Exeter among top 20 fitness-friendly UK cities

As many of us begin our new years resolutions, a recent fitness survey has revealed that 76% of people aspire to be fit and healthy as they begin 2025. Brits are now exercising more than in previous years, with the average person engaging in 83 minutes of moderate activity per week – an increase of 18 minutes compared to 2022.

Searches for “new year fitness resolution” have risen by 70% in recent months, prompting many to ask: which UK cities are the best for leading an active lifestyle?

A study by Live Football Tickets analysed various factors, including the number of cycle paths, walking trails, fitness facilities, air quality, and average rainfall, to rank the most and least fitness-friendly locations in the UK.

Exeter ranked 18th overall, earning a score of 6.23 out of 10, making it one of the top 20 cities for fitness enthusiasts.

While Exeter offers fewer cycle paths, with just 1.95 per 10,000 people, it compensates with a strong selection of walking trails and fitness facilities. The city has 3.57 fitness facilities and 4.33 walking trails per 10,000 people, providing ample opportunities for residents to stay active.

Exeter’s average annual high temperature of 15.04°C and low air pollution levels, with PM2.5 measured at 5.59 µg/m³, create a pleasant environment for outdoor activities throughout the year. However, the city’s annual rainfall of 829.16 mm is slightly higher than other top-ranking locations, such as Cambridge, which benefits from one of the UK’s lowest rainfall levels at 559 mm. Bath topped the study as the UK’s most fitness-friendly city, offering the highest number of walking routes per 10,000 people. 

With its scenic walking routes along the River Exe, cycle-friendly paths through the picturesque Quayside, and a range of fitness centres such as the Exeter Leisure Centre and David Lloyd Club, Exeter offers a variety of ways to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hikes in the nearby Dartmoor National Park, while those seeking structured exercise can join local yoga or Pilates classes at a variety of studios in the city centre.

The city’s Parkrun events also provide a welcoming space for runners of all abilities to stay active and social. As experts emphasise the importance of staying active to improve physical and mental health during the winter months, Exeter offers a variety of ways to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

With its scenic walking routes, a range of gyms, and a community dedicated to well-being, Exeter continues to shine as a city that encourages movement and vitality. For those setting new year fitness goals, it provides an ideal environment to stay on track as 2025 begins.