According to a January 2026 report on the best places to raise healthy children in the UK, Liverpool takes the top spot. The study by Marco Scarci analyzed all the major UK cities to determine which environment offers the best support for a child’s physical and social development.
- Liverpool is the best place to raise healthy children, with the most advanced healthcare system in the country.
- Around 13% of Sheffield and Aberdeen is covered by forests, giving children more room and green space to play and stay active.
- Edinburgh is the safest city in the UK, providing the most secure urban environment for families to raise healthy children.
The study examined 25 UK cities to find the best places for raising healthy children. Researchers observed eight factors that affect child health and development, including air quality, safety, and the availability of green space for kids to play. The study also looked at the standard of local hospitals and the cost of living to see how much support families really have. These factors were combined with local health data, like child smoking and mortality rates. Each city then received a final score, with the highest numbers showing the best places in the UK to raise a healthy child.
Here’s how the top 10 cities ranked:
| City | Air Quality Index | Pollution Index | Forested/ Woodland Area | City Safety Index | Health Care System Index | Quality of Life | Proportion of Children Starting Smoking | Child Mortality per 100K |
| Liverpool | 56 | 27.95 | 5.00% | 51.45 | 80.73 | 197.88 | 5.00% – 5.71% | 15.50 |
| Edinburgh | 28 | 25.86 | 11.00% | 69.54 | 77.74 | 199.05 | 4.28% – 5.00% | 11.50 |
| Sheffield | 35 | 30.32 | 13.00% | 57.09 | 79.42 | 202.07 | 4.28% – 5.00% | 11.90 |
| Cardiff | 58 | 38.76 | 11.00% | 60.3 | 67.48 | 183.98 | 5.00% – 5.71% | 14.50 |
| Derby | 53 | 29.83 | 4.00% | 56.57 | 76.07 | 200.62 | 4.28% – 5.00% | 13.80 |
| Brighton | 47 | 29.02 | 3.00% | 60.55 | 73.9 | 182.54 | 4.28% – 5.00% | 8.60 |
| Aberdeen | 15 | 33.85 | 13.00% | 63.34 | 76.30 | 201.31 | 2.18% – 4.28% | 11.00 |
| Oxford | 27 | 25.48 | 6.00% | 63.00 | 72.36 | 187.81 | 2.18% – 4.28% | 10.10 |
| Newcastle | 54 | 34.49 | 6.00% | 52.24 | 77.16 | 199.34 | 4.28% – 5.00% | 17.80 |
| Nottingham | 56 | 38.39 | 5.00% | 47.33 | 68.29 | 180.59 | 4.28% – 5.00% | 10.30 |
You can access the complete research here.
1. Liverpool
- Air Quality Index: 56
- Pollution Index: 27.95
- Forested/ Woodland Area: 5%
- City Safety Index: 51.45
- Healthcare System Index: 80.73
- Quality of Life: 197.88
- Proportion of Children Starting Smoking: 5.00% – 5.71%
- Child Mortality per 100K: 15.5
Liverpool leads the list as the best city for raising healthy children, backed by the country’s strongest healthcare system for families. While many big cities struggle with heavy smog, Liverpool stays clean with some of the lowest pollution levels in the country. The city also maintains a high quality of life (index of 197.88) and provides all the benefits of a major urban center.
- Edinburgh
Edinburgh comes next as one of the safest cities for children in the UK. Families benefit from twice the green space compared to Liverpool, with 11% of the region covered by woodland. The Scottish capital has the cleanest air among the top cities, ranking 28 on the Air Quality Index and maintaining low pollution levels. The city offers a high quality of life and a healthcare system that ranks among the best in the country.
- Sheffield
Sheffield ranks third and is the best place for children to grow up active and healthy, with 13% of the city covered by parks and forests where kids can play outside. The city also stands out for its quality of life, with a score of 202.07, the highest of any city in the study. In Sheffield, fewer children pick up smoking compared to other areas, and the child mortality rate is among the lowest (~12). The city balances a high quality of life with reliable healthcare and outdoor space for kids to stay active and healthy.
- Cardiff
Cardiff is fourth, matching Edinburgh for green spaces, with 11% of the city dedicated to woodlands and parks for families to enjoy. The city maintains a high living standard, with an index of 183.98, as well as strong safety. The Welsh capital also sees positive health trends, with fewer children starting smoking and a child mortality rate lower than 14.
- Derby
Derby ranks fifth among the healthiest urban areas for children and families to explore on foot. With a top walkability score of 90, it is simple and safe for children to stay active outdoors. This accessibility is paired with clean air and low pollution levels, ensuring a healthy environment for children to grow up in.
A spokesperson from Marco Scarci commented on the study:
“Parents often think about schools and house prices when choosing where to live, but they don’t always consider healthcare. Liverpool shows why that matters. The city doesn’t have the cleanest air or the safest streets, but it has really good medical services. When your kid gets sick, you’re not waiting weeks for an appointment. If something serious happens, the hospital can handle it. Good healthcare makes a real difference in how kids grow up. It means catching health problems early instead of dealing with them later when they’re worse.”