The idyllic Cornish coastal town of St Ives was revealed as the UK’s ultimate ‘happy place’, with Cumbrian market town Keswick and the North Yorkshire fishing town, Whitby, ranking second and third
A seaside village where high-end seafood and pretty beaches abound has been named the happiest in the country.
When it comes to choosing a great destination for a holiday, the slightly intangible quality of ‘good vibes’ is key. The closest you’re like to get to that is self-reported happiness, which is exactly what holidaycottages.co.uk set about measuring.
The holiday firm surveyed more than 12,000 people across the UK to find the towns and villages they would consider their ‘happy place’. The idyllic Cornish coastal town of St Ives was revealed as the UK’s ultimate ‘happy place’, with Cumbrian market town Keswick and the North Yorkshire fishing town, Whitby, ranking second and third.
Topping the list is the postcard-perfect town of St Ives. St Ives has regularly scooped the ‘best seaside town’ in the UK gong. The Cornish idyll has been praised for its excellent art scene, charming side streets and the exceptional array of places to eat and drink.
READ MORE: UK’s ‘fairytale village’ is ‘frozen in time’ with no cars allowedREAD MORE: ‘I went on UK rail route named world’s most beautiful and it lived up to the hype’
St Ives has long been a magnet for artists, drawn by its natural beauty. The town even boasts the Tate St Ives art gallery, ingeniously built into a cliffside overlooking the ocean. A must-visit is the Barbara Hepworth Museum, dedicated to the renowned sculptor. Here, you can wander through the museum’s gardens, home to some of Hepworth’s remarkable sculptures.
This quaint coastal town is nestled among seven spectacular beaches, all within walking distance. It’s a picture-perfect haven, with colourful fishing boats dotting the sea and breathtaking views of the rugged Cornish coastline. Each beach near St Ives offers a unique vibe. Take Porthminster Beach, for example, a vast expanse of golden sand nestled beneath lush green cliffs – the perfect spot to unwind.
Porthgwidden Beach is another gem, a quaint spot tucked between the headland and harbour. Known as the town’s most peaceful beach, it’s ideal for snorkelling, and its vibrant beach huts make for perfect photo opportunities. For wildlife enthusiasts, daily boat trips on the ‘Dolly P’ offer seal watching at Seal Island, or simply a chance to admire the stunning Cornish coastline.
It should be noted that not everything is pure, uncomplicated happiness in St Ives. Rebecca Quick, who has lived in St Ives for 50 years, recently told the Mirror of her issues with the town. For her, St Ives is synonymous with rude tourists, empty second homes, ‘plain greedy’ landlords and poverty.
Helpfully, holidaycottages.co.uk has put together a list of alternative, quieter destinations to its happiest spots. For those who baulk at the idea of St Ives’ crowds, the twin fishing villages of Kingsand and Cawsand are great options. Like St Ives, the colour-clad houses lining the sea front of both towns makes the perfect postcard. Paddle along the calm waters of Cawsand Bay, hike the dramatic Rame Head peninsula, indulge in a pint with a view at The Devonport Inn, or simply enjoy a crab sandwich.
The UK’s happiest places
- St Ives
- Keswick
- Whitby
- Tenby
- Bamburgh
- Newquay
- Padstow
- Ambleside
- Wells-next-the-sea
- Bude