Cornwall Named the UK’s Happiest Holiday Destination – Here’s Why Everyone’s Smiling

New national survey crowns Cornwall the country’s top ‘happy place’

Cornwall has officially been named the UK’s happiest holiday destination, beating the likes of Devon and Cumbria in a major nationwide study.

The research, carried out by holidaycottages.co.uk between March and April 2025, surveyed 12,188 UK residents aged 18 and over. Cornwall came out on top with 2,375 votes, securing 22% of the total. The aim was to uncover where people feel happiest on their holidays in the UK.

Nostalgia leads the way

A separate survey of 2,000 adults in August 2024 found that 51% said a nostalgic UK holiday destination is their happiest place.

Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, said:
“Joy and happiness can be found in so many areas of life – whether that’s getting active in some of the UK’s most scenic locations, sharing a laugh with family over fish and chips on the beach, or seeing the wonder of wildlife through the eyes of your children. Though everyone’s happy place is different, we wanted to explore some of the shared moments of happiness experienced across the UK, in the hope of inspiring more travellers to discover their own.”

Top 10 happiest holiday spots in the UK

1. Cornwall (2,375 votes)

2. Devon (1,212 votes)

3. Cumbria (924 votes)

4. Norfolk (794 votes)

5. North Yorkshire (714 votes)

6. Northumberland (682 votes)

7. Dorset (639 votes)

8. Pembrokeshire (445 votes)

9. North Wales (245 votes)

10. Suffolk (214 votes)

Why Cornwall came out on top

From the beaches of St Ives to seal spotting near Seal Island and seafood in Rick Stein’s restaurants, Cornwall was highlighted for its mix of natural beauty, family-friendly activities and top-rated food. Visitors also named the Eden Project and St Michael’s Mount among their top peaceful places.

Food lovers mentioned The Watering Hole on Perranporth Beach and Rosie’s Diner, alongside Rick Stein’s iconic eateries.

Beaches and walks bring the joy

Across the board, beaches (3,484 mentions) and walking (3,187 mentions) were the UK’s top-rated activities for holiday happiness.

Devon followed Cornwall in second place, praised for its national parks – Dartmoor and Exmoor – and popular attractions like The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth. Top food spots included The Thatch in Croyde and Rockfish in Brixham.

Cumbria took third, scoring a perfect 5 for natural beauty. Beatrix Potter World was a family favourite, and foodies gave top marks to The Dog and Gun in Penrith, as well as Lucy’s on a Plate and Apple Pie in Ambleside.

For more information and the full list of happy holiday spots, visit: holidaycottages.co.uk/blog/best-uk-holiday-destinations