The UK’s Most Optimistic Brits

Our latest research reveals the most optimistic cities in the UK and explores what makes Brits feel the most hopeful for the future.

Are you a glass half empty, or a glass half full kind of person? Optimistic people are those who see the best in situations and try to focus on achieving a positive outcome. But where will you find the most optimistic people in the UK, and what truly fills us with hope as a nation?

To find out, Betway Casino surveyed 1,000 people across the UK to identify the cities with the most optimistic outlooks, also uncovering what makes them feel positive and how their beliefs in things like karma and manifestation can influence their mindset. 

Where are the most optimistic Brits in the UK?

When it comes to optimism, some cities across the UK seem to have an extra dose of positive energy. We asked respondents whether they considered themselves to be glass half full people or glass half empty people, revealing the locations in the UK you can expect to find the most hopeful residents.

 
Belfast takes the crown for the most optimistic city in the UK, with 85% of people in Belfast being optimistic about the future in general. 

But what are they specifically happy about? Well, over two-thirds (69%) of people in Belfast say they’re optimistic about a white Christmas this year. A further 69% say they’re optimistic about living in their dream home one day. Plus, over half (54%) are optimistic about getting promoted in the next 12 months.

Hull comes next, with 75% of people stating that they are more optimistic than they are pessimistic. People in Hull are the most optimistic about a hot British summer next year, with 60% of respondents saying they’re hopeful. In third place, Cardiff, where 71% of people are optimistic. Residents in the Welsh city are the most optimistic about living in their dream home one day, with 59% saying this.

In Durham, also with 71% of its population with a ‘half glass full’ mindset, people are most optimistic about a hot British summer (58%). In Preston, where 67% of people are more optimistic than pessimistic, 64% of people are optimistic about their sports team winning the league, making this the event most residents here are optimistic for.

We’ve named where you’ll find the most optimistic people in the UK, but where will you find the most pessimistic, or glass half empty, people?

What are Brits most optimistic about?

Almost half (48%) are also optimistic about the future in general. But what is it specifically that Brits are feeling positive about?

Brits feel the most optimistic about having a ‘hot British summer’ next year, with 47% saying they’re feeling positive about this. And rightly so, considering that 2023 was the second-warmest year on record, with ‘warm’ days (25°C) up by 63% and ‘hot’ days (28°C) more than doubling.

Close behind, with 46% of votes, is optimism about living in a dream home one day, showing Brits feel positive about achieving the ‘white picket fence’ lifestyle at some point in the future.

Similarly, around two in five (41%) respondents hold on to the nostalgic hope of a ‘white Christmas’, despite the fact the UK sees only 13 days of snow per year on average.

Finding the love of one’s life is a major source of hope for many, with 39% of people feeling optimistic about finding true romance at some point. Meanwhile, 34% of people are optimistic about owning their ideal car.

Flipping the scale, people in the UK are the most pessimistic about getting engaged in 2025, with 32% feeling negative about this possibility. Considering marriage rates have fallen below 50% in the UK, it makes sense why people aren’t exactly optimistic about this prospect, despite the level of optimism for finding a true love.

What makes Brits feel optimistic

So, we’ve discovered where you’ll find the most hopeful people in the UK, and what Brits are the most optimistic about. But why do they feel this way? We asked our respondents UK-wide which things make them feel the most optimistic, and here’s what they said: 

The top reason people feel optimistic is spending time with friends and family, with 39% of people saying this is a key factor. Being around loved ones provides a sense of support and connection, which can help improve overall mood and outlook on life.

A good night’s sleep is another important factor, with 29% of people saying it helps them feel more positive. Restful sleep has a significant impact on mental and physical health, and when people feel well-rested, they’re more likely to have a positive attitude throughout the day.

Warm weather also plays a role in positivity, with 27% of people mentioning it as a reason for optimism. While the UK doesn’t always enjoy consistent sunshine, the change in environment, from cold and dreary to warm and sunny, can make a big difference in how people feel, even if it’s just for a short period.

Spending time in nature is another factor that contributes to optimism, with 24% of people noting its importance. Whether it’s a walk in the park or a hike in the countryside, being surrounded by nature helps many people feel relaxed and more at peace.

However, at the other end of the spectrum, we’re the least likely to feel optimistic about receiving a compliment from our boss, as only 4% say this. Only 5% say they feel optimistic after reading inspirational quotes or content online, whilst only 6% said meditation helps them with their optimism levels. Surprisingly, only 11% say their morning coffee helps them to feel optimistic.

Looking at generation breakdowns, only 15% of 18-24 year olds said warm weather makes them feel optimistic compared to 41% of 55-64 year olds. Additionally, those aged 65 and over are the most likely to feel optimistic spending time in nature, with 33% saying this compared to 16% of 18-24 year olds. Meanwhile, 18-24 year olds are more likely to say they feel optimistic after spending time with friends and family (34%) and having a good night’s sleep (30%).

Do Brits believe in manifestation?

Manifesting refers to making desires become a reality by focusing on, thinking about or believing in a specific outcome. But how many Brits actually believe that this works?

Well, two in five Brits (41%) believe in manifestation, and nearly half (47%) regularly manifest in the hope that their dreams will become a reality. Among these believers, two in five think manifestation is particularly effective for achieving career goals. 

There appears to be a big difference in terms of age, with those aged 18-24 being the biggest manifestors, with 59% saying they believe in it, compared to just 21% of those 65 and over.

Luck is also a big part of a positive mindset. In fact, a further 59% of Brits believe in luck. Plus, 39% are confident they will stick to all of their 2025 New Year’s resolutions, and an impressive 71% make an effort to focus on positives, even in challenging situations.

How many Brits believe in karma?

A significant 71% of people believe that doing a good deed brings positive karma, reflecting a widespread faith in the power of kindness. Similarly, 58% embrace the idea that “what goes around comes around,” often performing good deeds with the hope of receiving positivity in return.

This optimistic outlook extends further: 39% regularly expect good things to happen in their lives (43% versus just 35% of women), and 67% tackle unexpected situations with a positive mindset.

Would you consider yourself to be an optimistic person?

Methodology

A survey of 1,000 Brits was conducted in November, 2024.