adminHey folks, if you’re scrolling through endless listings dreaming of a spot where you can leave your door unlocked (okay, maybe not that unlocked) and actually enjoy a stroll at midnight without glancing over your shoulder, you’re in the right place. The UK has its share of bustling cities with vibrant energy, but let’s be real—safety tops the list for most of us when picking a forever home. Whether you’re raising kids, starting a family, or just craving that peaceful vibe after a long day, finding low-crime areas in the UK can make all the difference.
In this post, we’re diving into the top 10 safest places to live in the United Kingdom, I pulled together the latest stats from reliable sources like crime reports and safety indices, focusing on spots with rock-bottom crime rates, solid community feels, and that extra layer of everyday security. Think places where violent incidents are rare, burglary’s a distant worry, and neighborhoods watch out for each other. We’ll chat about what makes each one tick, from stunning landscapes to family perks, all while keeping things real and relatable. Grab a cuppa, and let’s get into it—because who wouldn’t want to trade urban chaos for a safer slice of British life?
What “safest place” really means
Before diving into places, it’s worth clarifying what “safe” means in practice:
Low crime rate: especially for violent crime, burglary, anti-social behaviour
Good policing / community engagement
Strong social infrastructure: well-lit streets, community programs, active neighbourhood watch
Accessibility to services: healthcare, public transport, schools (so you don’t have to compromise safety for convenience)
Sustainability over time: a place that stays relatively stable rather than spiking in crime
I’ve leaned heavily on recent data from police forces, independent safety indices and region-by-region crime rates to pick towns and areas worthy of consideration.
1. Sutton, London (Borough of Sutton)
Though it’s part of Greater London, Sutton consistently ranks as the safest borough in the capital and among the safest in Britain. According to the Britain’s City Safety Index 2025, Sutton had an annual crime rate of 61.0 offences per 1,000 people and earned a safety score of 8.09 out of 10. Get Licensed+1
What makes Sutton particularly appealing:
It offers both suburban calm and access to London’s job market
Strong community policing and engagement
Relatively low incidents of violent crime compared to neighbours
If you want the “best of both worlds” in and around London—with solid safety—Sutton is hard to beat.
2. Telford & Wrekin, Shropshire / West Midlands
Telford and Wrekin ranked second in the same safety index, with a crime rate of 76.5 per 1,000 people and a falling crime trend (−7.53 % year on year). Get Licensed
Some strengths:
Good public infrastructure and connectivity to larger cities
Rapid deployment of CCTV and community safety schemes
A mix of rural and urban settings, letting residents find a setting that suits them
If you like being outside a major conurbation but still connected, Telford & Wrekin is a strong choice.
3. Kingston upon Thames, Greater London
Another surprise from London: Kingston upon Thames holds one of the lower crime rates among boroughs. It has a crime rate of ~67.1 per 1,000 people and saw a nearly 10 % reduction in crime year-on-year in the index cited. Get Licensed
Why it works:
Strong schools, parks, riverside walks
Easy access to central London
Relative peace for a borough inside London
For many, it’s a sweet spot between urban life and safety.
4. North Yorkshire (County)
Stretching beyond London, the county of North Yorkshire is often cited as one of the safest in England. MoneyExpertreports the crime rate there as 47.5 per 1,000 people—among the lowest in England & Wales. MoneyExpert
Why North Yorkshire stands out:
Many small towns and villages, so less concentration of crime
Strong community ties and local policing
Scenic landscapes and quality of life
If rural or semi-rural life appeals to you, North Yorkshire is a compelling pick.
5. Wiltshire (County)
Wiltshire is another county that routinely appears in “safe place to live” lists. In recent years it has shown low crime rates, and Wiltshire Police notes it is among the safest counties in England. Wikipedia+1
Highlights:
Strong rural character with charming towns
Good school coverage and local services
Ease of commuting to bigger centres like Bristol or Bath
If you want country living without giving up basics, Wiltshire is a contender.
6. Devon & Cornwall (Counties)
These southwestern counties often appear together in safety rankings. MoneyExpert cites their combined crime rate at 51.0 per 1,000 people. MoneyExpert
What draws people here:
Beautiful landscapes, slower pace
Lower population density (which often correlates with lower crime)
Strong local communities
If you love coast, countryside and safety, this region is hard to top.
7. Surrey (County / area)
Located just outside of London, Surrey offers the proximity with a safer backdrop. Surrey has one of the lower crime rates in England & Wales — ~55 crimes per 1,000 people. MoneyExpert+1
Why Surrey is appealing:
Strong commuter links to London
Prestigious towns and green spaces
Good local services, schools, and policing
Many choose Surrey because it balances prestige, ease of access, and relative safety.
8. South Gloucestershire (Area near Bristol)
While not always top of “UK safest” lists, South Gloucestershire is often mentioned for its combination of low crime and proximity to a larger city. One source cites it as having a notable low crime rate while also offering countryside and suburban living. Bond Rees
What it offers:
Easy access to Bristol for work, culture, and transport
Less congestion than city life
Strong community oversight
If you prefer to be near a city but not in the thick of it, South Gloucestershire is worth checking.
9. Exeter, Devon
According to LoveProperty.com, Exeter (EX4–5) had one of the lowest burglary rates per 1,000 people in the UK, and overall crime rates in Exeter are notably low (around 70 per 1,000 people). Love Property
Why Exeter is attractive:
It’s a city, so you get amenities, shops, entertainment
Surrounded by beautiful countryside
Good transport links to London (via rail)
You don’t have to sacrifice city life for safety.
10. Orkney Islands / Shetland / Western Isles (Scotland)
When you look at all of Scotland, some of the safest regions are in its more remote archipelagos. MoneyExpert notes that in Scotland, Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Western Isles) had ~15.5 crimes per 1,000 people, Orkney ~15.9, Shetland ~21.2. MoneyExpert
Why these islands rate so safe:
Low population density
Strong community cohesion
Very few major urban centres
Of course, living on an island has trade-offs (isolation, travel costs) — but if ultimate safety is your priority, these are as safe as it gets in the UK.
🚦 Tips: How to choose your safest place (beyond the rankings)
While the above list gives you some excellent options, the “safest place” is still subjective and depends on your priorities. Here are some tips to help you decide wisely:
Drill down to ward/neighborhood level
A city or county might seem safe overall, but pockets of crime can exist. Use local police websites (e.g. police.uk) to check crime by neighbourhood.Track trends, not just snapshots
A place with a sudden uptick in crime might be vulnerable. Look for areas with stable or falling crime rates.Consider other factors
Schools, health services, public transport, affordability — safety is vital, but quality of life is broader.Visit in person, at various times
Walk the streets at night, talk to locals, check street lighting, local shops.Community and policing engagement
Areas with active neighbourhood watch, strong local councils, community events and visible police tend to feel safer.
Chizoba Ikenwa
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