Is 2026 the year you finally want to get yourself a side hustle? Fancy a new career all together? We might have just what you're looking for.
That's because holidaycottages.co.uk is on the hunt for one lucky individual for what could, quite frankly, be the dream job and is launching a nationwide search to find the UK’s first 'Joy Seeker' - a year-long content creator role offering £30,000 to explore the nation’s happiest destinations and share the joy along the way.
What exactly is a 'Joy Seeker' then? Well, the lucky applicant will become the face of the holiday cottage rental company's new Happy Place campaign, and will embark on a 12-month journey to the UK’s 10 happiest destinations as voted for in a recent survey.
This will include stays at properties in some of the country's most-popular holiday destinations like Cornwall, Pembrokeshire, and North Yorkshire.
The role requires the successful individual to share their adventures through photography, long and short-form social media content, and blog writing, all with the aim of 'showcasing the joy' of these places through 'authentic' storytelling.
From wandering the cobbled streets of Devon's coastal villages, to hiking hidden trails in Welsh national parks, the role is about uncovering local stories and the country's most unique charms.
All throughout 2026, the Joy Seeker’s content will be shared across holidaycottages.co.uk’s social media channels.
As part of the contract, the chosen candidate will receive a £30,000 content creator contract, get to stay for free in a minimum of 12 stunning holiday cottages, and have all travel expenses covered in the process.
The UK's 'happiest' job is recruiting and will pay you £30k to travel and review holiday cottages / Credit: Marie M (via Unsplash)
Thinking of applying? You'll need to be a confident and creative storyteller with a passion for travel, the outdoors, and celebrating local culture within the UK, and you'll also need to be experienced in creating engaging content across various formats.
"This is more than just a job," said Sarah Pring, who is the Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk.
"It’s a chance to swap your 9-5 for a year of creativity, adventure, and real connection to people and places across the UK."
Leeds United have issued a statement regarding their tribute to a fan who has sadly passed away.
Colin Westby was watching the game against Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday 18 October when suddenly he became ill and was taken to hospital.
The 68-year-old was then placed into a medically induced coma but after a period of 'unresponsiveness', the difficult decision was made to stop life support.
Colin was a huge Leeds United fan, and attended matches for over 50 years as a Season Ticket Holder of the club.
Leeds United have issued a statement showing their support, and have confirmed they will be holding a tribute to Colin.
The statement posted on Leeds United's social media is as follows: "Leeds United are heartbroken to learn of the passing of supporter Colin Westby at the age of 68.
"Colin suffered a medical emergency ahead of our Premier League fixture with Manchester United on Sunday 18 October at Elland Road.
"After being transferred to hospital, he was placed into a medically induced coma and sadly following a period of unresponsiveness, the decision was made to withdraw life support.
"Colin was a long-standing Season Ticket Holder at the club, attending matches for over 50 years. The thoughts of everyone at Leeds United are with Colin’s family and friends at this sad time.
"We will pay tribute to Colin in the 68th minute of our next Premier League fixture with Tottenham Hotspur, on Saturday 7 November."
Of course, in true Leeds United fashion, fellow flans flocked to the comments to pay their respects to Colin and express their support for his family.
Classic FM will be playing calming music for anxious pets this Bonfire Night
Emily Sergeant
Classic FM will be back playing calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks season.
Bonfire Night may be loved by us humans for the spectacular firework displays and all the festive-themed activities that come along with it… but sadly, the November holiday isn’t quite so fun for our four-legged friends.
Loud bangs, flashing lights, and unpleasant strong smell of spent explosives are just some of the reasons why fireworks are frightening to pets.
Not only that, but with multiple bangs occurring from numerous displays across this time of year, pets are rarely able to pinpoint when and where the booming explosions are coming from, therefore creating even more anxiety around this time of year.
Classic FM will play calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks / Credit: DESIGNECOLOGIST (via Unsplash)
Which is why, for the ninth year running now, Classic FM is once again teaming up with the RSPCA for two Pet Classics programmes packed with ‘the most soothing and comforting classical music’.
The music has been handpicked to help calm and settle any anxious pets.
A survey by the RSPCA revealed that almost two-thirds (63%) of animal owners reported their pet was distressed during fireworks season, and that playing relaxing music was the most common way (36%) to help calm or prepare their animal.
Presenters Dan Walker, Aled Jones, and Dawn O’Porter will each host a night of the specially created programme to help keep the nation’s pets calm through the whizzes and bangs.
Dan will present the first programme on Bonfire Night itself (Thursday 5 November), and then as celebrations continue throughout the weekend, Aled will be on hand to bring some peace to Friday 6 November, and Dawn picks up the baton on Saturday 7 November.
All three Pet Classics programmes will be broadcast from 5pm to 10pm, and you can listen on Classic FM or Global Player available across the UK.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd December 2025 
