We all strive to be happy in life, and although this looks different for everyone, where we live can significantly impact our happiness levels.
Certain areas may be better equipped than others to help us pursue the lives we want. Plus, different communities have different values, which may or may not match up with our own.
With this in mind, we’ve taken a closer look at 20 of the happiest places to live in Great Britain, as determined by Rightmove’s 2023 Happy at Home Index survey (responded to by more than 26,000 people). The survey was based on 13 happiness factors, including safety, culture, things to do, friendliness, and community spirit.
We hope this article will offer some inspiration if you’re thinking about moving.
Note: The places listed within this article were determined by Rightmove’s 2023 Happy at Home Index survey results, in which over 26,000 people gave their thoughts about their area. These 20 locations were found to be the happiest based on 13 happiness factors. However, we appreciate that there are lots of other happy places to live throughout Great Britain and that everyone has different ideas about what they’d be looking for from an area.
Contents
- Richmond upon Thames, Greater London
- Winchester, South East England
- Monmouth, Wales
- Wokingham, South East England
- Cirencester, South West England
- Skipton, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Hemel Hempstead, East of England
- Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London
- St Ives, South West England
- Hexham, North East England
- Leigh-on-Sea, East of England
- Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Clacton-on-Sea, East of England
- Kendal, North West England
- Galashiels, Scotland
- Weymouth, South West England
- Woodbridge, East of England
- Anglesey, Wales
- St Albans, East of England
- Stourbridge, West Midlands
1. Richmond upon Thames, Greater London
Taking the top spot is the leafy town of Richmond, and it’s not difficult to see why.
It’s set by a lovely stretch of the River Thames and is home to some of our island’s most incredible natural spaces – such as Kew Gardens, Richmond Park, and Bushy Park (the latter two are home to hundreds of deer!).
This makes it a tranquil escape from some of the busier areas of London, yet there’s still a good offering of modern restaurants, charismatic cafes, unique shops, and local sports clubs. And, if you want more, central London is easily accessible by train.
Richmond is one of the most affluent areas in London, so average property prices are around £991,619 – with flats selling at an average price of £570,058 (according to Rightmove data). It’s also considered to be the second safest London borough.
2. Winchester, South East
Set in the heart of Hampshire and offering its residents the best of both city and country life, it’s easy to see why Winchester comes in at number two on this list. Just an hour from London on the train, and with the South Downs National Park on its doorstep, it really caters to everyone.
Foodies will be well served as this is a county well-known for its fresh and tasty local produce, and there are frequent food festivals here – such as the Alresford Watercress Festival in May where you can look forward to the annual Watercress Eating Championship!
Hampshire boasts many charming vineyards – including Hambledon, Exton Park, and Grange – where you can enjoy award-winning sparkling wine.
Winchester is also a city of culture and history. It was England’s capital during the reign of King Alfred ‘The Great’ and you can learn about its fascinating past in the Winchester City Museum and in Winchester Cathedral. Winchester’s Great Hall is also home to King Arthur’s famous Round Table.
House prices here sit around £618,381 on average.
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3. Monmouth, Wales
The picturesque town of Monmouth is located two miles from the English-Welsh border, where the River Monnow joins the River Wye (which is designated as an Area of Outstanding National Beauty).
As well as its fabulous country pubs and quaint shops (Bees for Development, Fingal Rock, Atelier Gilmar, and Salt and Pepper are a must-visit) on chocolate-box streets, and the iconic 13th-century gatehouse bridge, Monmouth also has an interesting music scene. Queen, Oasis, and Simple Minds all had connections here and an annual music festival is held every summer.
Monmouth has been named the UK’s first Bee Town, following their excellent work on making the town a better place for these pollinators to live.
A potential drawback to living here is that Monmouth doesn’t have a train station, so residents are reliant on cars and buses to get around.
According to Crime Rate, Monmouth is among the 10 safest small towns in the county of Gwent. Meanwhile, the average price of property in the area is £314,006.
4. Wokingham, South East England
Wokingham is a picturesque market town and civil parish in Berkshire which was reported to have the best living conditions in the UK in 2021.
Community is important here, so whether residents are browsing the independent shops on the high street or going for a stroll in the surrounding countryside, there’s a nice sense of town spirit. With some lovely tea shops, pretty ponds, and Nirvana Spa’s spring water pools, there’ll be plenty to keep you busy.
Those interested in history will appreciate the town’s Tudor past as a silk producer, and you can visit Rose Street where some of the houses involved in this industry still stand.
Wokingham has low crime levels, and average property prices sit at £546,676.
5. Cirencester, South West England
Cirencester is a historic market town located in the Cotswolds (which is an Area of Outstanding National Beauty). It’s surrounded by beautiful countryside, including rolling hills, emerald forests, and postcard-worthy villages which dot the landscape.
The town itself has several parks and green spaces – such as Cirencester Park and Abbey Grounds – which provide plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities and connecting with nature.
Cirencester has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several historic buildings, museums, and art galleries. The Corinium Museum houses an extensive collection of Roman artefacts, while the Parish Church of St. John Baptist is one of the largest medieval churches in the country. This cultural heritage provides a strong tether to the past, which you can really feel as you stroll through the town, and is a source of pride for many residents.
There’s also a lively social scene here – and a range of events are held throughout the year, including the Cotswold Show which showcases the best of local food, drink, and crafts.
The town has a low crime rate and is considered a safe place to live. Average property prices are £401,211.
6. Skipton, Yorkshire and the Humber
Skipton is a market town in the county of North Yorkshire, to the north west of Leeds. With a population of just 15,000, it’s known for its beauty and charming atmosphere.
Considered the ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’, Skipton is popular amongst hikers and cyclists who come here to take in the beauty of the Dales, connect with nature, and stay fit. Though, whatever your fitness level, you’ll have one of the prettiest areas in the country on your doorstep to explore.
Alongside a High Street filled with unique shops, Skipton is famous for its market which runs four days a week and sells a delightful selection of tasty treats, clothing, and crafted gifts – and you’ll get to experience the locals’ friendly nature.
At the end of the High Street, you’ll reach the majestic Skipton Castle – with dungeons, a watch tower, and over 900 years of history, this is one of England’s best-preserved medieval castles.
Skipton’s crime rates are 27% lower than in wider North Yorkshire, and property prices average £266,276 making it one of the more affordable options on this list.
7. Hemel Hempstead, East of England
With its quaint shops, diverse restaurants, and great transport connections, Hemel Hempstead is a fairly laid-back town, with plenty to do.
You can get into London in just half an hour on the train so you’re never far from the hustle and bustle of the city, while the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty sits close by too.
A stroll around the 32-acre Gadebridge Park can be a nice way to spend the day. The Park has a Walled Garden, outdoor gym, and sees The River Gade, one of the few chalk rivers in the world, flow through the old Bury Mill. And come the summer, those with children or grandchildren will find the Splash Park a fun way to cool off.
There’s also a popular Snow Centre here where you can give skiing and snowboarding a go, and while you can browse antiques on the old High Street, the Marlowes Shopping Centre will likely cover all your retail needs.
Hemel Hempstead is one of the 35 safest towns throughout the UK, and the average property price is £413,624.
8. Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London
Renowned as London’s quintessential affluent borough, Kensington and Chelsea is well-known for the success, sophistication, and charm that its streets attract.
It’s extremely well-connected and takes an average of just 30 minutes to travel into Central London. But it’s also filled with beautiful green spaces and inviting parks, the largest of which is Holland Park – so there are plenty of opportunities to escape the business of city life too.
Those in need of some retail therapy will be in their element here as the borough is home to Harrods, one of the most famous department stores in the world; as well as other shopping hotspots like Sloane Square, Brompton Road, and Kensington High Street.
However, the allure and reputation of Kensington and Chelsea does come at a price. It’s London’s second most expensive borough after the City of Westminster, with an average property price of £2,791,284. Perhaps surprisingly, Kensington and Chelsea is among the top 10 most dangerous London boroughs and has a crime rate higher than the national average.
9. St Ives, South West England
This idyllic town perched on the Cornish coast is famed for its fabulous sandy beaches – namely Porthmeor, Porthgwidden, Harbour Beach, and Porthminster – that are ideal for surfing. It’s also one of the best places to eat out in Cornwall and there’s an impressive range of art galleries.
St Ives has long been rated for its friendly neighbourhoods and strong sense of community, though it’s usually crowded with tourists in the summer months. There’s also been an influx of people buying second homes here, which has pushed property prices up – with the average price now coming in at £483,890.
What’s more, St Ives is generally considered a safe place to live – it’s the second safest small town in Cornwall – and was voted the happiest place to live in Great Britain in 2020 and 2022.
10. Hexham, North East England
Hexham is a market town and civil parish set on the banks of Northumberland’s River Tyne and has a strong community feel. It’s fallen slightly down the list since 2021 when it took first place.
Residents say that the abundance of green spaces, including Sele Park, the stunning grounds of Hexham house, and the lush, floral gardens near the town centre add to Hexham’s charm. Plus, its independent shops, colourful nightlife, and magnificent architecture create a unique culture.
If you like fishing, golf, river walks, art, and cinema, you’ll find all of that here – amongst much more. The Hexham Book Festival and the Hexham Gathering (which celebrates the town’s traditional music and dance) are two annual events you won’t want to miss.
Hexham also has a bloody history of marauding Vikings and is the gateway to Hadrian’s wall; the epic World Heritage site spanning 73 miles which was built to guard the Roman Empire.
The average price for a property in Hexham is around £287,971 and, according to CrimeRate, it’s the second safest small town in Northumberland.
11. Leigh-on-Sea, East of England
If you feel happiest by the sea, why not consider moving to Leigh-on-Sea? This charming seaside town in Essex has become an increasingly popular place to live, with a steady stream of Londoners relocating over the years.
Home to bustling bars, characterful coffee shops, and brunch spots set in beachside surroundings, it’s easy to see why this seaside town is one of the happiest places to live – and one of the coolest too. Among its popular eateries, The Stop the World Cafe is a firm favourite and has won multiple Good Food Awards.
In Old Leigh you can wander along the cobblestone streets of a once busy fishing port, settle down in a cosy pub, stop off at authentic cockle sheds, and gaze out at idyllic sea views.
Train services to London run regularly throughout the day and take between 50 and 70 minutes. Plus, conveniently placed on the London, Tilbury, and Southend line, Leigh-on-Sea has handy links to nearby areas like Southend, Chelmsford, Benfleet, and London Stansted.
The town is ranked among the 10 safest small towns in Essex. Properties here have an average price of £461,230.
12. Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber
Famed for its delicious cream teas, indulgent Turkish baths, well-kept gardens, and relaxing spas, Harrogate is a pretty Yorkshire town located between Leeds, York, and the spectacular Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Evidence of the town’s Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian history can be seen in much of its elegant housing. Harrogate has a buzzing social scene too, with plenty of theatre shows and live music.
Aside from its neighbouring countryside, Harrogate is home to The Stray, a 200-acre green space with Grade II listed Valley Gardens and amazing blossom trees. Also nearby is the extraordinary RHS Harlow Botanical Gardens.
In 2022 Harrogate was named the safest place in the UK for new families and the average property price currently stands at £377,319.
13. Clacton-on-Sea, East of England
Another Essex location named among the happiest places to live in Great Britain is the picturesque seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea. Considering Clacton has long had mixed reviews, this may come as a surprise to some.
Ranked 13th in Rightmove’s 2023 Happy at Home Index survey, Clacton is home to sandy beaches, beautiful coastal walks, and a lively theatre. There’s a real community feel here, and it’s common to be met with a warm smile and wave as you wander down the seafront.
And that’s without mentioning Clacton’s iconic attraction-filled pier. Built in 1871, it continues to stand strong today. Here, you’ll find a mix of rides, amusements, and arcade games, as well as a blustery view out to the North Sea.
The average property price in Clacton-on-Sea sits at £247,292. The town’s crime rate is slightly higher than the national average.
14. Kendal, North West England
If you’re looking for a mix of town and country, why not think about moving to Kendal in Cumbria? Often called the ‘Gateway to the Lakes’, Kendal offers the luxury of bordering not one but two of the UK’s most magnificent national parks – the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. And the town’s sloping streets mean that views of lush green meadows are never far away.
There’s plenty to do here all year round; whether you decide to browse the market and boutique shops or explore Kendals’ rich history that dates back to Roman times with a visit to some of the area’s fantastic museums, castles, and gardens.
Kendal also benefits from fantastic road and rail links that make commuting close by and further afield easy.
The crime rate here is slightly lower than the rest of Cumbria, and sits below the national average. Kendal’s average asking price for properties is £260,374.
15. Galashiels, Scotland
Galashiels is a town located in the Scottish Borders, 33 miles south of Edinburgh – and it has a small population of around 12,600.
Known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and interesting culture, the town is neighboured by charming countryside. The sloping hills of the Scottish Borders and the scenic Tweed Valley that surround it are an Eden for nature lovers.
Galashiels also has a strong sense of community, playing host to lots of local events and festivals. These include the Galashiels Braw Lads Gathering, a traditional celebration of the town’s history and heritage, and the Borders Book Festival, which attracts literary enthusiasts from around the world.
In terms of amenities, Galashiels has a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as excellent transport links to nearby towns and cities. The town is also home to the campus of Heriot-Watt University.
Crime is low here and the average property price is £154,585.
16. Weymouth, South West England
The results from the Happy at Home Index tell us that rural residents are generally happier with where they live than urbanites. This is especially true if they’re near an Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) or national park – and one place that has these in spades is Weymouth.
As well as being located on the stunning Jurassic Coast, Weymouth is within easy reach of the Dorset, Blackdown Hills, and Cranborne Chase AONBs. Nature lovers can delight in exploring the lush countryside, trekking along the breathtaking coastline, swimming in the sea, and spotting unique wildlife.
When it comes to the town itself, Weymouth is a postcard-worthy seaside town – with fishing boats bobbing softly in the harbour and candy-coloured houses lining the quays. And while it can get busy with tourists in the summer months, the community is warm and welcoming.
The average asking price for homes in Weymouth is £306,267, and the crime rate is below the national average.
17. Woodbridge, East of England
Woodbridge is described as one of the ‘gems’ in Suffolk’s crown and is known for having a real buzz about it. Praised for its arty, historic atmosphere – this riverside town is a hive of activity while still managing to maintain a laid-back, holiday vibe.
Woodbridge has a nautical history of making sails, ropes, and boats – for example, Sir Francis Drake’s fighting ships were built here. Today, wild swimming is popular in Woodbridge’s River Deben and many residents also enjoy a quiet stroll along its banks while admiring the classic, working Tide Mill (and perhaps even spotting the occasional seal!).
Markets are popular in this port and market town too, and whether you want to go antique shopping, purchase a tailored suit, or enjoy a hearty pub lunch, Woodbridge has a huge choice of independent shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Woodbridge is the safest small town in Suffolk and the average property price is £448,406.
18. Anglesey, Wales
Because it’s set apart from the rest of Wales by the Menai Strait, Anglesey can feel like a country of its own – though the Menai Suspension Bridge makes for easy travel between the two areas.
Roughly 70% of locals in Anglesey speak Welsh, and wildlife here is rich and plentiful. In fact, this is one of the few places in the UK where you can spot the rare red squirrel. Anglesey’s unspoilt coastline is also home to grey seals, puffins, dolphins, and porpoises.
For adventurous types, Anglesey is a great place to camp outside and stargaze, and it boasts many glorious beaches and fascinating historical sites (including a World Heritage-listed castle and two magnificent Victorian bridges).
Violent crime has risen in Anglesey in recent years. However, crime rates still remain lower than those across England and Wales, and the average property price sits at £263,469.
19. St Albans, East of England
If you’re looking to live in a place bursting with history and culture, why not consider St Albans? Located in the leafy county of Hertfordshire, it used to be one of Britain’s biggest Roman settlements, and this heritage is still evident today, with its surviving Roman theatre and Verulamium Museum.
While history buffs will enjoy uncovering St Albans’ secrets, outdoor enthusiasts can spend their days exploring the green spaces that encircle the city – such as Heartwood Forest to the north. But the city centre is just as beautiful – with its grand cathedral and quaint, winding streets, which are lined with independent shops and restaurants.
What’s more, while St Albans has a certain rural feel, it’s very well connected to London. A trip to King’s Cross via the Thameslink will take you around half an hour. So weekends and evenings can be spent immersing yourself in the capital’s culture – such as seeing West End shows and visiting galleries.
St Albans is the safest major town in Hertfordshire. The average asking price for homes is £648,227.
20. Stourbridge, West Midlands
If you’d like to settle in a place that gives you access to tranquil natural areas as well as the thriving hubbub of the city, Stourbridge in the West Midlands could be an excellent choice.
The western side of this quaint market town is wrapped in a lush, crescent moon of green space – with the Shropshire Hills and Malvern Hills AONBs not too far away. Even within the town itself, there are exquisite walking and biking routes to explore along the canal, and Mary Stevens Park is perfect for enjoying on a pleasant day.
Despite all this, Birmingham is just 12 miles to the east. So, if you’re interested in a taste of the city’s fast-paced life, you can hop on a train and be there in just over 30 minutes.
But a trip into the city is a luxury, not a necessity for Stourbridge residents, as the delightful town centre has a thriving dining scene, plenty of independent cafes, a large shopping centre, and lots more facilities to enjoy.
According to CrimeRate, Stourbridge is among the top 20 safest towns, villages, and cities in the West Midlands, with average house prices clocking in at £274,742.
Final thoughts…
We hope that you’ve enjoyed this list of the 20 happiest places to live in Great Britain, according to Rightmove’s 2023 Happy at Home Index survey.
Though this list focuses on the survey results, we appreciate that there are lots of other happy places to live and that everyone has different ideas about what they’d be looking for from an area.
For more inspiration for your next move, you might like to check our articles; 14 of the best places to retire in the UK and 9 of the most beautiful places to live in the UK.
Or, if you’re interested in visiting any of these parts of the country, why not browse UK staycation deals below?
Do you live in any of these areas? Are there any other areas that you’d include on this list? Would you consider moving to any of these areas? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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