The top 10 happiest places to live in Great Britain for 2026 have been named, and the north is well represented.
Just as it has done for the last 13 years now, Rightmove has published its annual ‘Happy at Home’ index, which explores exactly what it is that makes people feel content about where they live, and highlights the happiest places nationwide ahead of the new year.
This year, thousands of residents across more than 200 locations told the leading property listing platform what they love (or don’t love) about their community – from the friendliness of their neighbours, to job opportunities, access to green spaces, and so much more.
The survey also outlines the differences in happiness in rural, urban, and suburban environments, as well as the way our sense of ‘home happiness’ changes as we age.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Coming in at the very top of the list was our very own market town, Skipton.
Praised for its access to green spaces and nature, the friendliness of its locals and access to schools and services - Skipton has officially been named the ‘happiest’ place to live in the UK.
Quite an accolade, don’t you think?
Skipton came on top of the list ahead of Richmond upon Thames, Camden, North Yorkshire town Harrogate and Woodbridge in Suffolk.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Patrick McCutcheon, Head of Residential at Dacre Son & Hartley in Yorkshire says: “Combining community, countryside and communication – Skipton has it all. A highly desirable living environment with 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.”
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens next Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Belgrave Music Hall, one of the city’s most beloved event spaces and bars, will be hosting a finale watching party and we’re all invited.
Taking place next Friday 23 January, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale which kicks off 9pm in the canteen.
Best part? The tickets are absolutely free and we've no doubt there'll be some banging drink deals on to get the party started.
We’re already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Belgrave said: "The world famous Traitors finale screening is back at Belgrave! In the past we've been graced with the presence of OG Faithful @theomayne1, plus our Clauds has been known to make an appearance (please scroll for evidence)... twists and turns are promised 👀"
So to give this series of The Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Belgrave Music Hall from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a huge gig in Halifax
Daisy Jackson
Hollywood Vampires are heading back out on tour, with a huge Yorkshire gig announced for this year.
The supergroup, which consists of one of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as one of rock’n’roll’s most iconic names, are set to perform at the AO Arena as part of a run of shows.
Hollywood Vampires is made up of A-lister Johnny Depp, as well as rock royalty including Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, plus Tommy Henriksen.
They last performed with an arena tour back in 2023, making these their first gigs in almost three years.
Hollywood Vampires have now announced a return to the stage, with a show at the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax on 22 August.
They’ll be supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who marked their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires announce Manchester gig. Credit: Aaron Perry
Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.
Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).
A Three Presale for tickets will take place from 10am on Wednesday 21 January, followed by a venue presale on Thursday 22 January, then general sale from 10am on Friday 23 January.
Clementine Hall -
10th December 2025 
