Richmond upon Thames has been named the UK's healthiest area in a new study, recording the lowest unhealthy habits score in ZAVA's 2026 Healthy Habit Index at 2.66 out of 10. The borough outperformed four other top-ranked areas, with adult obesity prevalence at 10.5 per cent and smoking prevalence at 6.6 per cent, the lowest figures among the study's five highest-ranked areas.
Study combines five health indicators
The index combines five indicators: adult obesity, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption and the number of fast food outlets near gyms. Lower overall scores indicate better performance. According to the index, around 75.3 per cent of Richmond's residents reported doing at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week.
Richmond ahead of West Berkshire, which scored 3.64, followed by Oxford on 3.85, South Gloucestershire on 4.12 and Cheshire East on 4.22. While the study found an average of four fast food outlets within 1km of each gym in Richmond, its strong activity figures show that many residents are finding ways to keep moving.
Green spaces and walking habits
According to ZAVA, 57 per cent of the borough's land is covered by more than 100 parks and green spaces. The study also says 45 per cent of residents walk regularly. For locals, exercise needn't involve a gym membership, with a stroll beside the Thames or a walk through the vast, 2,500-acre Richmond Park offering a chance to stretch their legs.
Richmond's village-like atmosphere, riverside setting and great access to nature also helped secure its position as London's best place to live in the Sunday Times' 2026 guide earlier this year.
Local leader welcomes recognition
Council leader Gareth Roberts said: “We've been the happiest place to live, we've been the safest place to live, we've been the healthiest place to live, we've been the most recommended place to live, and now The Times has confirmed what we've all known for years, Richmond is the best place to live in London.”
He added: "And it's no accident that the judges came to that conclusion. When you have gorgeous views of the River Thames that inspired Turner on your doorstep, when you have the wild majesty of Richmond Park just up the road, the gorgeous splendours of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, along with some of London's best open spaces, shops and restaurants, what's not to like?"
The study highlights Richmond's strong performance in physical activity and low obesity and smoking rates, reinforcing its reputation as a healthy place to live. Residents can continue to enjoy the area's green spaces and riverside walks, which contribute to its healthy habits.
