How to Write an Address in United Kingdom: Format, Postcodes and Examples

International  |  September 24, 2026  |  5 min read

Addresses in United Kingdom follow their own order and postcode rules. This guide shows how to write one correctly, with real postcode examples and the most common mistakes, whether you are sending mail, building a checkout form or preparing test data.

Address format

House number and street on one line, the post town in capital letters on its own line, then the postcode on the last line.

UK postcode format

Format: A9 9AA to AA9A 9AA

UK postcodes have an outward code (area and district, such as SW1A or M1) and an inward code (sector and unit, such as 1AA). The outward code narrows mail to a town or district; the inward code narrows it to a handful of addresses.

More examples

Sending to United Kingdom from abroad

Write the address exactly as it is used locally, then add the country name in capital English letters on the last line.

Tips and common mistakes

• Write the post town in capitals, as Royal Mail recommends.
• Keep the postcode on its own line with a single space before the inward code.
• A county line is optional and no longer needed for delivery.
• Flats go before the street line, for example Flat 4, 12 High Street.

Counties of United Kingdom

United Kingdom has 109 counties in our data. The county is rarely required in a postal address, but forms and databases often store it separately.

Test data for United Kingdom

Phone numbers use Ofcom's ranges reserved for TV and film (01632 960xxx and 07700 900xxx). Generated addresses use real towns and postcode areas with invented streets and names, so they are safe for form testing, mockups and documentation.