A recent report by SumUp, a leading global fintech company, has named London as the best city in the UK for working parents, particularly those grappling with the challenges of childcare during the summer holidays. The study, which analysed a range of factors including the availability of child-friendly activities, sports camps, and entertainment options, has also highlighted Edinburgh and Birmingham as top cities for family support.
The findings come at a crucial time, as nearly two-thirds of mothers report struggling to find adequate childcare over the summer months. This issue is particularly pressing for parents juggling demanding work schedules or managing startup businesses, where the need for reliable and engaging activities for children becomes paramount.
London, which secured the top spot in the ranking, stands out for its extensive array of options to keep children entertained and engaged. The capital boasts an impressive 724 child-friendly activities, alongside 168 entertainment centres and 92 sports camps. Despite the higher costs of living, including steeper monthly rents and utility bills, London offers a wealth of resources for working parents, making it the most supportive city for balancing work and family life.
Edinburgh, the second city in the ranking, also offers a robust selection of activities, despite its smaller size. With 218 child-friendly activities, 40 entertainment centres, and seven sports camps, Edinburgh provides ample opportunities for children to stay active and engaged throughout the summer. The city’s manageable scale and vibrant cultural scene make it an appealing choice for working parents seeking a supportive environment.
In third place is Birmingham, a key city in the Midlands, known for its diverse range of options for families. The city offers 108 child-friendly activities, 57 entertainment centres, and eight sports camps, ensuring that children have plenty to do while their parents focus on their professional responsibilities. Birmingham’s family-friendly environment, coupled with its economic opportunities, makes it an attractive location for working parents.
The study also revealed the top 10 UK cities for childcare activities, with Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, and Glasgow rounding out the list. These cities were evaluated based on the availability and variety of activities that cater to children, helping parents maintain a work-life balance.
The top 10 UK cities for childcare activities.
| Rank | City | Total Score |
| 1 | London | 3.00 |
| 2 | Edinburgh | 0.56 |
| 3 | Birmingham | 0.52 |
| 4 | Liverpool | 0.47 |
| 5 | Manchester | 0.43 |
| 6 | Sheffield | 0.38 |
| 7 | Bristol | 0.37 |
| 8 | Cardiff | 0.37 |
| 9 | Leeds | 0.36 |
| 10 | Glasgow | 0.36 |
Corin Camenisch, Product Marketing Lead at SumUp, commented on the study’s findings, saying, “Balancing the demands of working or running a business while raising a family is no easy task. We conducted this study to highlight the UK cities that offer a great environment for both small businesses and families to thrive. Our goal is to help entrepreneurial parents find the perfect place where both their professional and family lives flourish.”
The report sheds light on the growing need for cities to provide comprehensive support systems for working parents, particularly during the summer holidays when childcare challenges are most acute. As businesses and families navigate these demands, cities like London, Edinburgh, and Birmingham stand out as leaders in offering the resources necessary for both personal and professional success.
For those interested in the broader study on the best UK cities for independent business owners with families, further details can be found on the SumUp website.