The UK Cities with the Happiest Couples – Is Yours Listed?

Ready to find out where couples are the happiest in the UK? Spoiler alert: it’s not London (shocking, we know). We’ve crunched the numbers, surveyed 1,000 Brits, and found that northern cities are leading the charge when it comes to happy relationships. And now we’re about to tell you exactly what those happy couples are doing to make their relationships thrive, so you can take their secrets and apply them to your own relationship.

Bridebook’s Relationship Happiness Index

We’ve recently launched our Relationship Happiness Index at Bridebook to dive into the factors that make relationships thrive (and where they might be struggling). By surveying 1,000 couples all across the UK, and asking them to rate their relationship happiness on a scale from 1-10, we’ve collected data on everything from communication habits to intimacy, to uncover the dynamics that lead to the strongest, happiest relationship.

And if you’re ready to take the next step, explore Bridebook’s top wedding venues in the UK and start celebrating your love with the wedding of your dreams today!

Ranking UK cities’ relationship happiness 

Let’s break down the best and worst UK cities for romance – and what YOU can do to bring a little more joy and fulfilment into your own love life.

1. Leeds: Cuddles, check-ins and unplugged time 

Leeds tops our Relationship Happiness Index with a sky-high 88% happiness score. So, what’s the secret? Well, Leeds couples are all about physical affection (65% of those we surveyed cuddle regularly), and they know how to check in with each other. They’re also big on spending quality time away from their phones – talk about a recipe for success!

Pro tip: Try setting up a ‘no phone’ rule for dinner or around bedtime. Unplugging for a while can lead to more quality time together and help keep your connection strong each day. And don’t forget to prioritise cuddles – they’re a game-changer!

If you’re engaged and looking for a venue in Leeds or nearby to host your wedding and start your own happily-ever-after, you can explore Bridebook’s curated list of wedding venues in Leeds – perfect for finding a spot that matches your laid-back, intimate style.

2. Newcastle: Fitness, milestones and honest chats

Coming in at second place with an 85% happiness score, Newcastle couples are all about balance. They love a good cuddle (61%) and are great at celebrating milestones together. But here’s the kicker: they’re the UK’s most workout-obsessed couples, with 10% of them saying a workout is their go-to bonding activity. Who knew fitness could boost relationship happiness?

Pro tip: Exercise together! Whether it’s a weekend jog, a relaxing yoga class, or a fun dance session, moving together can strengthen both your bond and your health.

If you’re an engaged couple in Newcastle, you might want to consider one of Newcastle’s top wedding venues to celebrate your love. Check out Bridebook’s wide selection to find the perfect place to say “I do” after your favourite workout class!

3. Sheffield: Communication and physical affection 

Sheffield couples are nearly as happy as their northern neighbours, with an 84% relationship happiness score. Their top bonding activities? Physical affection (58%) and regular check-ins (44%). But, there’s one area they need to work on: intimacy. With 21% of couples saying their sex life causes conflict, there’s room for improvement in the bedroom.

Pro tip: If intimacy is a struggle, it might be time for an honest, no-judgement conversation. Sometimes, a little vulnerability can go a long way towards deepening your connection.

If you’re looking for a wedding venue in Sheffield that reflects this close-knit, intimate vibe, Bridebook’s top wedding venues in Sheffield have something for everyone, whether you’re after a traditional venue with charming character or a modern space that encourages connection.

UK city with the unhappiest couples: Glasgow

Here’s the kicker: Glasgow couples may have the most pillow talk (22%) and morning connection (5%), but they still score the lowest for relationship happiness at 77%. Why? The main issues seem to be poor communication, and conflict over bad habits and housework.

Pro tip: If communication and housework are recurring issues, try sitting down and having an open discussion. Setting clear expectations and being upfront can prevent little annoyances from snowballing into deeper resentment and bigger problems.

If you’re considering tying the knot with your other half in Glasgow, here at Bridebook we’ve got a range of fabulous wedding venues in Glasgow that cater to every couple’s unique needs – whether you want something super classic or quirky and a little more out there.

UK cities ranked by relationship happiness

Here’s a list of the UK cities with the highest relationship happiness scores:

1. Leeds: 88%
2. Newcastle: 85%
3. Sheffield: 84%
4. Edinburgh: 84%
5. Manchester: 83%
6. Cardiff: 82%
7. Southampton: 82%
8. Bristol: 81%
9. Birmingham: 81%
10. London: 80%

The Full Relationship Happiness Breakdown

Key relationship activities in the happiest cities:

Leeds: happiness score of 88%

• Physical affection: 65%
• Regular check-ins: 36%
• Quality time without digital distractions: 38%
• Love letter/note exchanges: 5%

Newcastle: happiness score of 85%

• Physical affection: 61%
• Milestone celebrations: 42%
• Honest chats: 38%
• Working out together: 10%
• Arguments over housework: 18%

Sheffield: happiness score of 84%

• Physical affection: 58%
• Regular check-ins: 44%
• Quality time without digital distractions: 37%
• Sex life as a major source of conflict: 21%

Glasgow: happiness score of 77%

• Pillow talk (late-night conversations): 22%
• Morning connection: 5%
• Sex life as a major source of conflict: 19%
• Arguments over bad habits: 47%
• Arguments over housework: 39%
• Arguments over poor communication: 30%

Key conflict areas impacting happiness:

Arguments about sex

• Couples who argue about sex: 72% happiness score
• Couples who don’t argue about sex: 83% happiness score

Arguments about children

• Couples who argue about children: 76% happiness score
• Couples who don’t argue about children: 82% happiness score

Arguments about future plans/security

• Couples who argue about future plans: 77% happiness score
• Couples who don’t argue about future plans: 82% happiness score

Commitment and intimacy insights

• Couples who discussed commitment before starting their relationship: 93% happiness score
• Couples who waited a year or more to discuss commitment: 85% happiness score

Relationship activities and habits:

• Couples who engage in regular physical affection: 8% higher happiness
• Couples who actively exchange love letters or notes: 6% higher happiness

Takeaways from couples in the happiest cities  

So, what’s the takeaway from these UK cities? Happy couples prioritise physical affection, regular check-ins, emotional connection and quality time – especially away from screens. If you want to boost your own relationship happiness score, start small: cuddle more, communicate openly, and celebrate your relationship milestones together. It’s not about perfection – it’s about the small, consistent habits that build a strong, happy bond.

Feeling inspired by our relationship tips? Start planning your dream wedding today by exploring the top wedding venues all across the UK with Bridebook!

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Happy Planning!