The Best UK Cities and Towns for Remote Workers
The remote work revolution has changed how we think about where to live and work, and in the UK, that shift is opening up new possibilities beyond London, although the capital has a great infrastructure to learn from for sure. As more professionals embrace flexibility, smaller cities and towns are competing to attract digital workers with good infrastructure, affordable living, and great communities.
Whether you’re a freelancer, digital nomad, or a full-time employee with a laptop and Wi-Fi, here are the best places in the UK to work remotely in 2025.
London: still the leader for connectivity
London remains the UK’s top city for remote work, for good reason. The capital has world-class infrastructure, countless coworking spaces, and a thriving network of tech and creative professionals.
While the cost of living remains high, many remote workers base themselves on the outskirts of the city, in neighbourhoods like Croydon, Walthamstow, or Richmond, where green spaces and reliable transport links make hybrid work easier.
For those who crave professional networking and global connections, London continues to offer unmatched opportunities.
Manchester: the northern powerhouse
Manchester has become the unofficial remote work capital of the North. With excellent connectivity, a growing tech scene, and lower living costs than London, it’s attracting both startups and established professionals.
The city’s coworking culture is thriving, spaces like Huckletree Ancoats and Colony provide stylish environments for freelancers and remote teams. Add in a vibrant social scene, live music, and easy access to Liverpool, Leeds and the lake district, and it’s easy to see why Manchester is one of the best UK cities for remote workers in 2025.
Bristol: creative, green, and connected
Bristol has long been known for its creative spirit and environmental focus, making it an appealing base for remote professionals seeking balance. The city offers a strong mix of tech, design, and sustainability-focused industries, supported by reliable broadband and progressive employers.
Its independent cafés and coworking spots, like Runway East and Desklodge, give remote workers a sense of community. The compact city layout and proximity to nature make Bristol ideal for those who value work-life balance.
Edinburgh: history meets tech
Scotland’s capital is more than a postcard-perfect city, it’s a hub for innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. With excellent public transport, strong digital infrastructure, and a flourishing tech scene, Edinburgh attracts remote workers from across the UK and Europe.
Its mix of historic charm and modern coworking culture (check out CodeBase and Tribe Porty) makes it a standout destination.
Leeds: affordable and ambitious
Leeds has quietly become one of the most attractive, and affordable cities for remote work in the UK. Once known primarily for finance and manufacturing, it’s now building a reputation for digital innovation and business services.
The city’s fast internet, growing coworking ecosystem, and easy access to the Yorkshire Dales make it appealing to professionals who want both affordability and opportunity. It’s also well-connected to Manchester, Sheffield, and London by rail, making hybrid commuting feasible.
Brighton: seaside living with startup energy
For remote workers dreaming of sea views and creativity, Brighton remains a top choice. The city’s digital and creative sectors are strong, supported by a lively freelance and startup community.
Coworking spaces like Projects Beach and Freedom Works offer great facilities near the shore, while the relaxed lifestyle and easy train link to London make Brighton ideal for hybrid workers who want the best of both worlds.
Cardiff: a rising remote work hub in Wales
Cardiff has transformed into one of the UK’s most liveable and affordable capital cities. With good connectivity, a growing tech sector, and a strong cultural scene, it’s quickly catching the attention of remote professionals.
Wales’ government has also been proactive in supporting flexible work and rural coworking initiatives, creating opportunities for those who prefer smaller communities outside major cities.
Rural towns and remote-friendly living
Beyond major cities, smaller UK towns are also embracing the remote work trend. Places like Bath, York, and St Albans offer slower-paced living without sacrificing quality of life. Meanwhile, coastal towns such as Falmouth and Margate have seen new coworking spaces open to meet demand from creative professionals escaping big cities.
As full-fibre broadband expands across the country, the future of remote work in the UK will increasingly include these smaller, connected communities.
The takeaway: flexibility beyond London
The UK’s remote work landscape is no longer London-centric. In 2025, professionals have more freedom than ever to choose where to live — whether that means a buzzing northern city or a quiet seaside town.
For employers, this means access to a wider talent pool across the country. And for workers, it’s an opportunity to design a lifestyle that truly fits their priorities — balancing career growth with well-being, affordability, and freedom.
If you have questions about any aspect of remote working, you can ask in our Remote Work UK Facebook group, we’re always happy to help.
