The happiest place in the UK has been named – and it isn’t even on the mainland.
While there were improvements in overall wellbeing in the UK following the slump of the pandemic, 2023 saw with it another drop in measures of life satisfaction and happiness have fallen and anxiety risen, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
But a gorgeous series of islands that have been described as “one of Europe’s last untouched natural habitats” comes out on top with the happiest Brits in the country.
The list of things the happiness indicator is measured by includes personal well-being, relationships, health, personal finance and the environment.
Scotland as a whole bucked the overall trend of declining wellbeing, but the people of the Outer Hebrides scored the highest average happiness ratings of anywhere – although with its small population, the ONS said it might not be directly comparable with big towns and cities.
The 15-inhabited islands of the beautiful Outer Hebrides in total have a population of just 26,830.
The chain of islands, situated a ferry-hop away from the north-west coast of mainland Scotland, are known for their wildlife and white beaches.
They are described by its tourist board as “your very own slice of heaven”.
As well as averaging out as the happiest, the people there also have the second highest life satisfaction score of any location in the UK, and one of the lowest crime rates.
The islands boast some incredible beaches – in particular Bernerary, featuring rocky little bays on the east coast and sandy beaches on the west.
The three-mile long west beach is wide, clean and often deserted.
It was recently even voted the third Best Beach in Europe by Lonely Planet.
The largest town in the island is stunning Stornoway, a hub of activity with plenty of things to do.
There are Pubs and restaurants to enjoy and various places to visit, including the iconic and ancient Standing Stones at Calanais.
This is also home to the award-winning An Lanntair arts centre, where the Outer Hebrides’ culture really shines.
Rich, Gaelic culture is common throughout the islands, including music, art, history, and literature.
