Outdoortoys has published a ranking of the best places in England to raise a family, evaluating factors such as safety, childcare costs, school rankings, and access to outdoor spaces. The study aims to help families decide where to live when starting or raising children.
Sheffield Leads with Green Space
Sheffield came in first place, largely due to its extensive green spaces. With 1,686 square metres per person, it offers almost double the study average of 873 square metres. Childcare costs in Sheffield are around £918 per month and remain steady. The abundance of outdoor space allows children to play outside after school, contributing to their happiness and wellbeing.
Milton Keynes and Swindon Follow
In second place is Milton Keynes, which boasts the largest range of child-friendly activities in the study. There are 31 activities per 100,000 people, 11 more than the average. Swindon ranks third, with the lowest crime rate among the top locations, making it a safer environment for children to grow up and offering them more independence.
Manchester Ranks Last
Manchester came in last place due to its relatively high crime levels, with 145 incidents per 1,000 people—significantly higher than the average. Although childcare costs are closer to the national average at £1,096 per month and there is plenty of green space, the high crime rate brought down the city's overall score.
Childcare Costs Vary Widely
For childcare costs, Bradford is the cheapest at £605.84 per month, while Plymouth sits at the top with costs reaching £2,000 per month. These figures highlight the significant variation in expenses across different locations.
Expert Insight on Outdoor Play
Alex Price, Product Manager at outdoortoys, commented: "Where children grow up has a lasting impact on how they spend their time. In areas with milder weather and lower rainfall, like Southampton or Cambridge, it’s simply easier to get outside more often without needing to plan around the conditions." He added: "When there’s somewhere nearby to play (a garden with swings, climbing frames, or playhouses, a local park, or a safe open space), children tend to spend more time being active and independent. Over time, that builds confidence, social skills, and a sense of freedom that’s much harder to develop when outdoor time is limited or heavily planned. It’s not about having perfect surroundings. It’s about making the most of what’s available and creating simple opportunities for outdoor play as part of everyday routines."
Top 10 Places to Raise Children in England
- Sheffield
- Milton Keynes
- Swindon
- Cambridge
- Peterborough
- Oxford
- Warrington
- Sunderland
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Portsmouth
