Wellness is becoming a key pillar of the fitness industry, not just for consumers but also for businesses looking to meet evolving client expectations. A contented mind stays focused and committed to fitness goals for longer, supporting better physical results and long-term client retention.

This presents a key opportunity for wellness-focused businesses, such as spas, saunas, and massage parlours. These services don’t just offer relaxation; they play a vital role in helping individuals recharge between workouts, enhance muscle recovery, reduce injury risk, and maintain positive mental well-being.

The demand for these services is growing rapidly. The UK wellness industry is now valued at over £25 billion, with consistent year-on-year growth, according to the Global Wellness Institute. This boom reflects a wider shift in consumer priorities, from purely aesthetic fitness goals to holistic health and recovery.

However, when it comes to wellness businesses, some UK cities offer more than others. 

With this in mind, we at Mirafit wanted to explore the cities with the biggest increase in wellness businesses over the past three years, calculating the total amount and the number of establishments per 100,000 residents.

Data Methodology

We examined data from Companies House to reveal the number of wellness businesses opening in each UK city since 2022. 

To do this, we analysed two SIC codes - 93130, which constitutes fitness facilities such as health clubs and Bodybuilding facilities and 96040, which consists of physical well-being activities, including spas, saunas, solariums, steam baths, massage salons and public baths.

Following this, we calculated the number of wellness businesses per 100,000 residents. Then, each city was ranked according to the results, with the top ten listed below. Cities with fewer than 250,000 residents were excluded from this study.

UK Cities With the Biggest Increase in Wellness Businesses

1 - Manchester, Greater Manchester

In first place, Manchester has been revealed as the place to be for new wellness establishments. Since 2022, the city has opened its doors to 38 new businesses per 100,000 residents, totalling 151. 

From yoga studios to pilates, sauna and spa businesses, there’s a healthy volume of businesses in the city. It’ll be interesting to see how this figure evolves in the coming years and if Manchester continue to build on its wellness offerings.

2 -London, Greater London

Next, it’s London that places second in the ranking. Overall, London has recorded 24 new wellness businesses per 100,000 people in the city. This means that, in total, England’s capital has opened its doors to a whopping 1,837 companies in this sector, with the city experiencing a wealth of new spas, saunas and other wellness-focused establishments. 

For fitness fanatics in London, they’re clearly spoilt for choice when choosing a spot to enjoy their recovery and unwind. The capital is known for its wide array of facilities and makes no exception when it comes to wellness centres.

3 - Glasgow, Glasgow City

In Scotland, Glasgow ranks as another city prioritising wellness, recording 129 new establishments over the past three years or 22 per 100,000 residents in the city. Throughout the city, there’s certainly no shortage of saunas, yoga studios and other wellness hubs, providing a wonderful way for people to relax and recharge in between fitness regimes. 

Glasgow is a vibrant city, but it also emphasises the importance of wellness, with so many incredible businesses opening since 2022. Overall, it can only be good news for fitness fanatics.

4 - Cardiff, Cardiff City

In Wales, Cardiff is a great city for lovers of all things wellness. Since 2022, the city has experienced a sharp increase, with 16 new wellness businesses per 100,000 people opening since 2022. The combination of wellness and gym facilities found throughout Cardiff makes it a great place to be for those prioritising fitness in 2025.

It’s encouraging to see English, Scottish and Welsh representation within the top ten, highlighting the UK’s commitment to wellness.

5 - Coventry, West Midlands

Placing fifth in the ranking is Coventry. This city, found in the West Midlands, has recorded 56 new wellness businesses over the past three years, equating to 16 per 100,000 people. It highlights a strong desire to promote well-being, with Coventry supplying its residents with a variety of high-quality businesses in this sector.

With a healthy volume of Pilates studios, yoga centres, saunas, and other establishments prioritising wellness, fitness fanatics in this city can access a range of facilities to boost progress and recovery speed.

6 - Birmingham, West Midlands 

With 15 new wellness businesses per 100,000 people opening over the past three years, Birmingham places sixth in the ranking. This location is known for its diverse range of gyms, and this is no different for wellness, with a combination of spas, saunas and massage establishments dotted throughout the city.

Interestingly, Birmingham placed third in our Best Cities for Runners Index. It’s clear from the two datasets that this city is a wonderful place to be for active individuals, providing a great foundation for fitness success.

7 - Leeds, West Yorkshire

With 62 new wellness businesses opening in the last three years, or 14 per 100,000 residents, Leeds places seventh in the ranking. The city, situated in Yorkshire, is known for its iconic football club and vibrant community - but it also prioritises fitness and wellness, with 70 running clubs, 18 parks and a wealth of new wellness facilities.

It’ll be interesting to see how this figure changes over the next five years. Will Leeds continue to prioritise wellness, or will another city take its spot in this informative list?

8 - Bristol, South West

In eighth place is Bristol, a city located in the southwest of England, which has recorded 82 new wellness businesses since 2022. This works out at 13 new establishments per 100,000 people living in the city. Overall, Bristol is great for outdoor activities, with scenic views providing a breathtaking backdrop for a run or jog. 

In terms of wellness, a combination of yoga centres, spas and sauna facilities ensure that Bristolians have everything they need to sufficiently recharge between workouts, helping prevent injury while boosting moods.

9 - Liverpool, Merseyside

Placing ninth in the ranking is Liverpool; the Merseyside city has welcomed 13 new wellness businesses per 100,000 people since 2022. Home to several parks, high-quality gyms and 5 running clubs, this city understands the importance of keeping fit - and also recovery - with a healthy number of new wellness establishments.

Popular wellness businesses in the city include Wyld Sauna, based on Princes Dock - one of many establishments in Liverpool offering a place to unwind.

10 - Belfast, County Antrim

Rounding off the ranking in tenth position is Belfast. The Northern Irish capital city has recorded 13 new wellness businesses per 100,000 people in recent years, totalling 35 altogether. Again, this city is another UK location prioritising wellness, ensuring there is a healthy volume of businesses on offer for residents.

In general, Belfast is a brilliant city for fitness lovers, providing a combination of high-quality gyms, spas and scenic routes providing a breathtaking backdrop for a run or jog. 

How Can Wellness Businesses Benefit Fitness?

Sharing insight on the fitness benefits of wellness-focused businesses is fitness expert, Mark Harris. With years of industry experience, Mark explains how services like saunas, spas, and massage therapy aren’t just luxuries, they’re essential tools that enhance physical performance, accelerate recovery, and support overall well-being.

“Balancing workout routines with wellness activities can prove incredibly beneficial for our well-being, helping to build strength and protect muscles while recovering. So, how exactly can wellness activities benefit fitness?

“Firstly, saunas are an effective way to treat muscles after a rigorous workout. The hot temperatures can improve blood circulation, which in turn boosts recovery speed, meaning muscles feel back to their best much quicker. 

“Additionally, saunas can also promote relaxation so much that they improve sleep. This is vital for fitness, as sleep is when muscles and tissues are repaired. To anyone suffering from joint pain or stiffness, a sauna is a great option, helping to relieve symptoms. In the fitness space, saunas have always been a go-to for many following a workout, but interest in these spaces is definitely on the rise.

“Wellness institutions also consist of Pilates and Yoga centres, where experts in these exercises put on incredible classes for people of all skill levels. These low-intensity exercise routines are exceptional for improving flexibility, balance and maintaining mobility with age. It’s also a fun way to exercise with friends and an effective way to limit weight gain.

“Stress can impact performance in the gym, limiting people from achieving the best workout possible. However, wellness activities such as spas provide relief from these overwhelming emotions, improving moods and motivation.”

Overall, our study has highlighted the continuing trend in wellness businesses. In particular, it was impressive to see well over 1,000 new businesses prioritising wellness open in London, while Manchester and Birmingham also recorded a healthy number of new establishments.

Over time, it’ll be intriguing to see how these figures alter and if a new city takes the top spot. 

Until then, fitness fanatics are urged to balance workout regimes with substantial periods of rest, recovery and self-care.

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Tags: Misc > Lifestyle