From diverse street art to extravagant murals and multicoloured exteriors, the UK is filled with colourful landscapes, but which city is the most colourful?
New research from the experts at Adobe Express has revealed the most colourful cities in the UK, using Google search volume, number of Instagram hashtags, number of social media mentions, and number of user-generated content images.
These places aren’t just pretty to look at—they’re like playgrounds for your imagination. Whether you’re into art or just love exploring, there’s something here to spark your creativity. From the street art in Manchester to the beach in Brighton, these are the most colourful locations in the UK:
The UK’s Most Colourful Cities
| Rank | City | Google search volume | Instagram hashtags | Social Media mentions | User-generated images | Total score |
| 1. | Reading | 9740 | 200 | 843140 | 7592 | 32.127 |
| 2. | Liverpool | 37110 | 12500 | 83730 | 1210 | 16.785 |
| 3. | Manchester | 14800 | 60800 | 241530 | 1480 | 14.495 |
| 4. | Bristol | 23760 | 159100 | 59040 | 929 | 14.218 |
| 5. | Edinburgh | 3210 | 6000 | 199090 | 4319 | 9.140 |
| 6. | Glasgow | 17480 | 39900 | 34750 | 583 | 8.441 |
| 7. | Brighton and Hove | 7990 | 66700 | 30900 | 1699 | 5.963 |
| 8. | Belfast | 10050 | 17000 | 19880 | 368 | 4.679 |
| 9. | Sheffield | 3210 | 35800 | 80340 | 162 | 4.287 |
| 10. | Birmingham | 2390 | 21800 | 60100 | 662 | 3.316 |
Reading is the most colourful city in the UK
Reading takes the first spot for the most colourful city in the UK with a total score of 32,127. With the highest number of social media mentions and content images generated by users images, it’s no wonder it takes the top spot.
After a Banksy mural appeared in 2021, it has inspired creative from around Reading to decorate the streets. With many artists and creatives heading to Reading to bring the walls of the city to life through colourful paintings and art works. Proving as a perfect location for creatives to visit to be inspired.
Liverpool is the second most colourful city
Liverpool takes second place with a Google search volume of 37,110, and a whopping 12,500 Instagram hashtags mentioning #Liverpoolstreetart and #streetartLiverpool. The Baltic Triangle is the perfect location in the city to immerse yourself in the vibrant street art the city is known for.
Liverpool also narrowly beats its neighbouring city Manchester coming in third place with a total score of 14.495.
Edinburgh narrowly beats Glasgow as the most colourful UK city
Edinburgh comes in fifth place with a total score of 9.140 and closely followed by another of Scotland’s cities Glasgow.
It’s no wonder Edinburgh rates so high on the leader board with the beautiful colourful Victoria Street being one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The cobbled street boasts an array of colourful shop buildings, creating the perfect photo opportunity for visitors in the city.
Glasgow on the other hand is known for its colourful street art with a whopping 39,900 Instagram hashtags for #Glasgowstreetart and #streetartGlasgow.
For more information on the most Colourful Cities, visit here: https://www.adobe.com/uk/express/learn/blog/uk-most-colourful-cities
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