Is United Kingdom Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

The United Kingdom generally offers a high level of safety for solo female travelers. There's a strong police presence, especially in urban areas and public transportation, which contributes to a sense of safety. However, as with any country, it's necessary to employ common sense precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas late at night and keeping your belongings secure. Street-related crimes such as pickpocketing or theft can occur in crowded places. The UK is a welcoming destination, but always remember to stay vigilant and informed about your surroundings.

Safety rating

4.6 /5

Based on 281 experiences from female travelers

4.7 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4 /5

Based on 650 experiences from local women

United Kingdom is currently ranked #26 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.6 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is United Kingdom?

Safety at night:Safe

The United Kingdom generally boasts a high level of safety, especially in more populated areas or touristy places. The local authorities effectively maintain order and there are usually good lights and CCTV surveillance. However, as in any region, certain areas can be less safe especially at night, such as quiet backstreets or parks. It is always recommended to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid poorly-lit or deserted areas, and use common sense. Public transport is a safe option for night travel.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in the United Kingdom is generally safe, with plenty of well-lit areas, security personnel present, and emergency procedures in place. Bus and train journeys are normally smooth and trouble-free, especially during the day. Nonetheless, during late hours in less crowded areas or on less used routes, one must stay vigilant. Additionally, CCTV surveillance is common, providing an extra layer of security. However, always remember, safety largely depends on personal awareness and behaviors.

Street harassment:Low

In comparison with other countries, the United Kingdom generally exhibits lower levels of street harassment. That said, it's important to note that experiences may vary significantly from person to person, and from one area to another. Some cities may present more challenges than others. The UK has strict laws against harassment, and reporting such incidents is encouraged. Overall, the public tends to be respectful towards women, but it's always crucial to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Petty crimes:Low

The United Kingdom generally has lower rates of petty crime compared to many other countries. Instances of pickpocketing, purse snatching, or similar offenses do occur, particularly in more tourist-frequented areas, but it is not prevalent throughout the country. Being aware of your belongings and maintaining personal security precautions will greatly minimise the risk of falling victim to such activities.

Is United Kingdom worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 281 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

London, Family travel

I went for the concert there in 2019 and a lot of people told me that I need to be careful cuz I might get robbed but at the end, we saw the whole London, we were on foot and didn't go on the bus! It was really safe there, nobody approached us that they would acted suspicious and we had the best time od our lives

Posted: June 1, 2025

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London, Solo travel

It was my first solo trip since I was staying near by with a group of friends, but in a different city of the UK. Overall I felt safe, obviously I had to be aware of myself and of my belongings, but I didn’t experience any harassment overall. In the palace I got overwhelmed because of the massive amount of people that were there but the green areas that surrounded the Palace are lovely and perfect to take a break. I was on a students budget so I only carry with me 10€, I used approximately 5€ for the transport and 5€ for the food, since I arrived on a train that I paid previously. A great tip is that if you pay the public transport with the same debit card in one day, it gets to a limit of about 3.5€, so that if you keep paying your trips with that same card it won’t charge you more, so they are basically free trips. It only applies with debit cards and within the safe day. And the food I bought the Meal-Deal that the Sainsbury’s store has where you can chose 1 meal 1 beverage and 1 snack for around 3.50€ , I bought it twice in the day and for me it was enough

Posted: May 30, 2025Experienced: July, 2024

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York, Solo travel

I was attending university in York. It is an absolutely incredible experience. I have been telling my family to skip London and make their way to Yorkshire. That's where the most beautiful part of England is!

Posted: May 28, 2025

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Margo

Belgium

London, Solo travel

It’s been a few years since I’ve been back to London, but I’m so glad I got to visit it again! For me there was a great deal of nostalgia so that makes me a little biased, but I have to say it really is such an exciting place to visit. In spring - especially if the weather decides to be helpful - the parks there are so beautiful and awe inspiring (although don’t forget to bring your allergy medicine, the pollen this time of year is everywhere). St James park is especially incredible, but then again it has always been my favourite. People might disagree with me here, but British food in London is great if you know what to look for. Apart from pretty good foreign cuisine places, there’s a lot of pubs and a decent English breakfast is incredibly popular here. For a quick snack, there’s a Pret A Manger almost on every street, and I absolutely recommend getting a Cornwall pasty at least once at the Paddington station. Although I didn’t go this time, I highly recommend visiting some of the bigger museums there - the science and the natural history and my personal favourites. In general, there’s just so many other attractions to choose from that everyone will find something to do. Travel in London is a little expensive, but overall the tube and the buses are pretty useful for getting around. Taking a train anywhere else is highly expensive though. On the other hand, I stayed in a female only room in a hostel right by Hyde park and for the cheap price it was very comfortable and a great experience overall.

Posted: May 27, 2025

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Ayemen

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom, Family travel

For travelers who love history, nature, city life, and cultural depth, the United Kingdom is an unforgettable and richly rewarding destination. The street food that the UK offers is quite interesting and good

Posted: May 25, 2025Experienced: April, 2010

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Maila

Azerbaijan

London, Couple travel

Yes we felt safe Must taste clutted cream and scone for breakfast it was amazing delicious 🤭 Museums some of them are free and very interesting We stayed at our friend and it help us saving money for other things Transport is very comfortable but life is expensive in London But everone must visit London even once in their life😊

Posted: May 23, 2025

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Is United Kingdom safe for women?

Safety index

4 /5

Based on 650 local experiences

Crime index

2.4 /5

Based on 650 local experiences

Trish

London

London is safe!! Just have your wits about you and use common sense, dont walk down dark quiet streets alone, dont have your phone out along the road and keep an eye on your drinks. I've lived here all my life and never had any issues apart from some creepy guys but theyre everywhere in the world unfortunately!

Posted: June 5, 2025

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London

London is quite safe especially outside of the Greater London area, where if people know you are a tourist there's a higher chance of getting scammed or stolen from. On the tube it's important to always hold on to your items and be aware in busy stations that nobody pickpockets you (there's often warnings in the bigger stations like Euston where you are told pickpockets operate at this train station). On any public transport if anyone sitting next to you is making you uncomfortable you can stand up and walk away or move carriages on the train. You're also able to call if anything happens to you on public transport. I would avoid the busses very late at night, as it can lead to uncomfortable situations with often drunk individuals. It's quite basic but avoiding any alleys after sunset is always good, and make sure that you walk on a street that is either busy or has open shops. Also, when navigating at any time you should keep your phone close to you as people sometimes steal them while riding on bikes... it's not too common, hasnt happened to me but it happens enough for it to be noteworthy, especially in busy streets as then anyone can snatch it.

Posted: June 4, 2025

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