'I've just visited the happiest place in the UK 90 minutes from Derby and I can see why people love it'
Join us on a journey to Stratford-upon-Avon, the town crowned the UK's happiest place to live. Explore its charm, history, and the warm hospitality that makes it so special.
Happiness is contagious, which is why I couldn’t wait to visit one of the happiest places on earth.
Perhaps not quite the earth, but definitely in the UK, and bonus, it is just 90 minutes away from Derby.
Stratford-upon-Avon has been crowned the happiest place to live in the UK by online store Furniturebox.
The quaint market town is just 90 minutes away from Derby city centre, but what made the journey extra magical was the mode of transport.
I hopped aboard a steam train aptly named The Shakespeare Express.
We hunkered into authentic 1960s carriages and were whisked through Midlands countryside by the historic steam locomotive hauling the train to Stratford-upon-Avon.
To say the town is charming, is a massive understatement.
If pavements could smile, I feel like they would.
We took a short walk from the railway station to the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon where we felt immersed in a time gone by.
Medieval buildings, sandstone structures, old world shops with ancient timber beams were traditional and beautiful.
A few of my favourite shops were the boutiques offering hand-made scarves and knick knacks.
Shakespeare’s birthplace is no doubt going to attract plenty of visitors from across the world.
But the way the town has blended tourism with traditional and historical vibes is imaginative and it works.
I tried several delicacies and enjoyed them all. Sea salted fudge at Roly’s Fudge Pantry, and oat and pecan cookie at Gail’s Bakery, followed by a pub lunch at The Vintner meant the dining experience at Stratford-upon-Avon was delicious.
While walking through the town centre I could hear whoops of laughter at the ping pong table where a friendly match was underway.
The fudge shop assistant also served us with a giant smile, and when we got lost (my sense of direction is so bad, I once got lost near my house when I first moved in), he walked us around the corner to point us in the right direction of the train station.
The point to make here is that everyone we encountered was smiley, accommodating and super friendly.
Well played Stratford-upon-Avon, you are officially the happiest place in the UK and it’s a crown you should wear with pride.