Woking named in top 5 best UK areas for access to green space in 2026, based on garden access and park proximity

That importance has only grown in recent years, with studies repeatedly linking access to outdoor space to reduced stress, improved fitness and better overall life satisfaction. Against that backdrop, a new study by cartridgesave.co.uk has analysed towns and cities across the UK to uncover where residents enjoy the best access to green space in 2026, looking beyond simple park counts and focusing on how people actually live day to day.

The research, carried out by cartridgesave.co.uk, analysed how easy it is for residents across the UK to access green space, looking at both private outdoor areas and nearby public parks. Each town and city was assessed using four housing and environmental indicators, including how many homes have private outdoor space, the average size of those spaces, how close properties are to public green areas, and how frequently gardens appear in property listings. Together, these factors paint a picture of how embedded outdoor access is in everyday life, rather than treating green space as an occasional luxury.

Each location was then given an overall score out of 100, with greater weight placed on private outdoor access and garden size, while proximity to parks and the availability of garden homes also played a significant role. Higher scores reflect places where residents benefit from a strong balance of private gardens and well-located public green spaces, offering more opportunities to spend time outdoors as part of daily routines. The analysis draws on data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Woking ranks 4th overall with a total score of 75.50, with its position largely secured by generous private outdoor spaces. It ranks 5th nationally for average garden size at 400.4 m², offering residents far more outdoor space than many UK towns. While fewer homes for sale include gardens, the scale of private outdoor areas offsets this.

Elsewhere, Maidstone (1st) and Telford (2nd) lead overall, followed by Mansfield (3rd) with strong garden availability. Chesterfield (5th) and Rotherham (6th) dominate for private outdoor access, while Stoke-on-Trent (7th) ranks 1st for park proximity. Warrington (8th), Basingstoke (9th) and Stockport (10th) complete the top 10 with strengths split between garden size and park access.

Ian Cowley, spokesperson for cartridgesave.co.uk, commented on the study’s findings:

“Green space isn’t just about having somewhere nice to look at, it genuinely affects how people feel about where they live. When you’ve got access to a garden or a park close by, it changes how you use your home. People spend more time outdoors, they’re more active, and it can even influence how connected they feel to their local area.”

“What this study shows really clearly is that you don’t have to live in the countryside to enjoy good access to green space. A lot of towns are striking the right balance between housing density and outdoor access. We also saw that private gardens still matter hugely, especially for families, but being close to a public park can sometimes make up for smaller outdoor spaces. That balance is key. As housing demand continues to grow, access to green space will only become more important. It’s something buyers are actively looking for, not just a nice extra.”

Full list of the best areas in the UK for access to green spaces: