'Vibrant' village named as Devon's happiest place to live

The grounds of Dartington Hall near Totnes
-Credit: (Image: Emma Slee/DevonLive)


Devon's happiest place to live is a "vibrant" village near Totnes, according to a new survey. The study placed Dartington in top spot.

The South Devon village was hailed a "vibrant village that seamlessly blends history, culture and nature". Online store Furniturebox, which carried out the research to find the UK's top 70 happiest places, added: "Whether you're exploring its historic estate, participating in artistic endeavours, enjoying local cuisine, or seeking unique experiences, Dartington promises a memorable and enriching visit."

Dartington was ranked 43rd in the overall top 70 for the UK. And when it comes to other places in Devon where residents are likely to have a smile on their faces, the poll reckons Kingsbridge is second happiest with Exeter in third, Sidmouth fourth and Tavistock fifth.

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A Furniturebox spokesperson said: “Dartington is the happiest place to live in Devon. All 70 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 70 are not the most affluent in their localities and have access to some affordable housing. The survey shows that the happiest places are not defined by wealth but by the quality of life within them.”

Furniturebox ranked locations 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. A total of 5,000 people were surveyed in panels across the UK to find the happiest location for each county and big city.

The accolade for Dartington comes hot on the heels of lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos ranking it as one of the best places to live in Devon in its Top 300 Best Places to Live list. It said the village was "looking like an increasingly tempting place to live", pointing to Dartington Hall at the heart of the village, new homes and access to the countryside.

The 20 happiest places to live in the UK, according to Furniturebox

  1. Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

  2. Harrogate, North Yorkshire

  3. Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear

  4. Amersham, Buckinghamshire

  5. Chester, Cheshire

  6. Falmouth, Cornwall

  7. Bromsgrove, Worcestershire

  8. Chepstow, Monmouthshire

  9. Woodbridge, Suffolk

  10. Bray, Berkshire

  11. Almondsbury, Bristol

  12. Aboyne, Aberdeenshire

  13. Malmesbury, Wiltshire

  14. Eynsham, Oxfordshire

  15. Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire

  16. Bingley, West Yorkshire

  17. Shepperton, Surrey

  18. Folkestone, Kent

  19. Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

  20. Ampthill, Bedfordshire

The full list of the UK’s 70 happiest places can be found here.

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