UK town and city centre footfall experienced a sharp rebound during March 2026, following a challenging February that saw visitor numbers decline across most of the country.

According to the latest data from visitor behaviour and footfall insight provider Place Informatics, UK footfall increased by 2.36 per cent year-on-year in March 2026. This represents a significant turnaround from the 2.13 per cent decline recorded in February.

Every nation returned to positive figures, with Northern Ireland recording the strongest performance at 3.32 per cent. Scotland climbed by 2.89 per cent, England rose by 2.39 per cent, and Wales returned to growth at 0.75 per cent.

On a regional level, London delivered the strongest growth in the UK, with footfall rising 4.50 per cent year-on-year, followed by the South East at 3.00 per cent. The East Midlands recorded the slowest growth at 0.51 per cent.

The recovery follows a difficult February period in which Yorkshire and the Humber experienced the country's steepest regional decline at -4.80 per cent, closely followed by the South West at -4.71 per cent.

March’s resurgence suggests improving consumer confidence and stronger seasonal trading conditions heading into spring, particularly across major urban centres and destination towns. London’s continued recovery was driven by strong performances across local centres including Maida Vale (+6.71%), Kensal Rise (+6.71%), Wimbledon Village (+6.69%), and Canning Town (+6.62%).

Northern Ireland also posted standout results, with Lisburn leading the UK’s top-performing town centres at 7.30 per cent year-on-year, followed by Belfast at 7.00 per cent.

Across the wider UK, top-performing locations included Braehead in Scotland (+6.80%), Fareham in the South East (+5.71%), Cheltenham in the South West (+5.10%), and Worcester in the West Midlands (+4.20%).

Year-to-date figures also point to improving momentum nationally. UK footfall is now running 0.52 per cent ahead year-to-date, reversing February’s negative position of -0.38 per cent. England stands at +0.54% YTD, Scotland at +0.41%, Wales at +0.36%, and Northern Ireland at +0.66%.

Clive Hall, CEO of Place Informatics, commented, “March marks a very encouraging recovery for UK high streets and town centres following a difficult February. What’s particularly positive is that every UK region returned to growth, with London and Northern Ireland showing especially strong momentum. The data highlights the resilience of local centres and the importance of understanding regional visitor behaviour as consumer patterns continue to evolve.”