The Property of the UKs Happiest Towns

This week we have the happiest towns in the UK (according to Rightmove) and take a look at some of the local property…

St Ives, Cornwall

Rightmove: St. Ives, Cornwall, TR26

A classic holiday destination for families, St Ives tops the list as the happiest location in the country. The town is a rich hub of arts and entertainment while its sheltered beaches, beautiful views and plentiful countryside are very strong pulls for visitors and buyers alike.

Skipton, North Yorkshire

Rightmove: Granville Street, Skipton

One of the best places to live in the North of England, Skipton is blessed with a thriving high street and independent shops. The area has plenty of character as well as one of the best-preserved medieval castles, Skipton castle. Property prices are also very reasonable, averaging around £226,000.

Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Rightmove: Grove Street, Leamington Spa

A particularly well-connected part of the country, Leamington Spa is roughly an hour and a half away from London by train and is practically on Birmingham’s doorstep (the airport is a 10-minute journey if you go by rail). The town features numerous attractive Georgian townhouses and is home to a number of good and outstanding schools. Schools are a big draw as it is primarily a commuter town that attracts families.

Llandrindod Wells, Powys, Wales

Rightmove: Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1

A small country town in the heart of Wales, Llandrindod Wells, is a sizeable distance away from any major town. Whether this is a blessing or a curse is very much up to your judgement. There is definitely a case for the town with its Victorian gothic architecture, parks lakes and bountiful countryside. Houses are very inexpensive which is a real boon.

Perth, Scotland

Rightmove: Two Mile House, Balcraig, Perth, PH2

Perth is a small city situated on the banks of the River Tay in Scotland. It has great motorway links to both Glasgow and Edinburgh making it a superb place to commute from. Schools are particularly good with four grammar schools plus good independent schools. Well known in Scotland for its many restaurants, cafes and bars and good shopping, it was awarded Scotland’s Food Town of the Year by the Scottish Food Awards. Perth has a thriving cultural community and boasts a Museum, Theatre, Art Galleries and many tourist attractions. It is also in easy reach of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Kendal, Cumbria

Rightmove: 104 Burneside Road, Kendal

Kendal lies in the South Lakeland District of Cumbria and known as the gateway to the Lakes. A town with buildings made from local limestone. With great motorway links to Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham it makes a great base for travelling either to the Midlands or Scotland. It is famed for its shopping, festivals and local historic sites such as Kendal Castle with the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales on its doorstep. Good schools especially primary make this an ideal place for young families.

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Rightmove: Rother Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37

The lovely town of Stratford-upon-Avon is situated in the county of Warwickshire on the banks of the River Avon. A well-known popular tourist destination, the birthplace and gravesite of playwright and poet William Shakespeare and home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. With great shopping, many tourist attractions and easy links to both Birmingham and London it is a great base for work. Schools are plentiful with good primary schools and grammar schools.

Dorchester, Dorset

Rightmove: Stowcastle Street, Poundbury, Dorchester

The ancient town of Dorchester in the County Down of Dorset sits on the River Frome. Its close proximity to the South Coast, Jurassic Coast and great beaches makes it a very popular family tourist destination. Made famous by Thomas Hardy who lived in Dorchester for many years in his book “The Mayor of Casterbridge” it boasts 293 historic structures. Dorchester has many good Primary schools, secondary schools and independent schools all within easy reach. It is served by two train stations with services to both Southampton and London Waterloo.