Aberystwyth named among happiest places to live in the UK

Powys County Times

21-05-2025

A "spectacular" coastal town near Powys has been named among the happiest places to live in the UK.
From York to Penzance, and everywhere in between, The Guardian has come up with a list of the happiest places to live in the UK.
Introducing the list, the news outlet said: "What makes a place somewhere good to live? Where might we be happiest if we had the choice of going anywhere?
"It's an almost impossible question, as we do not all thrive on the same things, but there are some that are universally agreed to be conducive to cheeriness.
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"Our lengthy initial list was the basis for discussion, research and on-the-ground reporting.
"Out of that came our pick of places that generally scored highest as happy places to live.
"There may well be people who disagree with our choices. And I'm afraid we cannot guarantee a joyous life to everyone who lives in any of the places we have featured.
"But one of them could be your happy place."
The Guardian considered several factors when coming up with the list:
The happiest places to live in the UK
The top three happiest places to live in the UK, according to The Guardian, are:
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Evesham
Caernarfon
The best of the rest (by region)
North
Durham
York
Padiham
South
Devizes
Lewes
Newport (Isle of Wight)
Exeter
Penzance
Chichester
Cirencester
Aylesbury
Midlands
Chesterfield
Shrewsbury
Worcester
Scotland
Perth
Haddington
Wales
Aberystwyth
London
The Ridgeway (Enfield)
Surbiton North
Clapham Junction
Bounds Green
Bromley
What makes Aberystwyth one of the UK's happiest places to live?
Aberystwyth was recommended for its "spectacular" setting and location - "a long way from any main city".
The Guardian explained: "Aber, as it is often known, sits on Cardigan Bay, and Ireland is the next place you would make landfall if you were to set off westwards.
"The sunsets are spectacular and on balmy evenings attract a crowd to the sweeping promenade.
"You can surf along this coast and play golf at some lovely links courses.
"Inland sits miles of rugged, sheep-dotted countryside, the peaks and valleys of the Cambrian Mountains where the rivers Severn and Wye rise."
The landscape is not just popular among locals and visitors, but film crews as well, with several movies and TV shows using Aberystwyth as a backdrop.
But it's not just all about landscapes and tourism.
The Guardian continued: "Aberystwyth is home to a university and major hospital, making it a diverse and vibrant place.
"The university campus, perched on Penglais Hill above the town, teaches students from more than 100 countries, lending the town more of a global feel than might be expected.
"Also on the hill is the National Library of Wales, one of the great libraries of the world.
"Opened in 1907, it is at the centre of research into the culture and heritage of Wales and the other Celtic nations, and home to rare books, manuscripts, archives, film and video, newspapers, maps and works of art."
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There is also the Arts Centre in Aberystwyth which is described as "a hub for culture, creativity and entertainment" from gigs and theatre shows to exhibitions and screenings of independent films.
Aberystwyth is also a "stronghold" when it comes to Cymraeg – the Welsh language.
The Guardian said: "The language is spoken in the streets, the shops and all the public institutions.
"There are lots of courses on offer to those who wish to learn and doing so is bound to increase understanding of the town, the region and the country."
The coastal town also boasts "lovely" architecture as well as its own pier.
"Elegant Victorian and Edwardian terraces look out on to beaches of dark sand and shingle," The Guardian explained.
"There is a nice alternative feel to Aberystwyth.
"For decades people with an interest in the environment and a desire to escape the rat race have found a new home here."
If you're looking to relocate to Aberystwyth, a characterful three-bedroomed townhouse in the town centre, a short walk from the beach, will set you back around £225,000.