OXFORD has been named as one of the best cities in the UK to raise a baby, according to new research.

With excellent state schools, a world-renowned university, a historic city centre and close proximity to the countryside, the city came 17th overall.

Bath topped the list at number one, in part down to the lower cost of childcare which comes in at £850 per month, compared to the national average of £936.

The cheapest city for childcare, however, went to Leicester with an average cost of £470 - less than half the price of Oxford’s childcare cost of £1,100 a month.

The study was carried out by pram manufacturer, Play Like Mum.

While Bath ranked as the 3rd safest city to raise a child, Chelmsford took home the number one spot with a safety rating at 79 out of 100 compared to Oxford’s rating of 64.26.

Meanwhile, Coventry was named the worst overall city to raise a child due to their limited family attractions, choices for eating out and one of the lowest safety ratings in the country.

Bath was also cited as having the most child-friendly attractions per 10,000 people in the UK and came in 4th place for the most child-friendly restaurants

It was Brighton, however, that took home the spot as the city with the most child-friendly restaurants. According to Play Like Mum, the city has 37 child-friendly restaurants per 10,000 people compared to Oxford’s 13.

The most pram-friendly city went to Westminster with a 7.59 accessibility rating while Oxford landed in 9th place.

The top 5 UK cities to raise a baby are:

1. Bath

2. Wakefield

3. Canterbury

4. Brighton & Hove

5. Lichfield