Where do you go when you're chasing happiness? Somewhere with sandy beaches and crystal clear waters? A remote hillside with big skies and dusty trails? A town where the locals actually smile at you in the Co-op?
Well, according to the latest surveys - like Rightmove’s annual Happy at Home Index and data from the Office for National Statistics - certain places in the UK consistently rank as the happiest. The criteria? A mix of community spirit, access to nature, local amenities, safety, and general life satisfaction - aka places that make people feel good!
But here’s the thing: we’re not just looking for feel-good vibes, picturesque villages and excellent pubs in this guide. We’ve scoured the rankings and added an Active Traveller spin - focusing on the happiest places that also happen to be epic playgrounds for adventurers. Whether you’re a wild swimmer, trail runner, climber, paddle boarder, or just someone who likes a good stomp with the dog, these destinations combine big-time grins with grit!
So pack your hiking boots, waterproof jacket, and put on that smiley face - these are the happiest places in the UK, and why they should be on your adventure bucket list.
St Ives, Cornwall
Why it’s happy: Sunshine, surf, and streets full of independent shops and artists.
This Cornish coastal gem regularly charts near the top of Rightmove’s Happy at Home Index, thanks to its postcard-perfect scenery, strong sense of community, and that laid-back, salt-in-your-hair lifestyle.
There's a tangible creative and inclusive buzz here, think art galleries, cafés, and surfers all sharing the same space....
Why active travellers love it: Surf, paddle, swim or scramble - there’s no shortage of adventure here. The South West Coast Path offers dramatic cliffside hikes and trail runs, while sheltered coves are made for SUP sessions and wild swims. Plus, St Ives makes a fantastic jumping-off point for coasteering, sea kayaking, or just messing around in the waves.
Best for: Paddle boarders, sea kayakers, surfers, wild swimmers, coastal runners, active families.
Don't miss: A cliff-top hike from St Ives to Zennor (watch out for seals), and a post-swim fish sarnie on Porthmeor Beach.
Hexham, Northumberland
Why it’s happy: History meets hills in this Roman-flavoured town.
A frequent flyer in ONS wellbeing reports, Hexham blends properly ancient Roman heritage with a calm countryside vibe. Locals report high life satisfaction, boosted by a proper sense of belonging, safe streets, and a ton of green space. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows your name - and your dog’s name, too!
Why active travellers love it: Sitting near the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to Hadrian’s Wall, Hexham is a dream base for walkers, runners, and history-loving explorers. You can hit long-distance trails, cross wild moorland, or detour into the Cheviots for bigger mountain days.
Best for: Trail runners, dog walkers, gravel bikers, history buffs with walking boots.
Don't miss: Running along the Roman wall at golden hour, followed by a fireside pint at a proper old coaching inn.
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Why it’s happy: Spa town serenity with countryside charm. Great food, calm vibes, and the Dales just around the corner.
With its beautiful architecture, clean parks, and famously fresh air (yes, really - it once won an award), Harrogate exudes wellness. It regularly scores highly for wellbeing and life satisfaction in national surveys, thanks to the access to nature, low crime, and old-fashioned spa-town charm.
Why active travellers love it: Within an espresso’s distance from the Yorkshire Dales, Harrogate is an epic basecamp for road cyclists and walkers (these ten Yorkshire walks should get the hiking juices flowing). The rolling hills of Nidderdale are ideal for hiking, while Gouthwaite Reservoir and the River Nidd are great for wild swimming.
Best for: Cyclists, hikers, wild swimmers (head to Gouthwaite Reservoir), active couples.
Don't miss: Cycling the route of the Tour de Yorkshire or running through Valley Gardens to RHS Harlow Carr, with a cheeky stop at Betty’s afterwards for a cheeky cream tea.
Llandrindod Wells, Powys, Wales
Why it’s happy: Small, welcoming, and surrounded by green, glorious hills, Llandrindod Wells is a proper Welsh gem.
Topping Wales’s ONS happiness scores more than once, this little Victorian spa town in the heart of Mid Wales packs peaceful vibes, friendly faces, and stunning scenery in all directions. It’s a place that’s somehow both calm and epic.
Why active travellers love it: On the edge of the wild Cambrian Mountains and within striking distance of the Elan Valley, Llandrindod is a basecamp for trail runners, hikers, and lovers of off-grid adventure. Lakes, forest, open hills - there’s no shortage of fresh air, quad-burning climbs and epic campsites for outdoor adventures.
Best for: Trail runners, long-distance hikers, bikepackers, solitude seekers, wild campers, solitude-seekers.
Don't miss: A big loop into the Elan Valley followed by a recovery soak in the Rock Park Spa well... if you’re into Victorian health kicks.
Galashiels, Borders, Scotland
Why it’s happy: Quiet countryside, friendly folk, and a balance of town-and-trail living.
Galashiels was crowned the happiest place to live in Scotland by Rightmove in 2022 - and for good reason. It combines affordability, friendly locals, and access to the too oft-overlooked stunning Border hills. It’s a town on the up, with recent investment in town centre improvements, and excellent rail connections to Edinburgh.
Why active travellers love it: Just outside town you’ll find the legendary 7stanes mountain biking trails (one of our top ten MTB centres in the UK) and fantastic walking on the Borders Abbey Way. It’s perfect for people who want outdoor adventure without a big price tag.
Best for: Mountain bikers, trail runners, walkers, dog owners, active families.
Don't miss: MTB laps at Glentress followed by a hike up the Eildon Hills for a panoramic sunset picnic.
Altrincham, Greater Manchester
Why it’s happy: Once a bit down on its luck, Altrincham has had a serious glow-up.
It now regularly scores highly in Rightmove’s Happy at Home Index, thanks to a strong sense of community, brilliant schools, an award-winning market, and a blend of leafy suburbia with buzzing indie culture. Locals rave about the balance - it’s close to Manchester’s energy, but with a friendlier, slower vibe (and far fewer pigeons).
Why active travellers love it: The nearby Cheshire countryside is great for road cycling, while the Trans Pennine Trail cuts through for runners and walkers. Plus, the Peak District is less than an hour away by train - making after-work mountain missions totally doable.
Best for: Urban trail mix types - road bikers, runners, climbers (nearby gritstone crags!), dog walkers, city escapees.
Don't miss: A cycle out to Dunham Massey, or take the train to Edale for a crack at Kinder Scout, then reward yourself with a street-food feast at the Market. Follow it all up with a night in one of our top six best hotels in the Peak District for active travellers!
Whether you're drawn to coastal cliffs or quiet countryside, wild swims or hill sprints, these happy places prove that joy isn't just about sunshine or square footage - it's about how you live, move, and play.
From Cornwall to the Scottish Borders, each destination on this list offers more than just smiles per capita; they serve up space to roam, communities that welcome muddy boots, and the kind of outdoorsy freedom that gets the endorphins flowing.
Adventure is out there. Turns out, happiness might be too.
Looking for more special places for a UK staycation?
Check out our guide to the Best Remote Cabins for a Digital Detox and our favourite Treehouse Stays in the UK
