The 10 Best Family-Friendly Places in the UK

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It can be tempting to look abroad when trying to figure out where to move to next, but homeowners often forget to look on their doorstep. Here are the 10 best places to live in the UK as a family. Whether you’re hoping to settle by the sea, be in the hustle and bustle of a city, or live in the countryside, the UK has something for everyone.

Moving house can be a tricky task, particularly if you’ve got little ones, but don’t let that stop you from looking around. Before rushing into a decision, talk to estate agents, seek out conveyancing advice, and do your own research on different locations.

With travel measures continuing to change, and holidays outside of Europe at a standstill, now is the perfect time to take a few road trips on the weekends and explore what our own nation has to offer. In this post, we’re going to look at some of the most family-friendly places to live, and the factors to consider when moving home. 

The Best Places to Live in England

Birmingham, West Midlands

Based in the West Midlands, Birmingham is a fantastic city for families, and has top attractions like Legoland Discovery Centre and the nearby West Midlands Safari Park. The city has an abundance of lovely parks, museums, and family-friendly pubs. Even on a rainy day, Birmingham has several indoor activities to keep the kids occupied, such as Treetop Adventure Golf and the Sea Life Centre. The city has a thriving economy, some affordable living, and an overall friendly atmosphere, so it’s popularity comes as no surprise.

The Lake District, Cumbria

Along with its beautiful scenery, the Lake District offers a fun-filled life for kids in terms of activities and things to do. From Beatrix Potter World through to kayak tours in Brockhole, the activities on offer vary, and there’s something for everyone. As with most of the northern counties in the UK, Cumbria’s housing market offers more for your money – a factor that many families tend to lean towards when looking to relocate. When looking on Rightmove, the average cost of a house in the Lake District is £283,732. In areas of the Southeast of England, such as Kent, average house prices are around £408,554. Clearly a big difference!

Leeds, Yorkshire

Leeds is the largest city in the north of England, but also one of the friendliest. The Council, inspired by the UNICEF Child Friendly City initiative, one of England’s biggest set up the Child Friendly Leeds initiative, committed to making Leeds the best city for children and young people to grow up in. What’s more, over 90 percent of primary schools and 75% of secondary schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted. These figures place Leeds top of all local authorities in the Yorkshire and Humber Region.

Scotland

Orkney Islands, Northern Isles

Orkney Islands is a fantastic destination for adults and children alike. The northern islands offer a natural and safe landscape, with a unique heritage, breathtaking views, and wildlife sightings everywhere you turn.

According to a Children’s Quality of Life Survey by Halifax in 2017, Orkney was the best place to bring up children. The study examined aspects such as education, housing, employment, traffic, population, and personal well-being. The only downside was poor internet connection due to its more rural location.

Wales

Cardiff, South Wales

As the capital of Wales, Cardiff has a lot going for it in terms of atmosphere, shopping facilities, and friendly neighbourhoods. Cardiff is home to some stunning parks, including Roath Park and Bute Park, both of which have a lake, gardens, and some cute cafes to go to for a spot of life. The Principality Stadium also hails its location in the city centre, alongside Cardiff Arms Park. It may seem like a daunting prospect crossing the border to live in a different country, but the benefits are countless when considering the reduction in cost of living and friendly way of life. 

Northern Ireland

Holywood, Belfast

As mentioned in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2021 list, Holywood “seems to be unshiftable as Northern Ireland’s premier address thanks to its unbeatable combination of coast and countryside so close to the centre of Belfast”. Belfast is just over an hour from all major London airports, making it an incredibly easy commute. Travel between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK is back on track after the pandemic and things are starting to open up again. Known for its beautiful countryside, Northern Ireland is a breath of fresh air and could be exactly what you and your family need, if you’re looking for a new start.

Step outside of your comfort zone

There are a number of factors to consider when moving home, such as lifestyle, location, education and finances. Ultimately, you want to move somewhere that you know you’ll be happy and content. Remember to talk to your friends and family about your decision, but also seek professional advice from solicitors, architects, and other professionals in the housing industry. Don’t be afraid to take a chance and step outside of your comfort zone. Nowadays, there are even several apps to download to help make your decision and move easier. Websites such as RightMove and Zoopla are also a great source to compare house prices and study current trends in the housing industry. Good luck on your house hunt!