UK's best city to walk around named as it beats London to top spot but is less than an hour away

Rom Preston-Ellis & Matt Spivey

15 May 2024 at 4:59 am·4-min read

Edinburgh — The top 10 list includes a variety of locations from London to Brighton, York to Oxford with many beautiful historic cities taking a prime spot on the ranking -Credit:Getty Images

The UK's best cities to walk around have been named as London narrowly missed out on the top spot to a historic location less than an hour from the capital. A study by the experts at Preply has revealed the UK's most walkable cities, based on the distance between major attractions, the time it takes to travel between them and the number of steps required.

The top 10 list includes a variety of locations from London to Brighton, York to Oxford with many beautiful historic cities taking a prime spots on the ranking. For many Londoners we rely on the Tube or bus network to get from place to place but with many of our attractions including the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace all within a 5 mile radius of each other it's a great city to walk around.

Though, if you fancy a trip out of London there's one city that made top spot that is less than an hour from the capital. With stunning architecture, vibrant culture and all attractions just a 20 minute walk around the city - it's no surprise that the city clinched the first place in most walkable city, reports the Mirror.

The full list of the most walkable cities is here:

10. Bath

Despite its beauty, Bath didn't make the cut as one of the UK's most walkable destinations. The city's main attractions are almost seven miles apart.

However, Bath's picturesque streets are perfect for pedestrians, and there's always time for a pit stop for a Bath bun.

9. Cambridge

As one of the UK's most famous university cities, Cambridge's main attractions are over two hours' walk apart. But if you're just exploring the university, the city is quite easy to navigate on foot.

8. Manchester

Manchester's main attractions are just under six miles apart, and you could visit them all in less than two hours. Be sure not to miss the city's art gallery or the John Rylands Library.

7. Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, is one of the UK's most pedestrian-friendly cities with its major attractions just over five and a half miles apart. However, be warned that hiking to the top of Arthur's Seat, while one of the city's top activities, may not be as easy as you think.

6. Liverpool

Just missing out on the top five is Liverpool. The city's main attractions are all within a five-mile radius.

While it's known as the birthplace of The Beatles, there's much more to this city, including what's been dubbed the UK's coolest neighbourhood.

If you can't see the poll, click here.

5. London

Despite its size, London has made it into the top five most walkable cities. Its top-rated attractions are all within a five-mile walk of each other, and there are plenty of pedestrian zones for tourists to explore.

4. Bristol

Bristol ranks high among the UK's most walkable cities, with its major attractions all within a 3.5-mile radius. The city's former port houses the SS Great Britain Museum and several art galleries, making it an excellent starting point for a city break in Bristol.

3. York

York has been named as one of the UK's most walkable cities. The historic city's main attractions are just over two miles apart.

Don't forget to stop for one of York's famous chocolate treats after all that walking.

2. Brighton

Brighton, one of the UK's top seaside staycations, is also one of the most walkable cities. Its main attractions are just over 1.5 miles apart and it'll take tourists just over half an hour to visit them all.

Don't forget to check out the Royal Pavilion for a unique taste of British architecture.

1. Oxford

Oxford takes the crown as the UK's most walkable city. The university city's main attractions are just over a mile apart and it'll take tourists just over 20 minutes to visit them all.

Make sure you don't miss the Bodleian Library, the Pitt Rivers Museum or the university buildings.

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