A study by Outdoor Toys has identified Manchester as the most challenging place to raise a child in the UK in 2026, scoring just 3.39 out of 10 on a 'child raiseability' index. The city's crime rate of 145 incidents per 1,000 people is roughly double the national average and three times that of Swindon, which had the lowest crime rate among the cities studied.
Key Factors Behind the Rankings
The study assessed factors such as green space, child-friendly attractions, childcare costs, and school rankings across UK towns and cities. Despite Manchester's strengths—64% of its schools rated good or outstanding by OFSTED, 18 child-friendly attractions, and ample green space—its high crime rate heavily impacted its score. Outdoor Toys noted: 'These advantages can feel less meaningful when day-to-day safety is a concern. It can influence how often children spend time outdoors or move around independently in their local area.'
Second and Third Worst: Bradford and Bristol
Bradford, West Yorkshire, ranked second worst with a score of 3.62 out of 10. While it boasted the lowest childcare costs in the study at an average of £605.84 per month, it had a high crime rate of 121 incidents per 1,000 people and only 14 child-friendly attractions. Bristol ranked third from the bottom, largely due to its high average childcare costs of £1,749.80 per month—a significant financial burden for families. Only 54% of Bristol's schools are rated good or outstanding by OFSTED, though the city offers many family activities and extensive green space.
Best Places to Raise Children
Sheffield was named the best UK city for raising children, scoring highly for green spaces, attractions, and school quality. Milton Keynes came second, thanks to a large number of family-friendly activities. Swindon ranked third, with a low crime rate and below-average childcare costs.
