Five of the top 20 happiest places in 2020 were found to be coastal locations, with people living in rural and coastal areas reporting being more happy than those living in urban areas. The following locations were found to be the happiest in the UK based on factors like friendliness of neighbours, sense of belonging and the quality of local services.
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These 20 locations were rated the happiest in Britain by residents. Photo: Shutterstock
. St Ives
The stunningly beautiful Cornish town of St Ives has been named Britain’s happiest place to live. Famous for its beaches, artistic scene and surfers, it’s easy to imagine why its residents are the happiest in the UK. Photo: Shutterstock
. Skipton
A Yorkshire location - Skipton - was ranked the second happiest place to live in Britain. Steeped in history and natural beauty, it’s a well-loved market town with plenty to do and see. Photo: Shutterstock
. Leamington Spa
The second spa town to make it into the top 20 happiest places to live, Leamington Spa came out as the third happiest place to live in Britain. Photo: Shutterstock
. Llandrindod Wells
Llandrindod Wells was the only Welsh location to make it into the top 20 happiest places, but it ranked highly - as the fourth most happy place to live in Britain. Some of this is perhaps to do with its low house prices - an average of 150,963. Photo: Shutterstock
. Perth
The only Scottish location to make it into the top 20, Perth, the ancient capital of Scotland, came in the top five happiest places to live in Britain. Photo: Shutterstock
. Kendal
Located among some of Britain’s most breathtaking scenery - the Lakes - Kendal ranked as the sixth most happy spot to live in Britain. House prices there are around average, at an average of 231,597. Photo: Shutterstock
. Stratford-upon-Avon
Famous for being the birthplace of Shakespeare, the people of Stratford-upon-Avon rate it a happy place to live. Photo: Shutterstock
. Dorchester
Boasting eight different museums, independent shops and leafy riverside walks, Dorchester in Devon ranked as the eighth happiest place to live in Britain. Photo: Shutterstock
9. Harrogate
A picturesque town in the north of Yorkshire, Harrogate is buzzing with independent shops and beauty - it’s also close to the scenic North Yorkshire moors - perhaps the reason why it’s voted the ninth happiest spot in the UK. Photo: Shutterstock
10. Richmond upon Thames
Though the London-adjacent town of Richmond upon Thames was voted the 10th happiest spot to live in the UK, it’s also one of the most expensive: the average house price there is a whopping 869,864. Photo: Shutterstock
11. Hexham
Hexham was the only location in the north east to make it into the top 20 happiest spots to live in the UK, coming in at 12th place. Photo: Shutterstock
12. Weymouth
Another south west town that made the list, Weymouth is well-known for its stunning beaches along the Jurassic coast, with plenty of opportunities for fossil-hunting. Photo: Shutterstock