Edinburgh has claimed the title of the healthiest UK city, according to new research from ZAVA. The city’s abundance of green spaces, combined with low pollution levels, has contributed to its top ranking, making it an ideal environment for healthy living.
With an impressive 1,765 parks dotted throughout the city - equivalent to 3.43 per 1,000 residents - the Scottish city offers 75% more parks per capita than second place Bristol. READ MORE: My stay in town that inspired Lord of the Rings showed me new side of the Cotswolds.
Some of the most famous green spaces in the city include the Princes Street Gardens and Holyrood Park that offer residents and visitors alike stunning natural surroundings. Edinburgh earned an impressive score of 8.49 out of 10. Previously named the best city in the world by Time Out magazine in 2022, more than 49% of the city is made up of green spaces, compared to just 23% in London.
Edinburgh is also a hub for health-conscious living, with 0.98 health-focused stores per 1,000 people, 22% more than Glasgow. Although there are fewer gyms, the city’s extensive parkland and the high density of health-related stores and businesses make it a wellness haven.
More than two million visitors descend upon the city annually to mix with a population of more than half a million residents. The city is famous for its vibrant cultural scene that pairs perfectly with more than 900 years of history. A great spot for a winter weekend away, the city is perfect for keeping your steps up while exploring all those incredible outdoor spaces.
