Skipton, a market town in North Yorkshire, has been named the happiest place to live in Britain for 2025, according to property website Rightmove's annual Happy at Home Index. The town, known as the southern gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, was praised for its access to nature, green spaces, friendly residents, and quality schools.
This is the first time Skipton has topped the list, having come second in 2020 and sixth last year. Patrick McCutcheon of estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley said: “Skipton has it all. A highly desirable living environment with immediate access to The Dales and a beautiful setting amidst some of the region’s finest countryside.” The average asking price for a home in Skipton is £326,093, below the national average of £364,833.
Richmond-upon-Thames in London came second for the second consecutive year, followed by Camden in third place. Stirling was named the happiest place in Scotland, while Anglesey topped the list for Wales. The study also found that residents in South West England were the happiest by region, while the East Midlands was the least happy.
Rightmove's research highlighted that access to nature, friendly neighbours, and feeling able to be oneself were key factors in happiness. Rural residents were more likely to report happiness than urban or suburban dwellers, and happiness with one's area tended to increase with age.
