New data from Visitor Insights is shining a light on one of the UK’s standout urban success stories: Bristol has recorded a 4.5% rise in city-centre footfall between January and August 2025, compared with the same period last year. This is the strongest growth among 10 major UK cities and well above the average increase of 1.9%.
A Signal of Confidence and Opportunity
Bristol’s performance highlights a wider story of renewed confidence in regional city centres. Behind the numbers lies a complex mix of dynamics:
- A vibrant, multi-purpose city centre – with workers returning, shoppers spending, and visitor numbers climbing.
- Encouraging signs for investors, retailers, and occupiers – showing where recovery is taking hold and where opportunities are emerging.
- The growing importance of experience, connectivity, and place-making – proving that well-designed, accessible city centres continue to attract people and activity.
The data, published by Avison Young, tracked footfall across key urban destinations including Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London’s West End, Manchester, and Newcastle. Bristol’s performance stood out clearly from the pack.
Turning Data Into Strategy