Getting married is a big deal – but so is deciding where to build your life together. Whether you’re already living in married bliss or planning your forever-after, picking the right city can make all the difference.
We’re talking about a place with good schools, leafy parks, romantic restaurants (for those oh-so-special anniversaries), a couple of scenic walks for hand-in-hand strolls, and perhaps a spa or two for some indulgent couple’s pampering (hello, Edinburgh).
And it’s no surprise people are thinking about it – married families make up 66% of all UK families and a whopping 79% of all couples. Add in the rising cost of living and the shift to remote working in recent years, and it’s clear that more of us are wondering if there’s somewhere better we could be.
So, we crunched the numbers to find the best UK cities for married couples.
Whether you’re after buzzing nightlife (we’re really not surprised you scored so highly, Manchester), somewhere that’s safe for children (that’ll be Edinburgh, again) or just somewhere where you can put down roots without saving 67 years for a deposit (Stoke-on-Trent is your place for a property bargain), these 10 cities have something for every kind of couple!
1. Edinburgh: The crown jewel of romance
Scotland’s charming capital takes the top spot – and it’s not hard to see why. With almost 373 romantic restaurants for every 100,000 people, 2.2 cinemas per 100k residents, and a surprisingly reasonable average house price of £293,805, Edinburgh is the ultimate package.
Culture? Check. History? Double-check. Scenery that makes every anniversary photo look like a film still? Triple-check. Throw in a chart-topping safety rating, more spas per person than anywhere else, and a ridiculously walkable city centre (alongside those can’t-miss scenic walks up Arthur’s Seat), and you’ve got married life done right!
2. Glasgow: Where culture meets cuddles
Glasgow isn’t just Edinburgh’s cool cousin – it’s a serious contender in its own right. With a strong theatre scene, plus 368.2 restaurants and 32 walking trails per 100k residents, it offers everything from cutting-edge shows to laid-back picnics.
The house prices are kind too, just £182,700 on average, leaving you more cash for candlelit dinners and spontaneous spa days (yes, there are 12.7 spas per 100k).
3. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cosy up in the Northeast
Newcastle is perfect if you like your love with riverside views, curry houses galore, and a great-value pint. Home to 363 romantic restaurants for every 100,000 residents, 59 schools per the same number (the fourth highest in our entire survey), and solid safety credentials, it’s a great all-rounder.
House prices sit at £203,848, which is a canny price for this Geordie gem.
4. Manchester: For the music-loving lovebirds
Manchester isn’t just a cultural titan – it’s a pretty dreamy place for couples, too. With a high score for couple-friendly activities (a convincingly chart-topping 525.9 restaurants per 100,000 residents, nearly 35% of green space), you’re never short of places to go on date night.
While house prices are higher than some (£245,791), the city more than makes up for it with its energy and endless entertainment.
5. Sheffield: A green and pleasant city
If parks and green space top your couple’s goals, Sheffield delivers. With plenty of parks and walking trails (more than anywhere else we surveyed on the latter), it’s a real sweetheart spot for those who love the great outdoors. Plus, with a house price of £219,284 and the second-lowest cost of living in our top ten, it’s affordable and adorable.
6. Bristol: Buzz, beauty, and brunch
Bristol brings the vibes. This artsy, eco-friendly city gives couples access to 340.8 restaurants (per 100k), theatres galore, and is only beaten by Stoke-on-Trent in our top 10 when it comes to schools per person. While house prices are steeper (£362,279), it offers the perfect blend of urban cool and romantic charm.
7. Cardiff: Welsh capital of cwtch
Cardiff is as cute as it is compact. It’s seen as safe, there are more places per head to see a film than anywhere else, and it has relatively affordable homes (£273,933 on average). From theatre nights to waterfront walks, it’s a fab pick for couples who want a slower pace with plenty of heart. And cwtch? It’s Welsh for cuddles.
8. Belfast: Bold, beautiful, and underrated
Belfast is on the rise – and couples should take note. It’s got the third-lowest cost-of-living in the top ten, but with almost 45% green space, a solid supply of schools and a sense of history, it’s a lush location for lovebirds. The average house price? Just £168,979, meaning you can save for that anniversary trip and a new sofa.
9. Stoke-on-Trent: A surprise star
Yes, really! Stoke offers the lowest average house price on the list (£145,168), which means more money for minibreaks and moseying around the city. It boasts the highest green space score (46%, with loads of walking trails), so if you’re an outdoorsy couple, Stoke’s a secret win.
10. Liverpool: Love among the Liver birds
With 353 restaurants per 100,000, a buzzing cultural scene and gorgeous waterfronts, Liverpool is full of soul. The £174,368 average house price helps keep your budget intact, and the city’s mix of history, energy and charm makes it a fab place to grow old (and grey) together.
Comparing the cost of living in the UK’s couple capitals
Love may be priceless, but a mortgage isn’t. It’s no shock that London comes in with the highest house prices (£555,625) and the lowest overall score for couple-friendliness. Beautiful? Yes. Budget-friendly? Not unless your anniversary gift is a winning lottery ticket.
At the other end, Stoke-on-Trent, Liverpool, and Belfast offer serious bang for your buck. If affordability’s key for your forever plans, these are the cities to keep on your radar.
Find that perfect romantic gift with thortful
So, whether you’re a newlywed duo, proud parents, or empty nesters planning your next chapter, these cities offer something for every kind of couple. From candlelit dinners and park picnics to spa days and school runs, where you live shapes how you celebrate life and love – here’s to anniversaries, scenic walks, and maybe, just maybe, your next big move.
And if you have a special anniversary coming up, then you’ll absolutely need an anniversary card to go with it! With anniversary cards for him and for her, as well as those to mark particular milestones, we have cards for all occasions in the thortful range.
