Chichester named in top 15 list of best cities in the UK for relaxing walks, according to new study
In celebration of National Walking Day (2nd April), a new study has uncovered the best cities across the UK to enjoy a calming stroll, and the results might surprise you. It turns out you don’t need to trek to the Highlands or a hidden countryside village to find peace and quiet, as some of the country’s most tranquil walking routes can be found right in the heart of cities.
The research, carried out by the team at SlotsCalendar, analysed more than 200,000 TripAdvisor reviews of parks and green spaces in 73 UK cities and towns. Each location was scored on how often words like “relaxing”, “peaceful”, “calm”, and “tranquil” appeared in reviews.
Ranking 13th on the list is Chichester, a West Sussex gem that blends Roman roots with rolling countryside. This cathedral city offers peaceful strolls through the historic city walls, alongside the tranquil Bishop’s Palace Gardens, and even further afield into the South Downs National Park.
Whether you're ambling around the picturesque canal basin or exploring quiet lanes lined with Georgian buildings, Chichester’s charm lies in its unhurried pace and natural beauty. It may not have made the top 10, but it’s not far off and certainly worth lacing up your walking shoes for.
Taking the crown is undefined, a charming cathedral city nestled near the Welsh border. With riverside paths along the Wye, historic timber-framed buildings, and easy access to the countryside, it’s little wonder Hereford came out on top.
undefinedranked second, where Georgian architecture meets glorious greenery, while undefined, with its cobbled Cathedral Quarter and peaceful strolls along the Brayford Waterfront, ranked third.
undefinedand undefined completed the top five, while undefined, often overshadowed by neighbouring Cotswold towns, ranked sixth. undefined, sitting close to the Scottish border, ranks seventh and scores well thanks to its riverside trails along the Eden and access to the Hadrian’s Wall Path.
Not a city in the traditional sense, undefined in Surrey still punches well above its weight, ranking eighth. undefined round out the top 10.
undefined (11th) and undefined (12th) just missed the top ten, showing that elegant architecture and riverside views are a recurring theme.
Some of the UK’s busiest cities like undefined (27th), undefined (24th), and undefined (49th) didn’t fare as well. That’s perhaps no surprise, as crowds and traffic often clash with calm.
undefined (20th) just sneaks into the top 20 despite being surrounded by natural beauty, suggesting tourist density might impact the perceived peacefulness.
On the flip side, undefined, undefined, undefined, undefined, and undefined ranked at the bottom of the list.
Top 10 list of best cities and towns in the UK for relaxing walks: