Manchester named in top 10 walkable cities in UK but is beaten by big rival - see full list

Elevated view of red bridge at the Manchester ship canal in the regenerated Salford Quays, Manchester
Manchester has been voted the 8th most walkable city in the UK -Credit:Allan Baxter


The top ten cities in the UK for walking have been unveiled, and it's no shocker that Manchester has made the cut. When it comes to discovering a city by foot, there are only a handful of places in the UK that outshine Manchester.

Many people find that the best way to get to know a new location is by taking a leisurely walk. A study carried out by the expert team at Preply has pinpointed the UK's most pedestrian-friendly cities, taking into account the distance between major attractions, the time it takes to travel between them, and the number of steps needed, according to the Mirror.

Unfortunately, Manchester didn't snatch the top spot - that honour went to Oxford. Do you think that's fair?

Share your thoughts in the comments section.

READ MORE: Five of the best beer gardens in Manchester to visit when the sun's out in 2024

Here's the rundown of the top ten:

10. Bath

Despite its picturesque scenery, Bath didn't make the grade as one of the UK's top walkable destinations. The city's main attractions were nearly seven miles apart.

However, Bath's charming streets are perfect for walkers, and you can always pause for a well-deserved rest with a Bath bun.

9. Cambridge

Cambridge, one of the UK's most iconic university cities, had main attractions that were over two hours' walk apart. However, if you confine your exploration to the university, the city is relatively easy to navigate on foot.

8. Manchester

Manchester's main attractions are just under six miles apart, and it would take less than two hours to visit them all. Don't forget to check out our city's art gallery or the John Rylands Library.

What do you think are our most walkable attractions in the city?

7. Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the UK, with its main attractions just over five and a half miles apart. However, ascending Arthur's Seat, one of the city's top activities, may not be as easy as some might think, so be prepared.

6. Liverpool

Liverpool just missed out on the top five. The main sights of the city are all within a five-mile radius. Famous as the birthplace of The Beatles, the city has much more to offer and even claims the UK's trendiest neighbourhood.

What do you think are the most walkable attractions here?

5. London

Despite its vastness, London ranks among the top five most walkable cities. Its highest-rated attractions are within a five-mile walk of each other. The capital also boasts numerous pedestrian zones for tourists to explore.

4. Bristol

Bristol is one of the UK's most pedestrian-friendly cities, with its key attractions all within 3.5 miles. The city's former port, home to the SS Great Britain Museum and several art galleries, is an excellent starting point for a city break in Bristol.

3. York

York was acknowledged 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 visit one of York's famous chocolate shops for a tasty treat after all that walking.

2. Brighton

Brighton, one of the UK's top seaside staycation spots, is also among the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the country. The main attractions are just over 1.5 miles apart, and it would take visitors just over half an hour to see them all.

Be sure not to miss 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 key attractions are just over a mile apart, and tourists can cover them all in just over 20 minutes.

Make sure to check out the Bodleian Library, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the university buildings.