Best Cities in the UK for Relaxing Walks

Although it may not have the lofty peaks of the Alps or the epic thousands-of-mile treks of the United States, the UK is – in its own humble way – a truly world-class destination for walking and now’s best the time to set out on a relaxing walk across the scenic trails dotting the UK.

But which city has the most relaxing walks? A study conducted by Injury Claims, which analysed over 200,000 reviews of popular parks across 74 major UK Cities and towns, ranked cities on the percentage of Tripadvisor reviews which mentioned words associated with relaxation.

Tripadvisor reviews were scanned for words such as ‘relaxing’, ‘calm’, ‘peaceful’, and ‘tranquil’.

Of Britain’s most popular cities, Hereford is the number one city in the UK for relaxing walks, with a total of 28.88% index score.

The Weir Garden is the most popular park in the city. It’s a garden that sits on the banks of the River Wye, and it boasts a unique combination of features, such as well-manicured lawns, wooded areas, and a garden surrounded by a wall. Based on the reviews on TripAdvisor, visitors can take peaceful strolls alongside the riverbank and bask in the tranquil atmosphere.

Ranking second in the study, Bristol achieved an overall index score of 23.72%. Visitors who have explored the city’s parks often describe it as ‘peaceful’, which is the most commonly used term in their reviews. It boasts green spaces, woodlands, and gardens, creating a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

Lincoln takes the third spot on the list, scoring 21.97%. One of the main parks in Lincoln is Hartsholme Park, which provides a serene retreat within the city, with picturesque lakes, wooded areas, and trails.

TripAdvisor reviews highlight the relaxing atmosphere and tranquillity of Hartsholme Park, making it a peaceful destination for locals and tourists seeking relaxation through outdoor activities.

With Emberton Country Park standing out as the city’s most peaceful destination, Milton Keynes ranks fourth with an 18.63% index score. In this park, visitors can find Emberton Lake, which offers outdoor opportunities such as fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the peaceful waterside scenery.

Renowned university city, Oxford ranks fifth with a 17.47% index score. One of the most popular yet relaxing parks in the city is Christ Church Meadow. It offers stunning views of the historic Christ Church College, adding to the park’s charm and beauty.

Gloucester takes the sixth spot with a 15.73% index score. In Gloucester, you can enjoy peaceful walks in its parks and green areas. One standout spot is Robinswood Hill Country Park, where you can enjoy beautiful city and countryside views. With its vast fields and quiet paths, it’s no surprise that people feel calm and relaxed in this peaceful getaway.

Swansea follows closely behind in seventh place with a 15.48% index score. The most relaxing park in the city is Singleton Park. It features a large boating pond known as Singleton Boating Lake, a popular spot for visitors to enjoy boating activities and admire the surrounding scenery.

Carlisle, boasting a 15.43% index score, ranks eighth for its relaxing parks and green spaces to walk. Bitts Park, located along the banks of the River Eden, offers a tranquil experience in the heart of the city. Based on the reviews, visitors can walk through beautiful gardens, along the river, or just relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

With an index of 14.71%, Warrington is ninth on the list of best cities in the UK for relaxing walks. While often overshadowed by its larger neighbours, Warrington offers its unique charm for those seeking a peaceful escape. Sankey Valley Park is a quiet spot with winding paths and calm waters.

Newcastle upon Tyne rounds out the top 10, scoring 14.65%. Despite its reputation as a vibrant urban centre, Newcastle has some calm spots to enjoy the outdoors. Jesmond Dene is a picturesque park nestled in a wooded valley, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle.

Here is the full list: