Norwich is the happiest place to live in the UK, according to a new survey.
The medieval city – also famous for Delia Smith, its cathedral and university and the home of Colman’s mustard – topped a list of the 75 happiest places by online store Furniturebox.
In second place was Skipton in North Yorkshire, Malvern in Worcestershire was third, Nantwich in Cheshire was fourth and Banbury in Oxfordshire was fifth.
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 such as theatres and cinemas.
Norwich – also the hometown of TV’s Alan Partridge – is home to highly rated state schools such as City of Norwich School and Charles Darwin Primary.
Furniturebox polled 5,000 people, with panels in each county and big city.
Second place Skipton is a historic market town known as the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, with an iconic castle, lively market and much-loved pubs such as the Cock & Bottle and the Woolly Sheep Inn. Excellent state secondary schools include Skipton Girls’ High School and The Skipton Academy.
Spa town Malvern in third place is famous for the therapeutic qualities of its spring water which led to the development of a health-focused tourism industry. Highly regarded state schools include The Chase secondary and Malvern Wyche CofE primary.
A Furniturebox spokesperson said: “Norwich is the happiest place to live in the UK, narrowly beating Skipton in second place.
“Norwich is famous for its medieval history but what residents say they love most is the relaxed vibe, bike friendly environment, fantastic pubs and proximity to the Norfolk Broads and a stunning coastline.
“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 Norwich which has the highest proportion of council housing of any city in the UK. The survey shows that the happiest places are not defined by wealth but by the quality of life within them.”
Furniturebox provides a choice of premium furniture representing value, quality and style with the very best contemporary and modern designs.
It guarantees next day delivery to nearly all addresses throughout the UK if the order is placed by 8pm the previous day.
Furniturebox was founded by former school friends Monty George and Dan Beckles, both aged 27, ten years ago and is already a rival to Dunelm, Habitat and Ikea as one of the UK’s leading furniture brands.
George and Beckles are part of a new breed of ‘Gen Z entrepreneurs’ creating ecommerce businesses worth millions.
Find out the full list of the UK’s 75 happiest places in Furniturebox’s guide.
UK’s top 20 happiest places to live in 2025
Happiest place County or City
1 Norwich Norfolk
2 Skipton North Yorkshire
3 Malvern Worcestershire
4 Nantwich Cheshire
5 Banbury Oxfordshire
6 Gerrards Cross Buckinghamshire
7 Lytham St Annes Lancashire
8 Callander Stirlingshire
9 Cowbridge West Glamorgan
10 Market Harborough Leicestershire
11 Portobello Edinburgh
12 Stone Staffordshire
13 Harborne Birmingham
14 Beverley East Riding
15 Carlisle Cumbria
16 Aberfeldy Perthshire
17 St Davids Pembrokeshire
18 Penzance Cornwall
19 Marlborough Wiltshire
20 Bath Somerset
