The friendliest cities in the UK: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards
We all love a staycation city break, but which promises the friendliest stay? Our beautiful country is a patchwork of charming urban neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct personality, and nobody is better qualified to judge these cities than the British people themselves. In our annual Readers' Choice Awards, we asked our readers for the inside scoop on which UK cities go the extra mile in making guests feel welcome.
From sunny spots on England’s southern coast to remote towns in Scotland’s north, the hospitable communities which won your votes stretch far and wide. Many are regulars in our rankings, whose friendly reputation is no secret, while other cities, such as Aberdeen and Cambridge, are newcomers on our shortlist. But one thing is for sure, if it’s a hearty British reception you’re after, these are the places to go.
These are the friendliest cities in the UK, according to the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.
Getty Images10. Aberdeen. Score: 84.00
As the northernmost city on our list, Aberdeen proves that friendly reputations can cross a great distance, not to mention lots of rugged peaks. Located on Scotland’s east coast, the city is home to a bustling oil port as well as several sandy beaches, where it’s no rarity to spot a frolicking dolphin or languid crowd of seals. But it’s the people who really bring Aberdeen to life, as its relatively small population has a heart-warming community feel compared to the larger cities on our list. Wander the silvery granite streets, a remnant of its industrial powerhouse past, and hear the soft tones of Doric conservation, Aberdeen’s charming local dialect.
Getty Images=8. Liverpool. Score: 86.67
Ranking at joint eighth, this is the second year in a row that Liverpool has earned a place on our list, so it’s no secret that scousers are some of the most endearing people around. They’re wildly outgoing, thoughtfully inclusive, and always on the lookout for more to join their notoriously good nights out, so take a trip to a packed Liverpool bar and plunge into cheery conversation within seconds. After all, there are plenty of icebreaker topics to choose from. Learn about centuries of fascinating maritime history, pick a side in the major football club rivalry, or reminisce on Beatlemania as you get to know the lovely communities here.
Getty Images=8. Brighton. Score: 86.67
Brighton takes the other half of the tied eighth position, but, unlike Liverpool, this seaside city is a newcomer to our friendly British roundup. Thousands already flock to Brighton each August to celebrate the UK’s largest Pride festival, so it seems the inclusive, empowering people here are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Nor is it just the LGBTQ+ community that feels welcome here, as Brightoners are keen to share their eccentric, beachy vibe with travellers of all ages, from all parts of the UK. In this colourful bubble of vegan cafes, pebbly shores, and independent boutiques, visitors range from creatives seeking inspiration to families seeking splash-filled fun, and many who spend time in Brighton can’t help but return again and again.
Getty Images7. London. Score: 87.83
With a population just short of nine million, London knows a thing or two about people. And while the sprawling capital may feel overwhelming at times, look beyond the noise and you will find London neighbourhoods filled with considerate locals. Tourists often get swept up in the whimsical atmosphere of royal palaces and afternoon teas, but what makes London truly special is its diversity. Whatever your background, whatever your niche passion, there’s a community across this thronging metropolis waiting to take you in as one of their own. All you have to do is follow the city’s straightforward, unwritten rules, and you’ll blend right in.
Getty Images=5. Belfast. Score: 90.00
In another tied score, Belfast is the only Northern Irish city on our list, but despite being found in the UK’s smallest country, the friendly faces here are some of the most impactful. Residents here refuse to be defined by their past. A booming cultural renaissance has unfolded across Belfast since the turn of the century, and now, locals welcome visitors with open arms. Uncover the atmospheric bars, smart hotels, and soul-stirring murals tucked within Cathedral Quarter alleyways – all driven by resilient communities seeking to reclaim and rebuild their beloved home.
Getty Images=5. Cambridge. Score: 90.00
The age-old Oxbridge debate continues, as Oxford is booted from its spot in last year’s top 10 to make room for rival university town, Cambridge. And while it’s no secret that this city is packed with bright minds, spend a weekend here and you’ll discover that there’s so much more to Cambridge than swarms of gowned students. Set on the meandering River Cam, the idyllic waters are speckled with punting boats, bankside cafés serve delicious high tea, and numerous inspiring museums offer free entry. Cambridge is often recognised as the UK’s cycling capital, too, as around a third of residents travel to work by bike. Meanwhile, the city's abundance of greenery makes it a lovely place for families. Blending an outdoorsy lifestyle with quintessentially British customs, the atmosphere in Cambridge is just as inviting as its friendly locals.
Getty Images4. Bath. Score: 92.50
Picturesque rows of honey-hued Georgian townhouses, ancient bathhouses powered by natural hot springs, dozens of quaint independent bookshops – what’s not to love about Bath? And the hospitable people are a fantastic added bonus. From Netflix hit series Bridgerton to Jane Austen’s classic novels, depictions of Bath in popular culture tend to inspire fanciful visions of ballgowns and waistcoats, but in reality, the people here are surprisingly down to earth. Staying true to the ‘small town’ vibe, Bath locals are enchantingly close-knit, but always glad to greet those who love the city as much as they do. Loiter behind as the tourist crowds disperse and join the strong community spirit that emerges across hearty bars, independent theatres, and hilly parks, perfectly positioned for sunset gazing.
Getty Images3. Edinburgh. Score: 93.04
Earning the bronze medal for the third year in a row, Edinburgh is a consistent favourite with our readers, and it’s easy to see why. The Scottish capital is good-humoured, open-minded, and pulsing with creative energy, while widespread patriotism means that all are eager to provide superb standards of hospitality as well. Head up to Edinburgh during the Fringe, famed for being the world’s largest arts festival, and witness the cobbled streets come alive with every talent imaginable. Here you can discover the pinnacle of Edinburgh’s playful yet supportive atmosphere, as residents and visitors unite to celebrate remarkably experimental performers, from singing impressionists and feminist DJs to witty circus troops.
Getty Images2. Manchester. Score: 93.33
After a brief stint in eighth position last year, Manchester returns with a fighting spirit to the silver medal it first bagged back in 2023. And there are several reasons why the Northern city is a worthy winner, from the chatty Mancunians you meet in lively pubs, to the strangers lending a helping hand with street directions. However, best of all, Manchester is an inclusive, multicultural hub, allowing visitors from all backgrounds to feel at home. For a glimpse of this rich culture, Rusholme’s long stretch of South Asian and Middle Eastern eateries, famously nicknamed the Curry Mile, is not one to miss, where you can find Halal menus, authentic spicy flavours, and lots of vibrant neon signs.
Getty Images1. Glasgow. Score: 97.00
Glasgow successfully defends its 2024 title to once again be crowned the UK’s friendliest city, with a convincing win, beating second-placed Manchester by almost four points. As Scotland’s most populated city, this city represents the crème de la crème of the nation’s heartfelt hospitality, so expect to encounter generous people wherever you go. Aside from being sociable, Glaswegians also have a reputation for knowing how to party. Think of cool cocktail bars, historic boozers, and, the cherry on top, legendary music venues, which have given rise to Glasgow's UNESCO City of Music status. Art lovers are also spoilt for choice by the thousands of masterpieces housed across extravagant galleries, or for something more spontaneous, follow the colourful trail of street murals littered across the centre. With so much to offer, we challenge you to resist the irresistible Glaswegian charm.
