One of Leeds' most prestigious postcodes seemingly has the happiest residents.
A new survey carried out by Furniturebox has ranked the happiest places to live in the UK, and a few of our wonderful suburbs have bagged themselves a spot.
But one suburb came in above the rest, with Horsforth ranking as the highest rated location in all of Leeds.
In second place was Bramhope, followed by Chapel Allerton in third, Meanwood in fourth and Headingley taking fifth position.
Locations were ranked according to the beauty of the surroundings and green spaces, provision of good state schools and affordable housing, as well as access to quality pubs, restaurants, independent shops and cultural attractions.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
And it's safe to say, Horsforth has all that and more.
The charming village is just five miles north from Leeds city centre and seems to have taken all of our favourite things about living in Yorkshire and brought them to its population of 19,000 residents.
Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat in a quirky little cafe; a pub to chill with the locals or ways to spend your weekends in true bliss, Horsforth has some of the best activities to offer in Leeds.
It also is home to the fantasies Bavette Bistro, which is reason enough to move there if you're asking us.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A spokesperson for Furniturebox said: “Horsforth is the happiest place to live in Leeds.
“All 75 places on the list would have been worthy winners and show why the UK is such a wonderful place to live, loved by visitors from all over the world.
“Most of the locations in the top 75 are not the most affluent in their localities and have access to some affordable housing including Horsforth which is very popular with families.
"The survey shows that the happiest places are not defined by wealth but by the quality of life within them.”
Two motorways in and around Leeds have been named the ‘most challenging’ in the UK.
As part of MoneySuperMarket’s new Great British Motorway Report, new research has found that one in three UK motorists find motorway driving ‘stressful’ – despite more than 70 billion miles being travelled on Britain’s motorways each year.
From delays and congestion to high traffic levels, there are a number of factors that can contribute to driver stress levels.
But are some motorways more challenging for drivers than others? According to the data, yes. And two of the top 10 worst motorways in the UK are in and around Leeds.
Three Manchester motorways have been named in the UK’s top 10 ‘most challenging’ / Credit: pxfuel
To find out which are the most challenging, MoneySuperMarket analysed everything from collision rates and roadworks, to lane closures and driver feedback in order to reveal the top 10.
Leeds is home to three of the UK’s top 10 most challenging motorways – the M62, and the M621.
The M60, M25, and the M11 ranked as the UK’s most challenging motorways, with lengthy delays and a high number of incidents affecting their scores.
“If you’re feeling anxious, allow extra time for your journey so you don’t feel pressured to rush or make last-minute decisions,” commented Alicia Hempsted at MoneySuperMarket.
“Plan your route in advance, including where you’ll stop for breaks, as regular rest stops can help you stay alert and reduce stress on longer trips, and if you’re travelling alone, consider sharing your route with someone you trust if it helps you feel more comfortable.”
End of an era as Harvey Nichols is leaving Leeds after 30 years on Briggate
Clementine Hall
It's time to say goodbye to one of Leeds' most recognisable shops.
One of Leeds’ most iconic shops is set to undergo a major makeover - as Harvey Nichols is reportedly leaving Briggate after three decades.
The luxury department store has been a staple in the heart of Leeds since 1996, but its days under the famous Harvey Nichols name are coming to an end.
It has been reported that the store is set to become a Flannels, following the takeover of Harvey Nichols by Frasers Group earlier this year.
The brand was bought by Frasers Group after the luxury retailer entered administration in August.
At the time, Frasers said the business had faced “sustained trading and operational challenges” and that significant restructuring would be needed.
Now, Frasers boss Michael Murray has confirmed that Leeds and Bristol are the two stores set to lose the Harvey Nichols name and become Flannels.
Murray has said the group plans to invest in its Manchester store, while the future of the Knightsbridge flagship in London is also being considered.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
For Leeds, though, it means saying goodbye to a name that has been part of the city for almost 30 years.
And with another Flannels already sitting just a stone’s throw away, there are plenty of questions about what the change will mean for the city's already luxury-heavy retail offering.
Whether you've dined in the beautiful Fourth Floor Brasserie restaurant or enjoyed browsing the beauty hall over the years, we all have our own memories of Harvey Nichols and there's no doubt it will be missed.
For now, there’s no confirmed date for exactly when the Harvey Nichols name will leave Leeds but we will keep you updated.
Clementine Hall -
29th October 2025 
