Navigating the world of dating in the UK is no easy task for single women, especially for women who are juggling their careers and other commitments.
Although you can meet people through a variety of ways, e.g., through friends or colleagues, in bars or restaurants, or via online dating apps, finding a real connection is never that simple.
Luckily, we’ve created this guide of the 30 best places for single women to help you find love in the UK while also living your best life.
Table of Contents
1. Isles of Scilly
With 140 single men per 100 single women, the Isles of Scilly is, according to research, one of the best places in the UK for single women. The Isles of Scilly, apparently, is also the best place for women over fifty.
In this archipelago off the coast of Cornwall, the register office runs special offers for couples hoping to get married. These unique offers include the opportunity for couples to get married at the previous year’s prices.
Couples can get married in places such as Juliet’s Garden, Star Castle, Tregarthen’s, or Karma St. Martins, as well as at the Council’s register office and the Porthcressa Beachside room. With the unparalleled female-to-male ratio, special offers made just for couples, and stunning scenic beauty, it’s no wonder the Isles of Scilly tops the lists for places for single women.
2. London
If you’re a single woman over the age of fifty, you’re in luck. With 133 single men per 100 single women, London has some of the best odds out there for women between the ages of fifty and sixty-nine.
Although the odds are a little weaker for women below the age of fifty, at 125 single men per 100 single women, things are still looking bright for single women. The London Borough of Newham, specifically, has a whopping 115 single men per 100 women.
From scouring London’s food markets to kayaking your way to Crate Brewery to strolling through the city’s history museums, you’ll never run out of things to do with your date in the UK’s capital.
3. Copeland
Copeland’s odds, too, are pretty hard to beat, with an impressive 103 men per 100 women.
Located in rural Cumbria, the Copeland area boasts a wide range of activities for couples, from scaling Scafell Pike Mountain to going on a horse-riding trip with Cumbrian Heavy Horses to enjoying an exquisite sunset at St. Bees Beach.
Some of the best restaurants in Copeland include Cleaver’s Wine & Dine, perfect for sweet romantic dates, and Flavour, ideal for more casual meetups with your date.
4. Cambridge
The women to male ratio in Cambridge is also one to brag about – 112 men per 100 women.
Home to the world-renowned University of Cambridge, whose male population, by the way, stands at a remarkable 53%, Cambridge is an excellent place for women to find love, particularly if they’re looking for highly educated and cultured men.
If you want a low-key date with live jazz and folk music, visit Hot Numbers Coffee on a Friday night. For those looking for a spicier date, try the spooky but educational ghost tour with the Cambridge Ghost Tour. Lastly – and this one is an absolute must for date goers in Cambridge – try one of the city’s punting tours and enjoy the mesmerizing sights and sounds of this incredible city.
5. Oxford
Boasting a single population of 67%, the city of Oxford is the perfect place for women to find romance. Its internationally acclaimed Oxford University, with a total student population of over 24,000, has a substantially larger male population than female population, at 52%. The city of Oxford, as you can see, is an ideal place not only for a single person but also for the intellectual and refined.
Date ideas include visiting one of the city’s many history museums, including Oxford University’s Museum of Natural History, and sipping drinks while listening to live music at a groovy bar, like Sandy’s Piano Bar or Turf Tavern.
6. Southampton
With a single population of 64.96%, Southampton is a strong choice for single women looking for a place to live.
Although rent is a bit higher than the national average, which is around £700 pcm, the average salary stands at a decent £26,982.
For a fun date, you can book an excursion on the steamboat Shieldhall, enjoy a picnic beside the water at Mayflower Park, uncover some medieval history at the Tudor House and Garden Museum, or go dry skiing at Alpine Snowsports.
7. Birmingham
At 64.23%, the single population in Birmingham is big and bustling. So is its “gossipy” culture, according to the Provident Personal Credit survey. If you’re looking for a handsome date, as well as some spicy conversations, look no further than the city of Birmingham.
The average salary is £25,843 and the average rent stands at £663 pcm, meaning that it is a relatively affordable place to live too.
There are plenty of fun and unique date ideas in Birmingham. You could stroll along the city’s canals, which span a total of thirty-five miles, take a tour of the Cadbury World chocolate factory in the suburb of Bourneville, join a Peaky Blinders Tour, learning the secrets of Tommy Shelby’s infamous gang, or feed reptiles, birds, and mammals at the Birmingham Conservation Park.
8. Leeds
Although single people living in Leeds make up a little less than half of the city’s population (47.45%), Leeds is a firm choice for the unhitched woman.
For one, approximately sixty-four million Tinder matches happen in the city every few months, so you’d be hard-pressed not to find a date, whether online or offline.
Speaking of dates, you could flick through records with your date at the Belgrave Feast, which takes place every second Saturday of the month, compete with your date in a head-to-head competition at Ready Steady Bake It, or sip one of the decadent botanical cocktails at the Victorian-themed Lost and Found Leeds Club.
9. Nottingham
With a decent proportion of Nottingham’s population living in singledom (63.5%), women have a plethora of options when it comes to single men.
That’s why the dating social network Badoo named Nottingham as one of the UK’s best locations to find a mate.
Although the city’s average salary is below other cities listed here (£24,304), you’ll never run out of fun and affordable date ideas in this city. These include ice skating at the National Ice Centre, one of the UK’s top ice-skating arenas, delving into the underground music scene at Rough Trade, or, for something a little quieter and more romantic, taking a walk around the Arboretum and viewing its collection of nineteenth-century trees.
10. Edinburgh
At 48.91%, Edinburgh’s single population may not be the largest in the UK, but single life there can certainly be among the most exciting.
As the capital of Scotland, an often-visited center of culture and the arts, and one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, Edinburgh is a smart choice for single women looking for love and a sense of adventure.
An obvious date choice would be to attend a music festival, like the Festival Fringe or T in the Park, since Edinburgh, after all, is known for its exhilarating festival culture. The city is also home to an active nightlife scene, with places like The Street and Whistlebinkies Live Music Bar being must-visits for singles and date goers. For fancier fare, you can enjoy Scottish fine dining at The Witchery, located within the historic Edinburgh Castle.
11. Belfast
Single people make up 67.15% of Belfast’s overall population, which means that there is a total of 426,129 single people in the city. That’s a lot of single people to choose from.
With its low rent (£520 pcm), affordable dining options, and large number of singletons, the Northern Irish capital is easily one of the best places for single women in the UK.
With your date, you can explore Belfast’s vibrant comedy scene by, for example, visiting the Empire on Botanic Avenue, sampling some of the city’s culinary masterpieces by going on the Taste and Tour trying the Belfast Pub Crawl, or listening to some live, swanky music at the five-star Merchant Hotel on Skipper Street.
12. Liverpool
Last Christmas, Liverpool saw fifty-six million matches on Tinder. That feat, coupled with the fact that Liverpool’s single population hovers around 66%, makes the city a hotspot for finding love.
Much like its Northern Irish counterpart, Liverpool enjoys low rent (£602 pcm), reasonably priced dining, and a large single population.
There’s an array of things to do to keep your dating life fun and romantic. Life in Liverpool wouldn’t be complete without going on a Beatles tour, a bus ride that takes you to all the iconic Beatles places, including Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, and the Cavern Club. If you’re an art enthusiast (and even if you’re not), you can visit one of the most unique art installations in the UK, Antony Gormley’s Another Place on Crosby Beach. If you’d like to sip delectable cocktails while listening to live music, try The Merchant or Abditory, the perfect places to break the ice.
13. Bristol
Bristol’s single population is 47.45%, making it a prime location for single women.
The city has quite a noteworthy online dating scene, with one of its locals, cosmetic surgeon consultant Ella Morgan, being recognized as one of the Top 30 Most Swiped Singletons on Tinder in 2019. Whether you’re looking for love online or offline, you’ll never run out of viable options.
As the home of the International Balloon Fiesta, it would only make sense to go on a hot air balloon ride with your date. Another idea is to take a walk through Leigh Woods, where you can enjoy a view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge together. For a really romantic vibe, you could wine and dine at Ciao Amici and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, coffee, and drinks.
14. Glasgow
Glasgow, whose single people make up 56.2% of its population, saw sixty-eight million Tinder matches last winter, reinforcing the fact that Glasgow is a top place for singles.
Its decent average salary (£26,096), low rental costs (£610 pcm), and affordable entertainment costs make it easy to understand why Glasgow is a popular spot for single women.
Dating ideas range from immersing yourself in history at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to scaling the spiral stairs of The Lighthouse to grabbing a slice of pizza at Paesano Pizza to enjoying drinks by the river at Inn Deep. Whatever you decide to do, you can rest assured that you’ll be having the best of times with your date.
15. Manchester
According to dating site eHarmony, 51% of Mancunians have not had a partner for at least ten years. With one of the largest concentrations of single people in the UK (57.66%), living in Manchester will almost guarantee that you’ll find love.
Famous for its vibrant music scene and museums, Manchester boasts an average salary of £26,500 and an average monthly rent of £720. Entertainment and dining options are also quite reasonably priced; you can expect to pay around £50 on a regular night out for a meal.
For a good time with your date, you can enjoy a romantic screening at the Everyman, take in a Candlelight Jazz concert, get your caffeine fix at the Manchester Coffee Festival, or even play ping pong at Twenty Twenty Two.
16. York
Although singles make up only 40.15% of the population of York, the fact that the city ranks as the second friendliest in the UK (and also ranks highly for politeness and safety) makes York a smart option for single ladies.
While the city is on the pricier side when it comes to food and entertainment, rental costs aren’t so bad (£720 pcm).
Plus, as a city full of charm, history, and culture, there’s a never-ending list of things you can do with your date. You can “discover the history of York’s iconic chocolate brands” at the Chocolate Story, paint pottery at Bish Bash Pot, go for a picnic at the Museum Gardens, or take in panoramic views of the city from Clifford’s Tower.
17. Brighton
With a population that’s 43.07% single, Brighton has a fair number of options for single women.
Although rent (£907 pcm) and nights out for meals (£50) can be a bit pricey relative to its average salary (£25,116), Brighton has a host of fun things you can do on a romantic night (or day) out.
From playing old-fashioned arcade games at the Pier to going zip-lining at the Brighton Zipline to going for a swim at Saltdean Lido, there’s always something to suit your fancy.
18. Sheffield
At 48.91%, Sheffield’s single people constitute a considerable portion of the city’s population.
Nights out might get a little expensive (£50) and the average salary may be considered meager by some people’s standards (£24,269), but the low average rent (£593 pcm) might make up for these qualities.
Besides, there are more than enough cheap date ideas to make your dating life vibrant and exciting. With over eighty public parks in the city, such as Endcliffe Park and Crookes Valley Park, there’s always a peaceful, quaint spot to have a picnic. If you want a little more energy, grab a pint at one of Sheffield’s many pubs, including the Closed Shop in Commonside. If you’re a sporty type, you can play tennis at Weston Park, where you can also feed ducks by the lake.
19. Chester
With a respectably sized single population (51.09%), the city of Chester is a perfect place for single women. It’s also known as one of the most picturesque cities in the UK, with sites like the grand Chester City Walls, built almost primarily of red sandstone, and the Roman Gardens, a garden area decked with garden paths, modern mosaics, and ancient Roman stone remains.
Of course, these sites would be excellent places to visit with your date. You could also take photos at Eastgate Clock, one of the world’s most highly photographed clocks, or take a tour of Chester Cathedral, which, like the City Walls, is mostly made of red sandstone.
The city’s average salary is £25,436, and you can expect to pay around £50 for a meal out. Chester’s average rent of £585 pcm, along with its awe-inspiring natural and manmade sites, make the city a hard-to-beat contender for single women.
20. Norwich
Since 52.55% of Norwich’s population is single, women can rest easy on the fact that there are plenty of opportunities for them to find their romantic match.
Despite its lower-than-average salary of £22,604, one can relish the city’s fairly inexpensive dining (£45) and housing (£586) options.
In addition, Norwich is full of enchanting places for dates, such as the Broads National Park, where you can go on a picnic and watch birds; Plantation Garden, where you can savor a cup of tea and a slice of cake; or the Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts, where you can view an elegant collection of both indoor and outdoor sculptures.
21. Reading
It’s impossible to run out of dating options in Reading, a city where singles make up 53.28% of the population.
Even though the average rent is well above the national average (£885 pcm), so is its average salary at £31,352. Furthermore, its dining options (£50) are fairly priced, making Reading an exceptional place for single women looking to settle down.
For the adventurous date goers, you can try go-karting at the Castle Combe Circuit. If you want something quieter and more relaxing, you can grab a casual brunch at Alto Lounge or sip some afternoon tea at The Forbury. A walking date at Prospect Park would be a perfect way for you and your date to get some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors while getting to know each other.
22. Hull
Having a single population of 59.12% may sound too good to be true, but it’s true for Hull, a port city located in East Yorkshire, England. Add to the mix the fact that Hull was named the UK’s Capital of Culture in 2017, and you’ve got yourself an absolute gem for single women.
The city also happens to be only an hour’s drive from a number of Yorkshire’s most attractive market and coastal towns and villages, e.g., the ancient market and minster town of Beverley.
Although its £21,533 average salary might be considerably below the national average, its rental costs (£433 pcm) are also incredibly low. Dining out costs are also decent; a typical day or night out might cost you around £45.
For a date, you can visit the Streetlife Museum of Transport and take in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the city’s rich transportation history. You could also take a trip to The Deep, Hull’s award-winning aquarium, where you can see 5,000 animals, including sharks and rays, the UK’s only green sawfish, Loggerhead sea turtles, and more. If you’d like to experience Hull’s varied history, set foot in Hull’s Old Town, lined with pubs, museums, and centuries-old streets.
23. Cardiff
Cardiff’s single population stands at 63.5%, making the Welsh capital a singles’ favorite. As one of the top cities in the UK in terms of friendliness, Cardiff has what you need to find the love of your life.
The average salary is £24,600 while the average rent is £636 pcm. Its dining options are notably cheaper than most of the cities on this list, with £40 being the average amount you’re expected to pay for a meal out.
If you want to make a date extra special, take a private tour of Cardiff Castle and check out its iconic clock tower. For a bit of adventure, fly over the city of Cardiff on a private helicopter tour. You can go for a sophisticated but warm dining experience at The Ivy, where the brasserie is open seven days a week and you can sip delicious cocktails.
24. Newcastle
Not only does Newcastle have a substantial single population (64.23%), but it also has been recognized as one of the friendliest, happiest, safest, and most trustworthy places to live in the country.
On top of that, the city is also quite affordable, with sensibly priced housing (£582) and dining options (£50). Its average salary of £25,151 provides more than enough to ensure you’ll live comfortably in the city.
If you and your date enjoy stand-up comedy, you may want to check out The Stand, Newcastle’s most popular comedy club, where you can watch both local and international comedy acts. For a breath of fresh air, have a romantic picnic at Leazes Park, which is close to the city’s most famous landmarks and is an excellent location to observe wildlife. Right outside of Newcastle is Antony Gormley’s structure, the Angel of the North, which you can view at any time of the day.
25. Gloucester
Because Gloucester ranks highly in virtually all of Provident Personal Credit’s categories, including friendliness, happiness, safety, and trustworthiness, this city of cathedrals is definitely an ideal place to live if you’re a single woman.
Located between Worcester and Bristol, Gloucester is fairly close to the Midlands, Wales, and southwest England, so you’ll never run out of places to go on romantic dates.
Within the city, you can bask in the beauty of Good Harbour Beach, lined by gorgeous houses and rocky cliffs. For a taste of medieval history, visit the Hammond Castle Museum, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lastly, if you’d like a boardwalk-like experience, take a trip to Main Street, where shops, restaurants, and places to drink abound.
26. Wrexham
Wrexham, according to Provident Personal Credit, is the friendliest city in the UK (and scores highly in all the other categories except gossip). For single women who find it nerve-wracking to meet new people, let alone new dates, this is exciting news. With a friendly culture like Wrexham’s, finding new love can be much less daunting.
For a picturesque date, visit the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, admiring its impressive structure and perhaps even taking a leisurely boat ride along the Llangollen Canal. If you’re a fan of live theatre performances, catch one at Grove Park Theatre, Wrexham’s oldest theatre. One particularly unique date idea is to ride a SegTrek segway around the Chirk Castle grounds.
27. Coventry
Coventry, according to Badoo, is the best city in the UK to find a mate. With a single population of 49%, this city proves you don’t have to live in a large city if you’re a single woman.
The average rent for one bed in the city center may be considered pricey by some standards (£885), but its average salary (£34,790) more than compensates for that.
The award-winning Coventry Music Museum is a wonderful place to celebrate music from Coventry and Warwickshire alongside your date. Another idea is to take a trip to Fargo Village, known for its weekly events, music, and street food. Lastly, if you’re a fan of small and intimate arts venues, visit the Warwick Arts Centre, where you can enjoy live performances from legendary acts like Justin Moorhouse.
28. Leicester
In 2019, Leicester was recognized by Badoo as one of the top UK cities when it came to Tinder matches, making the top ten list along with London, Glasgow, and Birmingham. Therefore, there’s no doubt women here have plenty of lads to choose from.
For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, you can expect to pay £725 pcm, which isn’t bad when you consider Leicester’s average salary of around £27,000.
If you’d like to sample a variety of natural history, art, and Ancient Egyptian relics, check out the Leicester Museum & Art Gallery. For a visit that’s out of this world, try the National Space Centre. And, if you’d like to see Leicester City battle it out against Arsenal, take a trip to King Power Stadium.
29. Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton also made Badoo’s list of the top UK cities for Tinder matches.
With an average salary of about £25,000 and an average rent of £741 pcm, Wolverhampton makes it easy for single women to live comfortably.
If you’d like to view Victorian-style exhibitions and beautifully manicured gardens with your date, visit Wightwick Manor and Gardens. Or, you could have some coffee at one of the cafes at David Austin Roses, where you can find over 700 varieties of roses. Another must-see is Wolverhampton Grand, where you can enjoy a wide array of productions including musicals, dance performances, and concerts.
30. Sunderland
Not only was Sunderland named the best city to live and work in the UK, but it was also recognized as one of the best places to live for single people. This is excellent news for single women who want a high standard of living as well as good-quality romance.
Sunderland was ranked on aspects such as average salary (£25,724), rent and mortgage (£6,828 per year), and transportation costs.
The National Glass Centre, along with its award-winning cafe/restaurant, is an excellent place to get creative with your date. For stunning beach sites, visit Roker and Seaburn Beaches, where you can take a stroll along the Roker Pier. Finally, for an overview of Sunderland’s colorful history, check out Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens.
