The 10 best towns and cities to raise a family in England — full list

According to a recent study by outdoor play equipment specialists Outdoortoys, the best city in England to raise a family is Sheffield, in Yorkshire. Sheffield takes the top position, due to the amount of outdoor space available to families, which means “more local parks, more room to play after school, and fewer limits on how often children can get outside”.

Childcare costs in Sheffield remain relatively steady at £918 a month. Milton Keynes takes second place, offering one of the widest ranges of child-friendly attractions, giving families more options for weekends and bank holidays. Swindon came third, followed by Cambridge.

On Reddit, a local said: “Sheffield is a cool city. Lots to do. Interesting history. I like the easy access to the Peak District. And from a southerner’s point of view, it’s really affordable. Cheap pints!”

Another one said: “Moved here from down south about 25 years ago. Love it. Great place to bring up your kids, little violence, amazing surrounding countryside, has a small town feel in that I can’t walk through the centre without bumping into someone I know.

“The centre’s in the process of a big renewal as they pretty much let it die. Hoping for good things. Outside of the centre each area is like a village, different characteristics, a lot of thriving independent businesses.”