Portsmouth ranked among England's most tattoo-friendly cities, study reveals
Portsmouth has secured a place just outside England's top 10 most tattoo-friendly cities, according to new research comparing 41 locations.
A ranking by Dr Cinik Hair Clinic compared tattoo studios, customer ratings, prices, walk-in appointments and local tattoo culture.
Portsmouth ranks 12th nationally, recording 1.34 tattoo studios per 10,000 residents.
The Hampshire city has an average tattoo studio rating of 4.79 out of 5, while a small tattoo costs around £85.
Portsmouth also hosted three tattoo conventions between 2024 and 2026, placing it among the cities with a more active tattoo event scene.
Nearby Southampton ranks 21st, recording 0.99 tattoo studios per 10,000 residents and the same average small tattoo price of £85.
Winchester places 19th, with an average studio rating of 4.87 and small tattoos costing £90.
At the top of the national ranking, Norwich takes first place, with 2.15 tattoo studios per 10,000 residents.
Lincoln follows in second, while Brighton and Hove ranks third with the highest average studio rating in the study at 4.90.
Exeter and Sheffield complete the top five.
At the opposite end, London ranks last, with an average small tattoo price of £130.
Bradford and Salford follow in 40th and 39th places respectively.
Top 10 most tattoo-friendly cities in England
Norwich – 68.17
Lincoln – 63.34
Brighton and Hove – 60.58
Exeter – 56.40
Sheffield – 56.32
Worcester – 54.77
York – 51.51
Liverpool – 51.25
Preston – 49.67
Plymouth – 48.53
Sources: Federation of Tattooists directory, Google Maps, Great British Tattoo Show and TattooFilter.