A new study has revealed that Wakefield has become one of the UK’s top hotspots for tanning, boasting more than twice the national average number of tanning salons. According to research by beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha, the West Yorkshire city ranks third in the country, behind Blackpool and Sunderland.
Wakefield has 22 tanning studios per 100,000 residents, putting it 124% above the national average of 9.8 salons per 100,000 people. In total, the city hosts 23 tanning salons, a surprising number given its relatively modest population.
Blackpool, known for its coastal charm and holiday appeal, topped the list with a staggering 34.2 tanning studios per 100,000 residents – a remarkable 249% higher than the national average. The seaside town boasts 51 salons, giving it the highest density of tanning studios in the UK.
Areas of the UK with the most tanning studios per 100k residents
| Rank | Area | Number of Tanning Studios per 100k Residents | Percentage Above the National Average (9.8 per 100k) |
| 1 | Blackpool | 34.21 | 249% higher |
| 2 | Sunderland | 28.52 | 191% higher |
| 3 | Wakefield | 22.00 | 124% higher |
| 4 | Preston | 17.80 | 81% higher |
| 5 | Warrington | 17.15 | 74% higher |
| 6 | Bolton | 16.42 | 67% higher |
| 7 | Doncaster | 16.29 | 66% higher |
| 8 | Bournemouth | 16.29 | 66% higher |
| 9 | Chelmsford | 16.23 | 66% higher |
| 10 | Middlesbrough | 16.19 | 65% higher |
Close behind Blackpool is Sunderland, another northern city, with 28.5 tanning salons per 100,000 residents, making it 191% above the national average. The city is home to 48 salons, showing that the demand for a golden glow in the North is substantial.
Wakefield’s position as a top tanning hub suggests that smaller cities and towns may be placing more importance on tanning and self-care. In contrast, larger cities like London, Birmingham, and Leeds did not feature in the top ten.
Other cities rounding out the top five include Preston and Warrington, with 17.8 and 17.1 tanning salons per 100,000 residents, respectively. Both cities are significantly above the national average, reflecting a broader trend across northern England and Lancashire for tanning culture.
While these northern towns are embracing tanning at impressive rates, southern towns like Slough and Swansea appear to be lagging behind. Slough came in last place, with only 1.2 tanning studios per 100,000 residents – 88% below the national average. The Berkshire town only has one tanning salon for its population of over 100,000. Swansea fared slightly better with just 2.9 tanning studios per 100,000 people, but this is still 70% below the national average.
Surprisingly, other large cities also ranked low on the list. High Wycombe, Bradford, and Gloucester each have fewer than four tanning studios per 100,000 residents, indicating a much lower demand for paid tanning services in these areas. London, too, came near the bottom of the list, with just 3.9 salons per 100,000 people, 60% lower than the national average.
A spokesperson for Fresha said, “The data shows a clear regional divide in the popularity of tanning salons. Cities like Wakefield are embracing the trend, while others such as Slough and Swansea seem to prefer a more natural approach. There’s definitely an opportunity for business owners to explore these underserved areas.”
The study provides valuable insights for business owners and entrepreneurs looking to expand into new markets, where demand for tanning services may still be untapped.
