A new study by W-Wellness has revealed Edinburgh as the UK’s leading city for wellness, scoring an impressive 4 out of 5. The research, analysing 12 major UK cities, highlights how urban environments influence healthy living through access to green spaces, fitness facilities, and wellness product purchases. The findings, published on 5th September 2025, offer insights into which cities best support physical and mental wellbeing.

The study evaluated five key wellness indicators: parks and gardens per 100,000 people, 24-hour gyms per 100,000 people, monthly wellness-related Google searches for terms like “spas near me”, “meditation classes”, and “wellness retreats”, supplements bought per 100,000 people, and quality of life scores. Each metric was scored, with higher values indicating greater wellness resources or demand. The average score determined each city’s ranking.

Top wellness cities

The study’s key findings showcase a diverse range of UK cities excelling in different aspects of wellness:

• Edinburgh leads with a wellness score of 4/5, boasting 8.9 parks and 2.3 24-hour gyms per 100,000 people, alongside 292.48 wellness-related searches and £2,472.47 spent on wellness products per 100,000 residents. Its quality of life score of 196.94 seals its top position.
• Leeds ranks second with a score of 3.5/5, excelling as the fitness capital with 12 parks and 4.1 24-hour gyms per 100,000 people, making it ideal for active lifestyles.
• Bristol, Liverpool, and Sheffield tie for third with a score of 3/5. Bristol shines with 275.4 wellness-related searches and £518.17 spent on wellness products per 100,000 people. Liverpool leads in wellness product sales at £263.76 per 100,000, while Sheffield tops quality of life with a score of 201.15.
• London, Birmingham, and Cardiff share fourth place with a score of 2.83/5. London offers 30.5 parks per 100,000 people, Birmingham leads in wellness searches with 310.87 per 100,000, and Cardiff excels in wellness product sales at £2,492.27 per 100,000.
• Glasgow rounds out the top five with a score of 2.67/5, strong in wellness product sales at £355.13 per 100,000 but lagging in fitness facilities.

Edinburgh’s winning formula

Edinburgh’s blend of green spaces, like the iconic Princes Street Gardens, and accessible fitness options makes it a haven for health-conscious residents. With 292.48 monthly wellness searches per 100,000 people, locals actively seek out spas, meditation classes, and wellness retreats. The city’s £2,472.47 per 100,000 spent on supplements reflects a strong self-care culture. “Edinburgh is a city that values health and self-care,” the W-Wellness team noted in their report.

Leeds leads fitness charge

Leeds stands out for its fitness offerings, with Roundhay Park among its 12 parks per 100,000 people and 4.1 24-hour gyms ensuring round-the-clock access. Its focus on physical health makes it a top choice for those prioritising exercise.

Bristol, Liverpool, and Sheffield shine

Bristol’s residents are highly engaged, with 275.4 wellness searches per 100,000, while Liverpool’s £263.76 per 100,000 in wellness product sales highlights its commitment to health. Sheffield’s quality of life score of 201.15, driven by affordability and healthcare access, makes it a standout for long-term wellbeing.

London, Birmingham, and Cardiff hold strong

London’s 30.5 parks per 100,000, including Hyde Park, provide ample green spaces, but its lower wellness search and product purchase rankings keep it from the top. Birmingham’s 310.87 wellness searches per 100,000 show a keen interest in health resources, while Cardiff’s £2,492.27 per 100,000 in wellness product sales reflects a strong self-care trend.

Glasgow’s potential for growth

Glasgow’s fifth-place ranking, with £355.13 per 100,000 in wellness product sales, shows promise, but its fewer parks and gyms suggest room for improvement to rival Edinburgh or Leeds.