In today's life, people are valuing not just jobs or education, but overall lifestyle quality, access to fitness, green spaces, healthy food, wellness amenities, and a supportive community. Whether you’re relocating for work, seeking the healthiest environment possible, or just scouting for a city that makes it easy to stay active, some cities across the UK truly stand out.

In this blog, we highlight the top 15 UK cities that combine fitness infrastructure, wellness amenities, green/open spaces, and quality-of-life factors and make them great places for fitness- and lifestyle-conscious residents in 2025-26.

Each city is selected based on publicly available data from recent studies (gym density, wellness businesses, parks/green-space access, healthy-living culture) as well as more general “livability” factors (jobs, affordability, vibe, accessibility).

Comparative Data Table of Top 15 UK Cities

The 15 Best UK Cities for Fitness & Lifestyle (2025-26)

Here are the 15 cities with what makes each special.

Edinburgh

According to a 2025 wellness-city study, Edinburgh tops the “wellness cities” list: it has a high ratio of parks (green spaces) and 24-hour gyms per capita, demonstrating a good mix of outdoor and indoor fitness facilities. 

Its quality-of-life score, along with wellness-related activity (searches, spending on wellness), shows a strong local culture of health and self-care. 

Psychreg

For people who value a balanced lifestyle — indoor gym access, outdoor nature, and city comforts — Edinburgh remains a top pick.

Leeds

In a 2025 “health & wellness” ranking among UK cities, Leeds came first — boosted by green-space access, healthy-restaurant availability, and a good density of fitness clubs. 

westwaleschronicle.co.uk

Other studies also list Leeds high in fitness-friendly metrics: a balanced mix of gyms, outdoor spaces, and active-lifestyle amenities. 

For those who want an energetic urban environment with solid opportunities for fitness and healthy living, Leeds is a strong contender.

Birmingham

According to a recent fitness-city list, Birmingham ranks among the top for fitness — many gyms, sports clubs, pools, and wellness infrastructure. 

As a major UK city, it offers the urban amenities (jobs, transport) while still providing opportunities for active living and healthy lifestyle.

For those looking for a balance between opportunity and fitness-lifestyle — especially if price of living matters relative to a capital city — Birmingham is attractive.

Manchester

One recent 2025 study ranked Manchester as the UK’s “most fitness-obsessed” city: it led in health-related searches per 100,000 residents, indicating high resident engagement with fitness & wellness. 

Midland Health

Traditional fitness rankings also place Manchester among the top for number of gyms, swimming pools, and fitness clubs per capita. 

Manchester combines affordable-ish living (by UK city standards), cultural vibrancy, and solid fitness infrastructure — great for working professionals prioritizing lifestyle as well as opportunity.

Bristol

Bristol appears in several wellness-city rankings for its mix of green spaces, healthy-living amenities (gyms, wellness businesses), and overall lifestyle benefits. 

For those who value “balanced living” — access to nature, a thriving cultural scene, good health/wellness options — Bristol stands out as a holistic lifestyle city.

Recent 2025 wellness-city data puts Glasgow among the noteworthy cities combining wellness infrastructure (gyms, green spaces) with growing interest in wellness. 

For those seeking a Scottish city with a blend of city energy and healthy-living amenities — and possibly lower cost relative to London — Glasgow offers a compelling lifestyle base.

Cardiff

In a 2025 lifestyle ranking, Cardiff ranks among the top for wellness-friendly living — with a decent number of gyms, green spaces, and a healthy-eating/healthy-living culture. 

For people looking beyond England — or considering more affordable capitals of devolved nations — Cardiff offers a nice mix of urban living + wellness amenities.

Newcastle upon Tyne

According to a 2025 “fitness-friendly city” index, Newcastle ranks high among UK cities for healthy living when considering gyms, green spaces, and amenity access. 

For those who enjoy a more relaxed, regional-city vibe — but still want wellness and fitness options — Newcastle can be an appealing, more affordable alternative to the megacities.

Sheffield

Sheffield appears in wellness-city rankings thanks to decent green-space ratio, accessible amenities, and a lifestyle that balances city and suburban/rural access.

For those who value calmness, moderate size, cheaper living compared to top-tier cities — plus access to nature and fitness — Sheffield is a solid middle-ground.

Liverpool

Recent rankings put Liverpool among the UK’s wellness-friendly cities — with availability of gyms, green spaces, and healthy-living infrastructure that support an active lifestyle. 

For urbanites who also appreciate a strong cultural vibe (music, social life) but want to keep active — Liverpool can strike a good balance.

Bournemouth

According to a fitness-search-volume study, Bournemouth ranked fifth in UK cities by fitness-related searches per 100,000 residents in 2025, suggesting strong public interest in fitness and wellness.

Its seaside location, combined with wellness interest, green spaces, and beach/coastline access, make it attractive for those who value active, outdoor, and relaxed lifestyle.

Bath

Some recent city-livability rankings (2025) place Bath among the UK’s top cities overall, acknowledging its quality of life, historic charm, and balanced living.

For those who care about a peaceful, scenic, historic city — but still want access to wellness, good environment, and balanced lifestyle — Bath can be a hidden gem.

Cambridge

In 2025 overall “best-to-live” city rankings, Cambridge appears among the top — reflecting strong employment/education prospects, quality-of-life elements, and good living standards.

For those who want a blend of intellectual/work opportunities, quieter city life, and the possibility to maintain a healthy lifestyle — Cambridge offers a compelling package.

Nottingham

In some fitness-city rankings, Nottingham comes up among cities offering a reasonable number of gyms and access to wellness amenities — making it a potential pick for active living on a budget.

For people seeking affordability plus basic fitness/healthy-living infrastructure, Nottingham may deliver a solid lifestyle with fewer compromises.

Preston

According to a recent fitness-enthusiast ranking, Preston made the top 10 among UK cities for fitness amenities relative to population — including gyms and swimming pools per capita.

For those who prefer smaller cities (less hustle), budget-friendly living, yet access to fitness and wellness amenities — Preston offers a balanced, often-overlooked option.

Dudley

A 2025 “healthy-living affordability” study ranked Dudley among the UK’s most affordable cities to maintain a healthy lifestyle — low gym membership fees and affordable produce made it stand out.

If budget is a major concern but you don’t want to give up on fitness or healthy living, Dudley shows it’s possible without high cost.

How to Use This List: Choosing a City That Fits You

If you love city buzz + strong fitness infrastructure + social scene: Cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, London, Glasgow, Liverpool are great.

If you want balanced living (green spaces, affordable cost, calm but active lifestyle): Consider Leeds, Preston, Nottingham, Dudley, Sheffield.

If you prefer scenic beauty along with wellness — history, calm, culture: Edinburgh, Bath, Cambridge, Bournemouth offer good blends.

If budget matters — but you still want healthy-living amenities: Cities like Dudley, Preston, Nottingham, some smaller/regional cities can deliver good value.

Conclusion

The “best” city for fitness and lifestyle depends heavily on what you value: whether it’s green spaces, wellness infrastructure, affordability, social life — or a mix. The 15 cities above reflect different blends of these factors, giving you a broad spectrum of choices across the UK.

If I were relocating in 2025 with fitness & lifestyle as a priority — I’d look first at Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, and Birmingham — but smaller-city gems like Preston, Dudley, Nottingham — or scenic ones like Bath, Cambridge, Bournemouth — definitely deserve a second look.

Ultimately, the perfect city is personal. I hope this post helps you get a clearer picture, weigh your priorities, and maybe even plan your next move.