London borough crowned Britain's happiest place to live - how does your area rank?

The happiest places to live in the UK have been revealed - with one London borough clinching top spot.

The leafy borough in south London ranked particularly highly across several aspects of local life, including access to nature and green spaces, essential local services, shops and restaurants, employment opportunities and desirable jobs, Rightmove said.

Richmond returned to number one after previously topping the rankings in 2023 and finishing second last year.

Children running across a park in Richmond, south London

Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, Councillor Nancy Baldwin, said: “This recognition is especially meaningful because residents highlighted their pride in the local area, our beautiful parks and green spaces, and the local services they rely on every day.

“Above all, it is our people and communities that make Richmond special.”

Nationally, Harrogate in North Yorkshire was placed second on the list, while Cirencester in Gloucestershire was third.

In Wales, Monmouth was the highest ranked, while in Scotland Kirkcaldy took the top spot.

Last year’s winner, Skipton in North Yorkshire, ranked seventh.

Richmond upon Thames

The capital saw two other boroughs cracking the national top 20, with Kensington and Chelsea in 12th and Kingston upon Thames coming 13th.

At the other end of the rankings, Barking and Dagenham is the least happy London borough, coming in at 221st nationally.

Lewisham, Havering, Harrow and Croydon make up the rest of the bottom five in the capital.

The survey collected responses from more than 24,000 people, with around four-fifths (81%) of people who took part saying they are happy with where they live.

Colleen Babcock, a property expert at Rightmove, said: “Richmond stands out for offering a combination many people value: easy access to nature and green spaces, without having to give up local services, places to eat and shop, or employment opportunities.

“That balance between greenery and everyday convenience runs through the wider findings.

“Even among people who would ideally choose a rural setting, access to amenities, parks and public transport remains important.

“This year’s results suggest that the places people rate most highly aren’t simply urban or rural, but often bring together some of the best elements of both.”

Here are London and the UK’s happiest places to live in 2026, according to Rightmove.

Top 10 happiest places to live in Britain

1. Richmond upon Thames, London

2. Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber

3. Cirencester, South West

4. Monmouth, Wales

5. Hove, South East

6. Chorley, North West

7. Skipton, Yorkshire and the Humber

8. Llandrindod Wells, Wales

9. Horsham, South East

10. Hexham, North East

Top 10 London boroughs

1. (1) Richmond upon Thame