A beautiful little market town has been named as the UK's happiest place to live according to new research. A report by property website Rightmove revealed the UK's happiest and least happiest places to live. The survey conducted involved responses from thousands of residents across more than 200 locations. Locals revealed what they like and dislike about their community, including the friendliness of neighbours, job opportunities, and access to green spaces.

Of the many community surveys, one town in North Yorkshire was crowned the top spot. Skipton, which is known for its beautiful cobbled streets, thriving market, and 900-year-old castle, is now recognised as the happiest place to live in the UK.

Rightmove said: "Skipton in North Yorkshire has been crowned the happiest place to live in Great Britain for 2025. Having previously come in second in 2020 and sixth in last year's Happy at Home Index, Skipton has topped the list ahead of more than 200 locations that were involved in this year's study."

The market town was highly ranked for its access to nature and green spaces, the friendliness of its people, and its proximity to essential services such as schools and doctors.

Affordability also contributed to its high score. Locals said that they feel "they earned enough to live comfortably". According to Rightmove, the average price for a property in Skipton is £326,093, which is lower than the current national average of £364,833, while the average rent is £1,038.

Patrick McCutcheon, Head of Residential at Dacre Son & Hartley in Yorkshire says: "Combining community, countryside and communication - Skipton has it all. A highly desirableliving environmentwith immediate access to The Dales and a beautiful setting amidst some of the region's finest countryside, and only a little more than an hour from The Lake District.

"Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and the M65, with its Manchester links, are all easily accessible for both leisure and business. From the town's station, there are now also regular services to London Kings Cross.

"The historic castle lights up the colourful High Street market whilst the Leeds / Liverpool canal, Pennine Way and surrounding moors offer endless opportunities for challenging walks, road and mountain biking and enhance the appeal of this living environment."