Across four different nations with a wide variety of locales and landscapes, the United Kingdom boasts an enviable number of desirable towns and villages to live in. Nestled along stunning coastlines and rolling hills or forming out of centuries-old settlements made of stone, for many, these are among the best places to live anywhere in the world, providing safe and secure environments for private individuals and families.
It is no coincidence that the safest towns in the UK can be found in some of the most stunning locations. The following entries combine both the finest quality of living with peace of mind, in places where one’s able to fully enjoy the benefits of the local area.
Harrogate
A spa town steeped in grandeur, thanks to a combination of architecture from England's greatest design periods, Harrogate is heralded for its manicured parks, wide avenues and affluent lifestyle. In 2025, it remains one of the safest places to live in the UK, where locals still browse centuries-old bookshops, greet each other warmly on the street every morning, and show up in force for town events every month. The grand façades of Montpellier Quarter and the ornate arcades near the iconic Turkish Baths and Betty's Café Tea Room lend the town a sense of timeless elegance which hasn’t shifted for the best part of two centuries.
For such an affluent town, crime in Harrogate tends to be on the lower end of the scale, contrasting with other, more built-up cities nearby, such as Leeds and York. That sense of security extends to Harrogate’s excellent school options, with institutions such as Harrogate Grammar School and St Aidan’s maintaining long-standing reputations as safe schools for children to attend. Whether walking through the Valley Gardens or heading up to Harlow Carr, life in Harrogate isn’t just secure – it is also where people move to thrive amidst the rolling hills of Yorkshire.
Wells
England’s smallest city, somewhat unsurprisingly, is also one of the safest places to live. Whilst still classed as a city, it only holds a population of 11,000 people, easily dwarfed by many of the country’s large towns. But Wells stands out not only for its safety, but for the immaculate and romantic preservation of its historic core, with a cathedral that towers over a network of medieval streets that have barely changed for centuries.
The residential areas around Tor Street and Southover are particularly sought after, with period homes within walking distance of the centre. Wells Cathedral School offers standout education with pupils travelling from across the whole of Somerset to attend, with places highly sought after amongst the locals. Between the charming architecture, regular farmers’ markets held in the cathedral square, and a slow pace to life, Wells is the type of community that one finds in a Hollywood film. Impossibly idyllic, safe, and infinitely desirable.
Ely
Nestled in the heart of East Anglia, Ely is one of the most picturesque towns in South East England. Cambridge is less than 20 minutes away, whilst London is reachable in under 90, making Ely an attractive prospect for families and professionals wanting proximity to more built-up areas, without compromising on peace and privacy. With tranquil riverside paths, a bevy of stunning vistas from the town’s towering cathedral to the uninterrupted skyline over the marshes, it’s fair to say Ely delivers on peaceful surroundings in spades.
Housing stock ranges from fine Georgian terraces near the cathedral to newer builds along the Great Ouse. Although the town centre is small, it’s filled with independent shops, weekly markets and quiet coffee spots that offer a bubbly and welcoming locality. It’s easy for those seeking more amenities to find what they need in nearby Cambridge, but the consistency and quality of life in Ely is what truly sets it apart as a secure place to live, remaining unspoilt amidst the winding waterways of Cambridgeshire.
Hexham
Nestled near Hadrian’s Wall and surrounded by the Tyne Valley’s greenery, Hexham is one of the most beautiful communities to live in the North of England. Cobbled streets slope gently through the town centre, stone façades line the ancient abbey green and even on the busiest of market days, life in the town has an unhurried, gentle pace to it. Hexham is rich in history, from the Roman era of occupation, to Saxon and Viking raids, and the Scottish Border Wars, offering much charm and character for those who desire equally characterful homes.
With strong transport connections to Newcastle, Hexham offers residents access to the north’s amenities, as well as the rest of the UK with relative ease. The town’s safe and secure aesthetic is rooted in its self-contained nature, traversing the course of history and resisting all kinds of occupation to cement itself as a proud, prosperous commune where residents know the value and quality of life.
North Berwick
Located just 40 minutes by train from Edinburgh, North Berwick has quietly asserted itself as one of Scotland’s most desirable places to live. Amidst the fresh and crisp sea air, residents are blessed to live along the picturesque shoreline, taking in the views of Bass Rock and other rocky islands in the bay, relaxing on the beach during the summer months and enjoying the relative quiet and calm this seaside community offers.
Housing options range from stone villas to modern eco-builds tucked discreetly behind sand dunes. The community spirit is particularly strong in this commuter town, belying the safety and security of its residents. Locals volunteer for all sorts of events, attend festivals, join rowing clubs, and participate in fairs and fundraisers with the community. North Berwick doesn’t just feel safe – it feels invested in. People move to build a life here with like-minded individuals and be part of a warm and welcoming community, anchored by the charming town facilities and stunning coastline that forms a part of their home.
