Luck. You’ve either got it or you haven’t. Is that how it works? We’re not entirely sure, but we’re happy to travel the length and breadth of the UK to work it out. It has been 30 years since Noel Edmunds presented the first National Lottery draw (November 19, 1994, to be exact), and more than 6,800 lottery millionaires have been made in the years since. It stands to reason that some cities are luckier than others, right? Right. Whether buying a scratchcard or risking it all in the online casinos UK, do it in these spots.
The numbers don’t lie. If you buy a lottery ticket in Birmingham, history is on your side. History is alive and well in Brum, and the city exudes a curious confidence inspired by gorgeous architecture, a keen understanding of hard work, and all that jewellery. Oh, and there are more miles of canals than Venice, for the record. Birmingham is one of the most underrated cities in the UK, and it is also the luckiest. Best airport in the country, for the record.
Belfast (174)
Belfast is second on the list, with 174 folks receiving the big finger from the sky over the years. We hope that reference makes sense to you (spoiler: the original National Lottery advert). A trip to Belfast is a colourful journey through history, heritage, character and charm, with markets, gaols, massive fish and iconic sunken ships waiting to be explored.
Glasgow (158)
Glasgee! There are some excellent coffee shops in Glasgow (looking at you, Short Long Black), and any city that calls Mogwai its own is more than alright by us. Scotland’s largest city is an enigma that constantly fights a spiky reputation through wild creativity. The Glasgow Botanic Gardens are among the best in the country.
You’ll likely notice a trend throughout this piece: lottery luck finds its way to relatively unheralded cities. Sheffield is another example: Since the National Lottery was established, the Steel City has seen 150 new millionaires. Sheffield is another in the long line of gorgeously gritty northern cities with imposing cathedrals and a serious dedication to their sports teams.
Newcastle (136)
Newcastle is inherently lucky, what with having the best accent in England and all that jazz. Well, not jazz, but Newcastle also stands out as the most underrated creative city in the country. Miss you, yourcodenameis:milo. The city of hills and bridges is thrilling, no matter your preferred form of adventure. Admire the buildings, support the Toon, go to The Cluny and enjoy a burger or show or both. Definitely both.
Liverpool (136)
We aren’t entirely sure what to make of this. Sure, the numbers suggest Liverpool is a lucky place, but Bar Cava closed in spring 2023, so which is it? We’re unsure if we’ll ever get over the closing of Wood Street’s iconic tequila bar. We still have the toilets at the Philharmonic, so we’ll get by. Liverpool is Liverpool; you either love or hate it, but you will have a great time whatever happens.
Manchester isn’t lucky - Manchester is awesome. While Mancs will undoubtedly be upset by finishing below Liverpool on this list, they can console themselves with some of the best galleries and museums in Europe, a fantastically proud history and all the rest.
Cardiff (126)
The Welsh capital is increasingly popular among visitors, and it has nothing to do with the 126 lucky lotto winners. Caerdydd is one of the best nights out in Europe, especially when a major sporting event is taking place, and the city’s range of independent galleries and boutique shops takes some beating.
Peterborough (119)
We often talk about how underrated northern cities are, but that’s nothing compared to eastern England. Peterborough, Norwich, Cambridge and the rest don’t get anywhere near as much attention as they deserve. However, the first of those seems to attract luck, with 119 National Lottery winners and counting. We suggest focusing on the stunning Peterborough Cathedral, but feel free to try your luck while in town.
Coventry (102)
Coventry is best known for the naked riding exploits of Lady Godiva. Actually, no, it is probably better known for the medieval Coventry Cathedral(s), obliterated by the Nazis in World War II but defiantly still standing as a symbol of the city’s soul. Give the Transport Museum a look when in town.
We’re almost a decade removed from Leicester City’s miraculous run to the Premier League championship (and there has been a relegation since), but the City of Kings is still a lucky place. It is also a marvellous one, packed with peaceful walks and heaps of history that stretches beyond Richard III’s long sleep under a car park. The National Space Centre is spectacular.
Nottingham (102)
Nottingham is delightful. The Museum of Justice is one of the best museums in the United Kingdom, and some of the pubs are spectacular, practically demanding a pub crawl. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is the oldest pub in the country, after all. Throw in some breathtaking architecture and fabulously friendly folks; you have a very lucky city indeed.
Doncaster (96)
Our list of the UK’s luckiest cities ends with Doncaster, and we’re sure this is the first time Donny has received a mention from In Your Pocket. Doncaster IYP? Soon, soon. The South Yorkshire spot is a new city, while Brodsworth Hall and Gardens is one of the best-preserved Victorian manors in the country. All very lucky, indeed.
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