UK area codes explained

UK numbers start with a range that tells you what kind of number it is. Here is how to read them, plus a directory of area codes for the towns and cities we cover.

By the Alltone Telecoms team. Updated 24 October 2026. About 2 minutes to read.

Number ranges

Starts with	Type
01 and 02	Geographic (area code) numbers
03	National numbers charged at geographic rates
07	Mobiles, pagers and personal numbers
080	Freephone
084 and 087	Business rate numbers with service charges
09	Premium rate

How area codes are formatted

Large cities have short codes and longer local numbers, for example 020 for London, 0161 for Manchester and 0121 for Birmingham. Most towns use a five-digit code such as 01865 for Oxford followed by a six-digit local number. 02 codes, used for London, Southampton, Portsmouth, Coventry, Cardiff and Northern Ireland, have an eight-digit local number.

Look up a code

Use the area code finder on our area codes page to search by code or town.

Common questions

Something else on your mind? Call 020 7112 8558 or send us a message and a telecoms specialist will reply.

Do I need to dial the area code for local calls?

In some areas, including parts of the UK where local dialling is changing, you must always dial the full number. Dialling the full number always works.

Talk to a telecoms specialist

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