Destinations

GREAT BRITAIN’S HAPPIEST VIEW

Devon beach crowned as Great Britain's happiest view... but have you ever been?
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In celebration of our More to Explore campaign this summer, we wanted to find out where in the country has the view that fills us as a nation with the most joy.

Would it be the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales? Or the golden sands of Devon’s beaches? Our research has revealed that Britain’s happiest view is something of a hidden gem.

The picturesque Broadsands beach on Devon’s Exmoor coast has been voted the scene that fills Brits with the most joy, but the study, conducted by Best Western Great Britain, found that less than one in ten (8%) have ever seen it in person.

The survey asked 2,000 Brits to choose their top five views which most make them smile, before exploring how well these correlate with the locations they’ve actually visited.

Broadsands beach, with its magical wilderness of caves, tunnels and islands, came out on top as the nation’s happiest view, with over a quarter (27%) naming it in their top five. The 17th century Iffley Lock on the River Thames came second, ahead of the tumbling waterfalls of St Nectan’s Glen in Cornwall.

The top ten views that make Brits happiest are:

1. Broadsands, Exmoor

Chosen by: 27%
Visited by: 8%

Broadsands, Exmoor


2. Iffley Lock, Oxford

Chosen by: 21%
Visited by: 6%

Iffley Lock, Oxford

Stay at a local Best Western hotel: Best Western Plus Oxford Linton Lodge Hotel


3. St Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall

Chosen by: 18%
Visited by: 7%

St Nectan's Kieve, Cornwall


= Botany Bay, Kent

Chosen by: 18%
Visited by: 5%

Botany Bay, Kent


5. Brownsea Island, Dorset

Chosen by: 17%
Visited by: 11%

Brownsea Island, Dorset

Stay at a local Best Western hotel: Best Western Plus The Connaught Hotel


= Portobello, Edinburgh

Chosen by: 17%
Visited by: 15%

Portobello Beach, Edinburgh

Stay at a local Best Western hotel: Best Western Kings Manor Hotel


= Stagshaw Gardens, The Lake District

Chosen by: 17%
Visited by: 7%

Stagshaw Gardens, the Lake District

Stay at a local Best Western hotel: Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, BW Premier Collection


8. The Dales Way, Ilkley

Chosen by: 15%
Visited by: 9%

The Dales Way, Ilkley

Stay at a local Best Western hotel: Best Western Plus Ilkley Craiglands Hotel


9. The Shambles, York

Chosen by: 14%
Visited by: 31%

The Shambles, York

Stay at a local Best Western hotel: Guy Fawkes Inn, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western


= Walkden Gardens, Manchester

Chosen by: 14%
Visited by: 5%

Walkden Gardens, Manchester

Stay at a local Best Western hotel: Best Western Manchester Altrincham Cresta Court Hotel


So, what do you do if you’re visiting the happiest view in the country and want to get the most out of your stay? We’ve looked into the top five things to do when visiting Broadsands, so that you don’t have to:

Go kayaking, surfing, or paddleboarding - https://www.h2outdoor.co.uk/

Give coasteering a try - https://www.coasteeringsouthwest.co.uk/

Book a coastal tour - https://www.ilfracombeprincess.co.uk/

Tee off for a round of golf - https://www.churstongolf.com/

Pay the wildlife a visit - https://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/

Peter McClurg, General Manager at the Best Western Livermead Cliff Hotel in Torquay gave his insider tips on making the most of the Devon coast:

“It’s no surprise to hear that Broadsands beach is making so many Brits smile as it’s a perfect example of the natural beauty available along the Devonshire coast. But the county has so much more to offer than its golden sands.

“Perhaps the most exciting way to experience South Devon is to embark on the fabulous Round Robin tour. The trip, which passes through the charming villages of Dartmouth, Paignton and Totnes, includes a ride on a steam train and a scenic boat trip.

“Paignton Zoo is also well worth a visit, with thousands of animals on show. They even offer a variety of wildlife experiences, where you can try your hand at being a zoo keeper or a vet.

“Literary fans should head to Greenway, the National Trust property which was once the summer home of iconic author Agatha Christie. Set among beautiful gardens, the house features numerous first edition copies of her books and the author’s own grand piano!”

ENDS -

For media enquiries please contact [email protected]

About Best Western GB

Best Western is a brilliantly different collection of independent hotels proudly giving a personal welcome to guests for over 70 years. With over 250 distinctive hotels in Great Britain alone, there is more to explore with Best Western.

Best Western GB is a retained-profit membership organisation that helps hotels maintain their independence. Committed to representing the views of its independently owned member hotels, Best Western GB tackles key industry issues on their behalf, including the effects of Government policies and legislation, industry changes and environmental impact on the heartbeat of the Great British hospitality industry.

To find out more visit Best Western GB's Media Centre: https://www.bestwestern.co.uk/company/best-western-media-centre

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