Exeter named one of the UK’s best cities for keeping New Year’s resolutions, new study finds

Exeter has been ranked among the best cities in the UK for sticking to New Year’s resolutions, according to new research, despite national figures showing many people abandon their goals within weeks.

A study by Buzz Bingo placed Exeter third overall for keeping common New Year’s resolutions in 2026, behind only Oxford and Cambridge. 

The ranking assessed how supportive different cities are for lifestyle changes such as improving fitness, eating more healthily and cutting down on alcohol or caffeine.

Using city-level data per 100,000 residents, researchers analysed five of the most common resolutions – Dry January, Veganuary, improving health and fitness, reading more books and reducing caffeine intake. 

This included the number of pubs, cafés, gyms, libraries and vegan-specific venues in the areas.

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Oxford topped the Buzz Bingo rankings overall, while Glasgow placed last, scoring poorly across several measures including access to gyms and libraries.

Exeter performed particularly strongly for diet-related goals, ranking fourth nationally for vegan establishments, with 26 per 100,000 people. The study suggests this makes the city a supportive environment for residents attempting Veganuary or longer-term dietary changes.

However, Exeter’s overall score was held back by its high concentration of cafés and pubs. The city has 75 cafés and 89 pubs and bars per 100,000 people, which researchers say can make it harder for those trying to reduce caffeine or alcohol intake.

Despite this, Exeter still ranked ahead of most UK cities, with Lancaster and Peterborough completing the top five.

Local residents said the findings reflected their own experiences of living in the city.

“I think Exeter makes it easier than a lot of places,” said Sophie Williams from Heavitree, who has stuck to a plant-based diet for the past year. 

“There are so many vegan and veggie options now, whether you’re eating out or grabbing lunch in town. It doesn’t feel restrictive anymore.”

Others said the city’s social scene can make some resolutions more challenging.

“That part definitely rings true,” said Tom Richards from St Thomas, who set a goal to cut back on alcohol this January.

“You can’t walk five minutes in Exeter without passing a pub or coffee shop. It’s great socially, but it does test your willpower.”

University of Exeter student Molly Newman said Dry January can be particularly difficult. “There are always events you want to go to, and you don’t want to be the one who’s left out,” she said.

The findings come as national research highlights the mixed reality behind New Year’s resolutions across the UK. 

According to Forbes Advisor, almost 30 per cent of Brits set New Year’s resolutions in 2024, up from 19 per cent the year before. Younger people were far more likely to set goals, with more than half of those aged 18 to 34 doing so.

Health-related resolutions dominated nationally, with 62 per cent focusing on physical or dietary changes, such as exercising more, losing weight or improving their diet. Cutting down on alcohol and improving mental wellbeing were also common aims.

However, sticking to resolutions remains a challenge. Forbes Advisor found that one in five people give up within a month, while more than a third last between one and three months.

Local fitness professionals say Exeter’s layout may help residents stay on track longer than average.

“Exeter is quite unique in that you’ve got gyms, leisure centres, green spaces and walking routes all within easy reach,” said Alex Morgan, a personal trainer based in the city centre.

 “That definitely helps people stay consistent, especially if they’re trying to build healthier habits rather than going all-in for a few weeks.”

Residents also pointed to the city’s size as a key factor.

“It’s big enough to give you choice, but small enough that you don’t feel overwhelmed,” said Helen Carter from Pinhoe. “I think that makes it easier to stick with routines, whether that’s exercise, reading more or eating better.”