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UK telephone area code finder

Search any UK dialling code (STD code) by location name, or enter the first few digits of a number starting 01 or 02 to identify exactly where it originates. Every geographic area code across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is covered.

How UK area codes work: All geographic UK landline numbers start with 01 or 02. The digits immediately after identify the area — these are called STD codes or dialling codes. Mobile numbers (07), non-geographic numbers (03, 08, 09) and international dialling codes are not included here.
ℹ️ Call costs: The rate you pay to call any 01 or 02 number depends on your provider and tariff. Check with your phone or broadband supplier for current call costs. Switching to a VoIP phone system can significantly reduce your outbound call costs on geographic numbers.
Common questions

Frequently asked questions about UK area codes

What is a UK telephone area code?
A UK telephone area code — also called an STD code or dialling code — is the numerical prefix that identifies the geographic location of a landline number. Every UK geographic number starts with 01 or 02, followed by the area code and then the local subscriber number. The code tells you where in the country the number is based.
What is the difference between an area code and a dialling code?
They are the same thing. "Area code", "dialling code" and "STD code" (Subscriber Trunk Dialling) all refer to the same geographic prefix — the digits you dial before the local number when calling from outside that area. Ofcom is responsible for allocating and managing these codes across the UK.
Do mobile numbers have area codes?
No. Mobile numbers in the UK start with 07 and are not linked to any geographic area. This tool only covers geographic landline numbers beginning with 01 or 02. Non-geographic numbers starting with 03, 08 or 09 are also not included as they have no location association.
Can I get a local area code number for my business without being based there?
Yes — this is one of the key advantages of a VoIP phone system. You can obtain a geographic number for any UK area code regardless of your physical location. A business based anywhere in the country can present a local Southampton, Bournemouth, Portsmouth or London number to customers, which significantly improves answer rates and local trust. Browse available numbers →
Why do some area codes have 4 digits and others have 5?
UK area codes vary in length because of how number capacity is allocated. Major cities like London (020), Birmingham (0121) and Manchester (0161) have shorter codes, giving more digits available for local numbers and therefore greater capacity. Smaller towns and rural areas tend to have longer codes — 01202 for Bournemouth, 01305 for Dorchester — with fewer local numbers needed.
What does the 023 area code cover?
The 023 code is shared between Southampton (0238) and Portsmouth (0239). Southampton numbers begin 023 8 and Portsmouth numbers begin 023 9. Both cities fall within the same area code block but are distinguished by the next digit of the local number. T2K VoIP provides numbers for both Southampton and Portsmouth.
How much does it cost to call an 01 or 02 number?
Calls to 01 and 02 numbers are charged at the same geographic rate. From a landline they are typically included in your calling plan or charged at a standard per-minute rate. From a mobile they are usually included in your monthly minutes allowance. Switching to a VoIP system can significantly reduce the cost of outbound calls to geographic numbers.
What is the PSTN switch-off and how does it affect area codes?
The UK's Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being retired by Openreach. Traditional copper landline infrastructure is being replaced by digital, IP-based connections. Your area code and phone number stay the same — but the underlying technology moves to VoIP. Businesses that haven't yet migrated to a VoIP phone system will need to do so as their exchange is upgraded.
About UK area codes

About UK telephone area codes

Every UK geographic landline number begins with either 01 or 02, followed by the area code that identifies the originating location. Ofcom allocates and manages these codes, covering cities, towns and rural areas across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Understanding area codes matters for businesses — callers recognise local numbers and are significantly more likely to answer and engage with them than with non-geographic or mobile numbers.

With a VoIP phone system, your business can obtain a geographic number for any UK area code — meaning a Southampton business can get a 0238 number, a Bournemouth company a 01202 number, or a Portsmouth operation a 0239 number — regardless of where you are physically based.

Major UK area codes at a glance

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