What to do in the 5 happiest places in Britain
Has your home town made the list?
Richmond upon Thames is beloved by Londoners for its idyllic riverside setting, roaming deer and charming cafes, and has now been named the happiest place to live in Britain.
Every year Rightmove asks thousands of people across Great Britain how they feel about where they live for its annual Happy at Home Index, and this year, after collecting responses from more than 24,000 people, the affluent southwest London borough came out on top.
With an average home asking price of £1,021,256 and rent price of £3,298, Richmond upon Thames ranked particularly high across several aspects of local life, including access to nature and green spaces, essential local services, shops and restaurants, employment opportunities and desirable jobs, as well as residents’ pride in their area, Rightmove said.
It succeeded last year’s winner Skipton in North Yorkshire, which also remained among Britain’s 10 happiest places to live, ranking seventh in this year’s study.
Harrogate in North Yorkshire took second place, followed by Cirencester in Gloucestershire in third. Monmouth in Wales and Hove in the South East rounded out the top five, placing fourth and fifth respectively.
If you are keen to visit one of these pretty, happy towns, here’s what to do once you get there…
1. Richmond upon Thames, London
Richmond upon Thames’ riverside pubs, tight-knit community and independent high-street shops all contribute to its strong village feel, despite being located just a short train ride from central London.
On a bright summer’s day you can take a row boat along the Thames, spot deer grazing in Richmond Park or stroll around the Victorian glasshouses and diverse plant collections at Kew Gardens.
In the colder months, wrap up warm and nip in and out of shops along Brewers Lane and Paved Court, and treat yourself to a pint next to a fireplace at one of the borough’s many pubs.
If history is your passion, visit the Museum of Richmond to learn about the thousands of objects that detail local history from prehistoric times.
You could also take a tour around Horace Walpole’s magnificent 18th century ’little gothic castle’ Strawberry Hill House and Garden, or National Trust Ham House and Garden.
If you are a fan of Apple TV+ sports comedy-drama series Ted Lasso, see if you recognise any filming locations across the borough, such as The Prince’s Head (called Crown and Anchor in the show).
2. Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber
Situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Harrogate is a bustling town in North Yorkshire that encompasses a rich history.
Some of its most notable landmarks include the Victorian Turkish Baths Harrogate and the Royal Pump Room Museum.
A haven for foodies, this affluent hub is packed with independent cafes, artisan bakeries, and high-end restaurants.
Pop into Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms to indulge in a Yorkshire Fat Rascal (a plump, fruity scone with a cherry and almond grin) or book dinner at The Tannin Level for modern British dishes with a local Yorkshire twist.
Harrogate is also home to an abundance of beautiful green spaces such as Valley Gardens, a charming 17-acre Grade II listed historic park, and The Stray, a vast 200-acre green space that wraps gracefully around the town centre. Plus, don’t forget to add the beautiful botanical gardens at RHS Harlow Carr Gardens to your itinerary.
3. Cirencester, South West
When visiting the Cotswolds, tourist honeypots Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury and Castle Combe usually top everyone’s lists, but make sure that you don’t forget Cirencester on your next countryside getaway.
This vibrant historic market town in Gloucestershire offers visitors the perfect mixture of history, green spaces and lively markets.
Known as the “capital of the Cotswolds”, the Parish Church of St John Baptist stands proudly in the middle of the town next to the market place which comes alive during regular farmer markets.
Explore the town’s eclectic range of independent shops, such as Octavia’s Bookshop, hidden amongst its golden Cotswold stone streets.
You could also catch a show at the Barn Theatre Cirencester, marvel at local creations inside New Brewery Arts or learn about the local history at Corinium Museum.
Make the most of the countryside air by taking a promenade around Abbey Grounds Park or Cirencester Park, and use this beautiful town as base to visit the other charming Cotswold towns and villages that are on your bucket list.
4. Monmouth, Wales
Monmouth is a picturesque Welsh market town located in the heart of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
A prime base for scenic walks, The Kymin Loop from Monmouth is one of the most popular trials in the area and climbs up to the National Trust Round House and Naval Temple on The Kymin which offers panoramic views over the town and the valley.
You could also walk across Monnow Bridge and Gate, the only remaining mediaeval fortified river bridge in Great Britain with its gate tower still standing in place.
Another popular visitor attraction is the 11th-century Norman Monmouth Castle and Regimental Museum.
Most of the popular restaurants and cafes in Monmouth are concentrated in the historic town centre, particularly along Monnow Street, Agincourt Square, and Priory Street.
Try some Welsh rarebit at Salt & Pepper Coffee Shop or re-energise after a walk with an espresso at Coffi Lab.
5. Hove, South East
Hove is famous for buttercream-coloured townhouses and tree-lined avenues, and is a more relaxed alternative to its lively neighbour Brighton.
Take a stroll through the Hove Lawns down to the seafront, past the historic Peace Statue and snap some selfies in front of the multi-coloured beach huts on the pebbled beach.
During the warmer seasons Hove Lagoon is a buzz of activity, with locals and visitors learning how to windsurf, sail and stay balanced on stand-up paddleboards.
Families can also step into a world of toys, local history and fine art at the Hove Museum of Creativity or enjoy a flat, scenic bike ride along the seafront all the way to Brighton.
If you want a peaceful coastal escape that offers a great mixture of green lawns, beach and local pubs without the heavy crowds, add this East Sussex spot to your staycation wish list.