Inside adorable district crowned the happiest place to live in the UK

09 March 2024 , 07:21

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Inside adorable district crowned the happiest place to live in the UK

A district in Lancashire that is described as the perfect place to escape the frantic pace of everyday life has been crowned the happiest local authority in the UK.

Ribble Valley came first in a survey based on a number of categories including green spaces, weekly earnings, crime, and unemployment rates. The study, carried out by GoSmokeFree, ranked local authorities on a score up to 100. The Lancashire authority received a score of 78.95 out of 100. Data showed that Rible Valley has the lowest crime rate on the list, with 37.1 incidents per 1,000 population, as well as an abundance of green and blue spaces (751.4 hectares per 1,000 population).

Longridge, a market town and civil parish in the borough of Ribble Valley (James Maloney/Lancs Live)

Residents also enjoy one of the highest weekly earning rates (£825) in the top 10 and the lowest unemployment rate of 1.9. Clitheroe and Longridge, as the valley's largest market towns, are popular places to live, and some smaller villages include Whalley, Waddington and Downham.

According to TripAdvisor, popular attractions include the Whalley Viaduct and the Whalley Abbey Gatehouse as well as Mitton Hall in Clitheroe and Clitheroe Castle and Museum. A visitor wrote of the area: "Unspoiled countryside with market towns, pretty villages, gastro pubs, and friendly Northern hospitality."

A lakeside view at Browsholme Hall in Whitewell (James Maloney/Lancs Live)

One more wrote in a TripAdvisor review: "We spent the weekend in a glamping pod on a small farm site not far from Clitheroe. Booked through Wigwam holidays. The site was wonderful. With facilities for children and even a hot tub available with one of the pods. They were even some that were dog-friendly.

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"Views across the valley, a walk down to the river. Great base for exploring. The valley itself has some much to offer in walking, pretty villages, scenic drives or even on a nice hot day a swim in the river. Some beautiful eateries, pubs, coffee shops are also on offer. Something for everyone."

Residents also enjoy one of the highest weekly earning rates (Park Holidays UK)

Following closely behind in the GoSmokeFree study are Wokingham and Mole Valley which came in second and third places, with scores of 71.94 and 71.20, respectively. Situated in Berkshire, Wokingham strikes a balance between economic vitality and environmental sustainability. Wokingham can count on favourable factors such as a low unemployment rate of 2.3 per cent and one of the highest weekly earning averages of £785.8.

Meanwhile, Mole Valley, in Surrey, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Despite a higher crime rate and a smaller percentage of green and blue spaces, Mole Valley has the highest weekly earnings of the list at £877.8 and the lowest unemployment rate, tied with Ribble Valley. Further down on the list, West Berkshire takes the fourth spot, with an overall score of 70.16 over 100, while Bracknell Forest closes the top five with a score of 70.11.

Whalley is one of the most popular villages in the area (Alamy Stock Photo)

Areas with robust economic activity and lower unemployment rates, such as Guildford and Three Rivers, feature among the top performers. These findings underscore the significance of economic prosperity in shaping residents' happiness and satisfaction with their living conditions.

The Ribble Valley has been crowned the happiest local authority in the UK (Supplied)

A spokesperson for GoSmokeFree commented on the findings saying: "The study highlights the multifaceted nature of happiness and well-being and emphasizes the importance of considering various factors in assessing quality of life. This data also wants to underline that this top 10 coincides with the areas where the population can conduct a life which is more stress-free than others, making, in turn, more likely a reduction of the risk of criminality, smoking and drug use, as well as depression and other mental health conditions.

"While this is not an absolute rule, it's important to give credit where credit is due, recognizing the significance of these places' commitment to provide a happy environment to live in."

Chiara Fiorillo