The UK’s most fitness-friendly cities in 2025

By
Katrina Rowe
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Image by Alexa from Pixabay
  • As we enter 2025, our focus shifts to staying fit, with 1,200 monthly searches for ‘how to keep fit’.
  • The travel experts at SkyParkSecure have conducted research to reveal the UK’s most fitness-friendly cities in 2025. 

As we enter 2025, our focus shifts to staying fit, with 1,200 monthly searches for ‘how to keep fit’1. Whether it’s the desire to lose weight, train for a marathon, or simply improve mental health, the turn of the year inspires people to adopt a more active lifestyle. 

Fitness centres, outdoor spaces, and digital platforms see a surge in activity as people look for ways to shed festive weight, build strength, and cultivate new habits. Outdoor activities like jogging, cycling, and hiking also gain popularity in January, as they combine exercise with fresh air and scenic views. 

From miles of bike and walking routes to yoga studios and gyms, the travel experts at SkyParkSecure have revealed the most fitness-friendly cities in 2025. The rankings are based on key fitness-friendly metrics, including active population percentages and health clubs. Whether you’re a yoga devotee, a cycling enthusiast, or a gym regular, these destinations offer the best value for an active lifestyle. 

Rank 

City 

Bike Routes 

Walking Routes 

“Gyms near me” SV 

Active Population (%) 

Gyms 

Yoga Studios 

Pilate Studios 

Top Football Teams 

Total Score (Max 100) 

1 

London 

12,248 

713 

728,500 

68.6 

600 

151 

195 

13 

94.51 

2 

Bristol 

2,609 

170 

57,600 

74.7 

70 

77 

54 

2 

28.22 

3 

Brighton & Hove 

1,000 

76 

20,000 

79 

36 

49 

41 

1 

21.41 

4 

Edinburgh 

2,758 

135 

29,000 

74 

75 

43 

30 

0 

20.43 

5 

Leeds 

768 

102 

43,700 

66.4 

97 

56 

50 

1 

17.96 

6 

Glasgow 

1,489 

200 

42,800 

62 

79 

71 

29 

0 

16.72 

7 

Manchester 

551 

91 

62,900 

62.1 

80 

52 

56 

2 

16.23 

8 

Sheffield 

935 

221 

25,200 

66.1 

58 

37 

18 

2 

16.05 

9 

Birmingham 

787 

98 

121,900 

57.3 

109 

63 

40 

2 

15.65 

10 

Nottingham 

1,076 

92 

6,920 

65.4 

37 

44 

30 

2 

14.18 

11 

Southampton 

649 

96 

7,230 

65.4 

34 

53 

27 

1 

13.39 

12 

Newcastle upon Tyne 

420 

50 

31,400 

66.1 

41 

45 

34 

1 

13.02 

13 

Plymouth 

238 

44 

12,780 

74.3 

36 

12 

10 

1 

12.06 

14 

Liverpool 

696 

43 

39,300 

63.5 

64 

28 

19 

2 

10.89 

15 

Leicester 

407 

90 

15,100 

58.5 

42 

44 

15 

1 

8.10 

 

London takes the top spot with a total score of 94.51. With an impressive 12,248 miles of bike routes and 713 miles of walking routes, the English capital offers unparalleled options for outdoor enthusiasts. Its 600 gyms, 151 yoga studios, and 195 Pilates studios reflect the cities commitment to promoting fitness and wellness. Additionally, a huge 68.6% of the population is actively engaged in physical activities, making London the ultimate destination for fitness lovers.
Ranking second with a total score of 28.22, Bristol boasts 2,609 miles of bike routes and 170 miles of walking routes, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. With 70 gyms, 77 yoga studios, and 54 Pilates studios, the city caters to a diverse range of fitness preferences. Bristol is also in second place with an active population percentage of 74.7%, proving that its residents embrace a healthy and active lifestyle.
Brighton & Hove secures the third spot with a total score of 21.41. The south-coast city provides 1,000 miles of bike routes and 76 miles of walking routes, making it a haven for cyclists and walkers alike. Brighton also features 36 gyms, 49 yoga studios, and 41 Pilates studios, ensuring travellers and residents alike have access to a wide array of fitness facilities. With an active population percentage of 79%, Brighton continues to shine as a hub for fitness enthusiasts.
Whether planning a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, these cities provide a perfect backdrop to explore while keeping fit. With extensive cycling and walking routes, numerous gyms, and a range of wellness-focused facilities, visitors can seamlessly blend vacation with an active lifestyle. 

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