also means it’s a city proud of its heritage but always looking ahead. The fact that it’s a fairly affordable place to live is another bonus.
3. Edinburgh, Scotland
A three-time bronze winner in Condé Nast’s readers’ survey, Edinburgh has long been celebrated as one of the UK’s friendliest cities. Despite being a capital and major cultural hub, it retains the charm of a close-knit community – locals are quick to smile, lend a hand, or strike up a conversation.
Part of this welcoming spirit probably stems from the city’s long history of embracing newcomers. Global events like the Fringe, Hogmanay, and the International Festival draw millions of visitors each year, and this constant flow of people and ideas has created a culture where openness, curiosity, and friendliness are woven into daily life. The cobbled streets hum with creative energy, and there’s a dynamic, playful atmosphere.
Plus, a deep sense of pride runs through Edinburgh’s historic streets, and combined with the city’s strong national identity, this inspires locals to go out of their way to provide exceptional hospitality. But Edinburgh’s trademark warmth isn’t reserved for visitors. Neighbourhoods like Leith, Stockbridge, and Marchmont each have their own community spirit, and local markets, independent shops, and cosy cafés make long-time residents feel at home.
4. Bath, England
Known for its honey-hued Georgian architecture, Roman baths, and charming independent shops, Bath has long been a tourist hotspot, and this year has been named the UK’s fourth friendliest city by Condé Nast. Despite its somewhat ‘fancy’ reputation – bolstered by its connections to Jane Austen, period dramas, and refined aesthetic – the city and its residents are refreshingly unassuming and warm.
As a compact city – far smaller than its neighbour Bristol – Bath has a relaxed, easy-going pace of life, and its village-like atmosphere makes it feel approachable and intimate. Locals are close-knit but used to visitors, and genuinely happy to meet people who love their city as much as they do. Whether you’re browsing the many quirky bookshops or eating in a bustling tearoom, there’s a sense of connection between residents and visitors.
Since Roman times, Bath has been synonymous with relaxation and wellbeing, and a sense of quiet calm still permeates the streets today. People come here to unwind and enjoy themselves, and this warm, mellow atmosphere naturally invites openness and conversation. Plus, the combination of beauty, history, and culture encourages people to slow down, soak up their surroundings, and seek out genuine human connection.
5. Cambridge, England
Named the fifth friendliest UK city in 2025 by Condé Nast, Cambridge might be best known for its world-class university, but spend a weekend here and you’ll soon find there’s much more to this city than academia. Whether you’re strolling along the tranquil banks of the River Cam, visiting museums, or tucking into tea and cakes at one of the many independent cafés, it won’t be long before you notice the locals’ welcoming, down-to-earth nature.
Thanks to its large student population and international community, Cambridge also feels diverse. Residents are used to meeting new people and connecting with strangers, which helps give the city its open-minded, cosmopolitan energy. Its compact, walkable streets and pretty squares make it feel intimate and personal, and help visitors quickly feel at home.
Cambridge is also famously the UK’s cycling capital, and its outdoorsy lifestyle is part of its charm. The city’s natural beauty and rich history only add to the appeal, and there’s a special joy in punting along the Cam, cycling past medieval college buildings, or relaxing in one of the many leafy parks. And thankfully, while the city may be traditional, packed with quintessentially British customs, it never feels stuffy.
6. Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast is another capital that’s become known for the warmth and kindness of its locals – as well as its many spirited wine bars, cocktail clubs, jazz bars, and, of course, Irish pubs. And, it came fifth in this year’s Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards for the friendliest UK city.
Though Belfast may still be known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and for its turbulent history, its remarkable transformation in recent years has recognised it for something else: its kindness. According to a study by OnePoll for Babybel, Belfast was the second kindest city in the UK in 2022, where friendliness, small acts of kindness, and community spirit are common.
In 2021, the Friendship Index poll found that people in Belfast were more committed to helping friends in need than anyone else in the UK, willing to travel over 60 miles to help with a flat tyre. So, if you’re looking to make lasting friends who will go that extra mile – quite literally – then Belfast could be the ideal home for you.
7. Brighton, England
Another destination known for its diversity is Brighton – and this year was the seaside city’s first appearance on Condé Nast’s readers’ survey. Known as one of the UK’s most prominent LGBTQ+ hubs and hosting the country’s largest Pride festival, its inclusive, diverse community is one of the reasons why people from all walks of life feel instantly welcome.
This is a city where individuality thrives. Differences aren’t just tolerated, they’re embraced, and that sense of openness and freedom shapes how residents connect. All kinds of people call Brighton home – students, creatives, families – and strolling along the bustling promenade is a great way to get a first feel for the city’s energetic rhythm and eccentric character.
Famous for its iconic pier, pebble beach, and colourful beach huts, Brighton’s quirky seaside charm is another reason for its enduring appeal. From the winding Lanes with their independent shops and vegan cafes to the thriving arts scene and legendary nightlife, it’s a place where people come to be inspired, express themselves, and – ultimately – have fun.
8. Liverpool, England
Liverpool is another city regularly voted one of the UK’s friendliest, which will probably come as no surprise to locals and those who’ve visited.
Liverpudlians are known for being welcoming and friendly, and in 2025, the maritime city took eighth place in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards.
Plus, according to new research by Tim Hortons’ UK, Liverpool was deemed the nicest city in the UK, with 79% of Scousers being more likely to hold doors open for others in the fast-food chain stores. Yet another survey found that Liverpool was the UK’s kindest city, where locals were most likely to perform random acts of kindness.
Of course, Liverpool is also known for being an arts, culture, and music hub, so if you’re into any of these, you’ll find plenty of like-minded people here. Whether it’s visiting The Beatles Story on the Albert Dock, seeing gigs at the iconic Cavern Club, or admiring art at Tate Liverpool, this city is as artistic as it is friendly.
9. Aberdeen, Scotland
Aberdeen is Scotland’s third-largest city – but thanks to its upbeat atmosphere and low crime rate, it’s also repeatedly voted as the country’s safest city. It wins this recognition year after year and regularly features on lists of the friendliest places to live in the UK, including in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
While safety doesn’t necessarily equate to being friendly, Aberdeen has the goods to back up its reputation. According to 2022 research by Home Views, which polled 28,000 people, Aberdeen was voted the third-best place to live in the UK. Its proximity to the sea, grand architecture (it’s not called The Granite City for nothing), and energy were all cited as reasons – but the locals were, too.
Aberdeen’s residents were viewed as welcoming, friendly, polite, and helpful, and their positive attitude towards outsiders makes their hospitality one of the highest in the country.
Not only do locals have access to a mile-long beach, but they also have a historic town to explore, an excellent food and drink scene, and the chance to find serenity and solitude in the surrounding countryside.
10. Oxford, England
Oxford is a university city that’s often celebrated for its friendliness. In 2021, the Friendship Index poll asked respondents questions about kindness, encouragement, and looking after others, and ranked Oxford as the number-one friendliest city in the UK.
This beautiful and historic city scored highly across all categories, but was also awarded first place in the Babybel kindest UK city poll in 2022. Respondents were asked about the city’s friendliness, good deeds, and community spirit, and Oxford scooped the top spot.
It scored especially highly when it came to giving advice, helping one another get jobs, and having opportunities to get involved with the community. Over two-thirds of locals felt the city excelled socially, while more than half considered it a charitable and supportive place to live. So, not only is Oxford one of the country’s most beautiful cities, but it also seems to be one of the kindest.
Unsurprisingly, in 2023, Oxford also appeared in Glassdoor’s list of the top 10 happiest places to live and work in the UK.
11. York, England
With its fascinating history, winding medieval streets, and Gothic cathedrals, York has long been a popular destination with travellers. But, it’s just as popular with residents and has regularly been voted one of the friendliest cities in the UK, and even the world.
Surveys say locals go out of their way to be friendly and greet strangers with warmth and smiles, whether in shops or on the street. The fact that York also has a low crime rate and is consistently ranked as a great place to raise a family means there’s a sense of safety here, too, which is no doubt why locals are so welcoming to out-of-towners.
People who live in York say one of the reasons they love it so much is its excellent arts scene – with multiple theatres, museums, and galleries – and good connections to Edinburgh and London. But the city also boasts over 350 pubs, with over 80 within the city walls, so if you’re looking to make new friends, just head to one of these lively destinations.
12. Cardiff, Wales
Back in 2011, Cardiff was voted the UK’s most sociable city; the place where you’re not only guaranteed a good time when you go out, but where people just tend to go out more in general.
Fourteen years on, Cardiff remains a highly social place to live. In 2023, it came first in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards for the friendliest city in the UK, so the Welsh capital clearly hasn’t lost its touch when it comes to warmth and hospitality. As well as being lively, Cardiff also has much more to offer its residents.
If you’re into history, the medieval Cardiff Castle is one of the best in Europe – and there are many more to discover in the surrounding countryside – Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere in Europe. Aside from being one of the friendliest cities, Cardiff is considered one of the UK’s greenest, so if you’re looking to get outdoors with a newfound hiking or cycling buddy, you’re in the right place!
13. Leeds, England
When it comes to the friendliest UK counties, Yorkshire is definitely a contender, as Leeds is the second city here to regularly be voted one of the country’s friendliest places (Bradford, another Yorkshire town, often appears on these lists, too). It’s also frequently cited as one of the best places to live in the UK in terms of cost of living, happiness, and employment.
Leeds is known for its large student population, which is one of the biggest in Europe – and while you might not think having 200,000 students enter the city each year is a good thing, locals do. Many believe it adds a unique sense of warmth, energy, diversity, and excitement. Plus, the fact that it benefits the economy has a positive knock-on effect for everyone.
But, with just over 800,000 residents, Leeds is also home to people from all walks of life and is considered a hub for creative, hard-working, and positive people.
Leeds has been named the second-best city to start a business, as well as the UK’s first women-friendly city.
Final thoughts…
While this article has featured many different surveys and polls, most with varying results, the reality is that our perception of which places are the friendliest is entirely subjective and based on our own experiences, which can be wildly different.
However, regardless of how many surveys and polls you look at, it’s also true that the same destinations keep cropping up. So, while cities like Manchester, Aberdeen, and Oxford might be very different, we can feel confident that they’re considered friendly, welcoming, and warm by many people.
To get more ideas and inspiration for your next move, check out our articles: 14 of the best places to retire in the UK and 20 happiest places to live in Great Britain. Or, use the button below to browse UK travel deals.
Do you agree with this list of the country’s friendliest places? Or do you have your own suggestions? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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