A new study by outdoortoys has ranked Sheffield as the best place to raise a family in England, citing its extensive green spaces and reasonable childcare costs. The study analyzed safety statistics, childcare expenses, school performance, and outdoor areas across English cities.
Sheffield leads with green space
Sheffield offers 1,686 square metres of green space per resident, nearly double the study average of 873 square metres. Childcare costs in the city are around £918 per month, holding steady compared to other areas. The abundance of outdoor space allows children to play outside after school, benefiting both kids and parents.
Milton Keynes and Swindon follow
Milton Keynes secured second place, boasting the highest number of child-friendly activities in the research, with 31 activities per 100,000 residents—11 more than the average. Swindon came third, recording the lowest crime figures, making it a safer environment for children's development and granting them greater freedom.
Manchester ranks lowest
Manchester finished bottom of the rankings due to comparatively elevated crime levels, with 145 incidents per 1,000 residents, substantially exceeding the average. While childcare costs in Manchester are near the national average at £1,096 monthly and green space is ample, the crime statistics dragged down its overall rating.
Childcare cost extremes
Regarding childcare expenses, Bradford is the most affordable at £605.84 per month, while Plymouth tops the list with costs reaching £2,000 each month.
Expert insight
Alex Price, Product Manager at outdoortoys, said: "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. 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
- Sheffield
- Milton Keynes
- Swindon
- Cambridge
- Peterborough
- Oxford
- Warrington
- Sunderland
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Portsmouth
