Key Takeaways
- The UK offers diverse options for digital nomads, from bustling cities to picturesque towns, each with its unique attractions and amenities.
- These cities provide a blend of work-friendly environments, from coworking spaces with fast internet to vibrant cultural scenes, nightlife, and recreational activities.
- Many cities boast active nomad communities, tech scenes, and opportunities for networking and collaboration, enhancing the nomadic lifestyle in the UK.
The UK has many vibrant cities, each offering something unique for digital nomads. Whether you’re looking for a bustling metropolis, picturesque countryside, or a mix of both, there’s a UK city for you.
From the historical charm of Edinburgh to the cutting-edge tech scene in Bristol, this list of the ten best cities for digital nomads in the UK will help you find the perfect place to set up, shop, and explore.
Each city has perks, from great coworking spaces and fast internet to delicious food, culture, and active nightlife. You’ll find a balance of work and adventure while you enjoy the diversity of the UK.
The picks come from Nomads Nation, an advice website for IT-enabled itinerants.
1. London
London is a diverse and bustling metropolis with a rich history, renowned museums (lots of which have free admission), famous landmarks such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, and a vibrant cultural scene.
The city is growing, still. With a population of over 8.7 million, it is one of the most populated cities in Europe. It’s a popular tourist destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife. Besides, the city keeps growing.
London’s combination of culture, community, and convenience make it an ideal location for digital nomads looking to work and explore in a dynamic and exciting environment.
2. Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a coastal city on the south coast of England, known for its naval history (must visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard).
The city also boasts a thriving cultural scene, with numerous museums and rows of heritage homes, galleries, and theatres.
Portsmouth’s waterfront offers a variety of dining and shopping options and scenic views of Solent City.
The city also has excellent transportation connections, making exploring the surrounding area easy and taking advantage of the many outdoor activities and relaxation opportunities.
3. Brighton
Brighton is a seaside town on the south coast of England, known for its lively atmosphere, colorful beach huts, and Victorian architecture.
The city, the capital of LGBT communities in the UK, also boasts a diverse arts and cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year.
Its famous pebble beach and pier attract visitors from all over the world. The city also has much to offer when choosing coworking spaces to spend long work mornings, cafes for delicious food, and restaurants that give you that dining space.
4. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, known for its historical architecture, culture, and stunning natural beauty.
The city is home to famous landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle (which sits atop an extinct volcano) and the Royal Mile, a thriving arts scene, delicious food and drink, and a bustling nightlife.
Edinburgh has an active nomad and tech community and is home to several startups, many coworking spaces, cafes, and innovation hubs, providing opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Visitors can explore the city’s rich history, take in a show at the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe, or hike in the surrounding hills.
5. Oxford
Oxford is a historical city in the South East of England, known for its world-renowned university, beautiful architecture, and rich cultural heritage. For those looking to work and live in Oxford, it is a beautiful and intellectually stimulating place.
With its ancient colleges, picturesque gardens, and charming cobblestone streets, the city is a popular destination for tourists and students alike.
Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, libraries, art galleries, and lively pubs, cafes, and shops.
6. Manchester
Manchester has a rich cultural heritage, making it a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the city’s museums and art galleries, stroll through its historic neighborhoods, and enjoy its lively nightlife.
The relatively affordable city of Manchester also offers a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities, making it an ideal place to strike a balance between work and leisure.
Manchester is also known for its sports scene, with iconic stadiums like Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium. The city offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, and is well-connected to other parts of the UK by train and bus.
7. Bristol
Bristol is a city in the southwest of England, known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. The city is home to a thriving startup and tech scene, which means there are plenty of opportunities for networking and collaboration with other entrepreneurs and freelancers.
It is a popular destination for tourists exploring the city’s many museums, galleries, and historical sites and its bustling waterfront, nightlife, and delicious local cuisine.
Outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and boating in the surrounding countryside are popular. Bristol also has many parks and gardens where one can relax or walk.
8. Exeter
Exeter is a charming city in the South West of England, known for its rich history and culture. It has various coworking spaces, cafes, and libraries that provide excellent work environments for digital nomads.
With its beautiful cathedral, medieval streets, and picturesque countryside, Exeter is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums and galleries, stroll through the historic quayside, or take a boat trip on the River Exe.
With a wide range of accommodation options and a thriving food and drink scene, Exeter is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday.
9. Belfast
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural scenery.
Due to its relatively low living costs and thriving startup scene, Belfast is ideal for nomads. In addition, visitors can explore this small city’s famous landmarks in under a day, such as the Belfast City Hall, the Titanic Belfast Museum, and the Ulster Museum.
The city also boasts a thriving food and drink scene, with many restaurants and pubs offering traditional Irish cuisine and live music. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and cycling in the nearby mountains and coastlines.
10. Cardiff
Cardiff is a fantastic destination for digital nomads due to its urban convenience and natural beauty.
The city offers a wide range of coworking spaces and cafes equipped with fast internet, making it easy for remote workers to find a comfortable and productive working environment.
Additionally, Cardiff has a thriving startup scene, providing opportunities for networking and collaboration with like-minded individuals.
The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with plenty of museums, galleries, historical sites, and a vast wilderness to explore in your free time.
What We Think
The UK’s array of digital nomad-friendly cities presents an enticing spectrum of possibilities for remote workers. Each city, from the historical charm of Edinburgh to the bustling metropolis of London, offers distinct advantages, be it cultural richness, vibrant communities, or natural beauty.
The blend of work amenities, cultural experiences, and the nomad community’s dynamism in these cities makes the UK an inviting landscape for remote work and exploration.
Whether seeking historical depth or urban vibrancy, these cities cater well to digital nomads seeking a fulfilling work-life balance in the UK.
