The picturesque market town of Skipton in North Yorkshire has been officially named the happiest place to live in the United Kingdom for 2025. The accolade comes from the annual Rightmove 'Happy at Home' index, which surveys residents across the nation on their satisfaction with their local area.
The Winning Formula: Community and Countryside
Residents of Skipton, a historic town recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, rated their hometown exceptionally highly in several key areas. The combination of stunning natural beauty and a strong, friendly community emerged as the defining factor. The town, often called the 'Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales', offers immediate access to breathtaking countryside, while its well-preserved 11th-century castle overlooks a bustling and traditional centre.
Dave Forshaw, who runs the Skipton Sound Bar live music venue and record shop, moved to the town in the 1990s. He described it as "picturesque and beautiful," highlighting the dual appeal. "It's a beautiful town, and we do have a lot of tourists who come, but the folks that live here are just lovely, lovely people," he told The Independent. "It's on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales - a two-minute drive and you're in some of the most beautiful countryside."
A Thriving High Street and Affordable Living
In stark contrast to the struggles faced by many town centres across the UK, Skipton's high street boasts no empty shop units, a fact locals point to with pride. The town is celebrated for its array of independent shops, pubs, cafes, and a shopping arcade, which support both local life and a healthy tourism economy.
Affordability also plays a significant role in resident contentment. According to Rightmove data, the average asking price for a home in Skipton is £326,093, which is notably lower than the current national average of £364,833. Survey respondents reported feeling they earn enough to live comfortably in the area.
Local Voices on the Secret to Happiness
For pub landlord Andrew Goodall of the Wooly Sheep Inn, the secret is simple: the people. "Everyone here is polite, everyone is happy, everyone enjoys living here," he said, welcoming the positive publicity for the town of roughly 15,000 people.
Ian Rigarlsford, from the town's major employer, Skipton Building Society, emphasised the genuine sense of community. "Skipton is a place where community genuinely means something... The friendliness of the town, the accessibility of green spaces, and the incredible backdrop of Skipton Castle and the Yorkshire Dales all contribute to a quality of life that’s hard to match," he stated.
In the wider 2025 rankings, Richmond-upon-Thames in London secured second place, praised for its green spaces and amenities, while Camden took third—its first 'podium spot' in the survey's 14-year history. Rightmove's property expert, Colleen Babcock, noted that access to nature, friendly neighbours, and feeling able to be yourself are consistently crucial factors for happiness, all areas where Skipton excelled.
