cottages.com
  • Blog Home
  • All Articles
  • Inspiration
    • Groups
    • Couples
    • Family
    • Waterside
    • Outdoors
    • Luxury
    • Culture
    • Events
    • Food and Drink
    • Dog Friendly
    • Nature
    • Properties
    • Wellbeing
    • Town and City
    • LGBTI
    • How to Holiday Let
  • Regions
    • England
      • Central England
      • North East England
      • North West England
      • South West England
      • Southern England
      • East Anglia
    • Scotland
      • Southern Scotland
      • Central Scotland
      • Northern Scotland
    • Wales
      • South Wales
      • Mid Wales
      • North Wales
      • MailPoet 3 Form
    • France
      • South East France
      • Central France
      • South West France
      • Eastern France
      • North East France
      • North West France
      • Channel Islands
    • Ireland
      • Eastern Ireland
      • South East Ireland
      • South West Ireland
      • Western Ireland
    • Italy
      • Central Italy
      • Northern Italy
      • Southern Italy
    • Isle of Wight
    • Isle of Man
Your cart is empty. Go to Shop.
Article heading
October 3 2019

Britain’s happiest holiday destinations

Scenic spaces, friendly locals and a peaceful place for a good night’s sleep are just a few things that put a smile on our faces. But where can you go to find the warmest welcome, the most beautiful views and the happiest ever holiday?

Below are a few recommendations based on recent happiness studies. There are few better options for finding your own happy place on holiday!

Harrogate, West Yorkshire

Harrogate stray with blossom

Harrogate won a happiest place to live list for 3 years in a row. Surrounded by green scenery, offering relaxing spa treatments and green spaces, it’s hardly surprising that this gorgeous Yorkshire town is famed for putting a smile on visitors’ faces.

Even better, many of Harrogate’s happy charms are historic, so you can visit at any time and find the same entertaining experience. Don’t miss the iconic Bettys tearooms. Even the queue won’t wipe the smile from your face.

Monmouth, Wales

Monmouth countryside

It may be a modest-sized market town, but Monmouth offers some of the happiest visitor experiences in the UK. Thanks to a perfectly placed position at the joining of two rivers, close to the border and near to Cardiff, Monmouth became, and continues to be, important for people looking for feel-good getaways!

Alongside a rich and colourful history there’s a free 9-day music festival, a regatta and loads more events every year. Monmouth is also the location of the legendary Rockfield recording studios. Here, a young band called Queen recorded Bohemian Rhapsody, so the feel-good factor of Monmouth is incredibly far-reaching!    

The Ribble Valley, Lancashire

Ribble Valley river

This stunning green valley offers sweeping views of gorgeous scenery, winding rivers and patchwork fields, plus plenty of beautiful homes and houses. Something of a secret, the peace you will find on a Ribble Valley holiday is the reason its visitors are so happy.

The Inn at Whitewell is a must-visit if you’re holidaying in the region. The scenic waterside setting, amazing menu and warm welcome will put a smile on your face that will last long after you’ve returned home.

Poole, Dorset  

Dorset beach at sunset

The happiest place to live in the south west and one of the happiest towns in the UK, the people of Poole must be doing something right. Then again, it would hard not to be happy in this jewel on the southern coast. There are sandy beaches, beautiful holiday homes, a harbour and much more to explore (Sandbanks pictured at top of page). 

In fact, there’s something for everyone. Explore the Old Town’s unspoilt elegance, or visit the modern waterside area. You could head inland and explore lots of amazing cycle ways or find your way out on the water for boat rides and tranquil times on the tides.

Dumfries, Scotland

Dumfries bridge at dusk

This historic Scottish market town of Dumfries offers a timeless experience to visitors, and its charm – not to mention its many appearances on happy home lists! – shows no signs of abating. It was here that Robert Burns and JM Barrie called home, so it may be perfect for helping you find your own inspiration.

The surrounding scenery is equally smile inducing. Visit nature reserves, ancient castles and abbeys, art trails and golf courses, and some of our most scenic and stunning Scottish holiday homes!

cottages.com Featured Articles, Inspiration, Wellbeing homepage

Related Posts

Britain's best science attractions

Culture, Family, Inspiration

Britain’s best science attractions

March 8 2020
Article header

Featured Articles, Food and Drink, Inspiration

6 best foodie destinations for 2020

January 24 2020
activity holidays

Featured Articles, Inspiration, Outdoors, Wellbeing

Activity holidays for 2020

January 2 2020

Recent Posts

  • Hamper header
    How to create the ultimate festive welcome hamper
    November 16, 2021
  • How to Convert a Holiday Let
    How to convert your property into a holiday let
    August 14, 2021
  • How to buy and run a holiday let
    How to buy & manage a holiday home
    August 10, 2021

cottages.com

  • About Us
  • About Vacation Rentals UK
  • Important Holiday Information
  • Press and Media
  • FAQs
  • Gender Pay Gap

Holiday Inspiration

  • Inspire & Explore Travel Guides
  • Cottage Collections
  • Social Media
  • cottages.com TV

Booking Information

  • Pay Balance
  • Insurance Information
  • Ferry Travel
  • Terms and conditions

Our Website Policies

  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Notice
  • Terms of Use
  • Sitemap

cottages.com is the new home of cottages4you (Cottages for You).

cottages4you
Subscribe to our latest deals & offers

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

ABTA Protected

Book with confidence. We are a member of ABTA. Read full details of our ABTA membership and where financial protection might apply to your booking.

0345 498 6900 Open 9am-9pm today
  • norton
  • modern-slavery
  • green-scheme

cottages.com is a trading name of Awaze Vacation Rentals Ltd. Registered in England and Wales.
Registered Office: Sunway House, Raglan Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 2LW, UK
Company Registration Number 00965389. VAT Registration Number: GB 598 22 99 77