a kind bearded man smiling at his phone on the Tube
Credit: View Apart, via Shutterstock

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Well, folks, it’s another crown for us Londoners after a year of non-stop accolades. We’re a humble lot, what can I say? After having been crowned the best city in the world (for the 11th year in a row!), we’ve got even more to celebrate. That’s because a recent survey has determined that London is the kindest city in the UK.

It’s perhaps a bit of an unexpected result. In a bustling city with unspoken rules like ‘don’t look at people on the Tube, stare at the ground between your feet’, kindness isn’t the most obvious feature of Londoners. And the general consensus is that you’re more likely to talk to strangers in towns and cities outside of our capital…

But maybe it’s something in the air? After all, the same survey revealed that Brits are generally kinder in December than at any other time of year. It must be that Christmas spirit, buoying up the whole country and putting a pep in our step and a smile on our faces.

people milling about covent garden enjoying the christmas decorationsCredit: Covent Garden Brits kinder at Christmastime

Now, it’s not exactly the most comprehensive survey to draw many conclusions from. Santander surveyed 2,000 Brits in November of 2025, a mere drop in the puddle of the UK’s population of almost 70 million people. But the findings within that snapshot of British people were interesting nonetheless.

The survey revealed the following:

  • 35% of Brits say they are more inclined to perform random acts of kindness during the Christmas period.
  • 39% smile more in December.
  • 19% of those surveyed report giving out more compliments in December.
  • 13% said they were more likely to strike up a conversation at times they usually wouldn’t, such as when commuting.

And ultimately, London was crowned the UK’s kindest town. 49% of Londoners said they were more inclined to perform random acts of kindness during the holiday season. Following up in second and third place, respectively, were Liverpool and Manchester. (Which, if we’re honest, make much more sense.)

So, while we’re surprised by our position at the top of the rankings, we’re ultimately glad to hear of so much cheer and merriment this festive season. Now, does anyone know when we’ll receive the ‘kindest city’ trophy? Is it in the mail?