Skipton has been crowned the happiest place to live in the UK in the latest Rightmove survey.
‘The Gateway to the Dales’ pipped Richmond upon Thames, Camden and Harrogate for top spot.
Last year’s winners Woodbridge, Suffolk still managed to make it into the top five.
The Sunday Times named the market town the best place to live in 2014 and the Craven District (of which Skipton is a part of) has since received accolades for resident satisfaction, but 2025 marks its debut as the UK’s happiest place to live.
Skipton’s Mayor, Councillor Winston Feather, showed his love of the town’s duality, a growing urban area that has still managed to maintain its rural roots.
He said: “What I love about it is that I can just go out my door and within a few minutes I’m getting into real countryside.”
Joan Garwell local resident and owner of the boutique clothes shop West End has been in business in Skipton for over 45 years.
She chalked her success up to the shop sofa: “It’s not rocket science, but we do provide a chair for the gentleman. […] It’s the most valuable part of my shop!”
When asked about the community in Skipton she said: “It seems to have everything and it’s all nearby! […] we get lovely, lovely customers.”
Rightmove’s Happy Home Index occurs annually and 2026 will be its 15th year in operation.