Beautiful UK city crowned the ‘friendliest’ in the country where ‘everyone smiles’
- UK Hidden Gems
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
It’s a city that has been winning hearts for generations, thanks to its charm, history and famously friendly locals who always greet visitors with a smile.
Across the UK, many towns and cities are praised for their warmth, but one northern treasure continues to stand out for the way it makes people feel welcome.
On the “Ask a Brit” Reddit thread, users debated the friendliest place in the country. And this spot came up top...
One person wrote: “Durham is the friendliest. Every time I go there everyone talks to you, and everyone smiles.”
Found in the northeast of England, County Durham borders Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, the North Sea, North Yorkshire and Cumbria.
Durham itself sits on a bend of the River Wear and draws visitors from all over the world thanks to its fascinating history and heritage.
The city has long held a reputation for being warm and welcoming. Author Bill Bryson famously described it as “wonderful – a perfect little city” and called its cathedral “the best cathedral on planet earth” in his book Notes from a Small Island.
In 2023, The Telegraph named it one of the top UK city break destinations, while Condé Nast Traveller readers voted it the “Best City in the UK.”
The city’s world-renowned university attracts thousands of international students each year, adding to the vibrant and multicultural feel.
Durham University describes the city as “compact and friendly” with a population of about 43,000, while still offering plenty of cafés, restaurants, bars and a wide mix of high-street shops.
At the centre of it all is Durham Cathedral, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its Romanesque design, vaulted ceilings and striking stonework make it one of the most breathtaking cathedrals in the world.
Throughout the year, the cathedral also hosts a full calendar of cultural events, from community singalongs to concerts that fill its historic halls with music.
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