Which UK Cities Are Best Equipped For A Zombie Apocalypse?

With UK searches for terms such as “outbreak maps” and “quarantine zones” up 161% and 96%, respectively, Brits are fascinated by survival and post-apocalyptic stories, with zombie-themed shows and films capturing huge audiences in recent years. So, with May being Zombie Awareness Month, researchers at Buzz Bingo have ranked the best (and worst) equipped UK cities to handle a zombie apocalypse in an outbreak scenario.

The data analysed several factors across the 20 most populated UK towns and cities. Each metric was then weighted to produce a final index score out of 100.

Plymouth ranks as the UK’s most equipped city to handle a zombie apocalypse. It stands out for its exceptional natural refuge score of 10/10, due to strong access to the surrounding countryside and coastal escape routes along the English Channel and Plymouth Sound. Edinburgh follows in second place with a score of 86, due mainly to low density and a high natural refuge score. This would allow people to escape via coastal routes and quickly reach surrounding areas such as the Pentland Hills and the East Lothian coastline

Newcastle ranks third with a score of 83, thanks to a balance of relatively low crime levels and strong hospital provision, as well as its proximity to the North East coastline, which provides additional natural refuge routes. Belfast sits in fourth place, standing out for being a UK major city with the lowest crime rate in the country. Manchester, at number five, has exceptionally high hospital capacity per 100,000 people, with a hospital for every 3,100 people on average. 

On the other hand, “collapse zones” include Leicester, which leads the ranking as the least equipped city overall, scoring lowest on preparedness levels at 41 due to the highest population density in the group (14,521 per sq mi) and weaker natural refuge access. With preparedness scores nearly halved compared to the highest-scoring locations, Hull sits at the lower end of the ranking and is impacted by elevated crime levels (114 per 1,000 people), alongside one of the lowest levels of freshwater sources among the UK’s major cities (4). 

In a zombie apocalypse, Brummies would not fare well at all, as Birmingham has a crime rate of 104 per 1,000 people, similar to Nottingham, where higher density and some of the highest crime rates in the country outweigh its relatively strong green space and hospital provision, with crime levels 52% higher than the East Midlands and 48% higher than the England, Wales & Northern Ireland overall figure. In an outbreak scenario, these pressures would likely intensify, making it one of the most dangerous areas in the UK due to heightened competition for resources. The Midlands would fare particularly poorly overall, with multiple cities ranking in the UK’s “collapse zone” due to high density, elevated crime rates, and limited natural refuge access.

To summarise the study, Mark Fletcher, our Head of Brand here at Buzz Bingo, noted:

“Post-apocalyptic and survival storytelling has seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years, with shows and films like The Last of Us and The Walking Dead continuing to capture audiences’ attention. While the idea of a zombie apocalypse is firmly fictional, it’s interesting to explore which UK cities are best equipped when it comes to factors linked to long-term preparedness, from access to green space and freshwater to lower crime rates and stronger infrastructure. Our findings show that balanced cities with strong natural refuge access consistently came out on top - and if all else fails, you can follow Shaun’s advice, head to the pub, have a pint, and wait for all of it to blow over!”

Interested in reading about our other recent studies? You can view our latest study into Britain’s garden feuds, or how about looking into five top tips to support bees for World Bee Day?