Rightmove has revealed its comprehensive list of the UK's "happiest" places to live, but unfortunately, no towns or villages in Surrey made the list this year. However, one standout destination, located near Surrey's border, offers a fantastic spot for a day trip.
The survey, now in its 13th year, gathered responses from over 35,000 people across the UK. Participants were asked about their feelings toward their hometown, focusing on aspects such as pride, sense of belonging, community spirit, and the freedom to express themselves. Other factors included earning potential, public transport reliability, recreational facilities, access to green spaces, and cultural activities.
Second only to Woodbridge in Suffolk, the top-rated place is a historic riverside town in Greater London known for its vibrant community. Richmond, despite being part of London, holds special status, with an act of Parliament ensuring its stunning riverside views are preserved.
This swanky town is known to have attracted a list of star studded residents, including Sir David Attenborough, Amanda Holden and Tom Hardy over the years. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie also had a home in the leafy town back in the late 2000s.
Once upon a time, Richmond was actually in Surrey. In 1965, it was made a London borough, and sadly no longer a Surrey claim.
From some parts of Surrey, Richmond is only a 15 to 20 minute drive away, and most will pass through Richmond train station while travelling into London. It's a popular destination for commuters, given it's proximity to the big smoke.
Not only is Richmond very well connected to London via rail, it's also linked to the A317 which joins the start of the M3, connecting Richmond to the M25 and A3 . It's also easy to join the M4 from Richmond too.
The town is rooted in Tudor history, when King Henry VII decided it would make the perfect place for a palace, and named it after Richmond in North Yorkshire. Richmond Palace is believed to be one of the first to have a flushing toilet.
Sadly, the palace was destroyed after King Charles I was executed, but parts of the property remain, including the Gate House and The Wardrobe, which is less of a closet and more like a three bedroom home.
It's easy to see why Richmond is so loved, given it's versatile offering and abundance of beauty. It's surrounded by an oasis of greenery, with the Old Deer Park, Richmond Green and Richmond Park.
Overlooking Richmond Park is Petersham Nurseries, which was given a 9/10 rating by the Daily Mail and praised for it's year-round activities such as table decorating and wreath making. It's also got a quaint teahouse and a restaurant on site.
Pools on the Park is a popular summer spot with an indoor and outdoor pool and health centre. It's also next to an athletics ground and the Mid-Surrey Golf Club with an 18-hole course.
Of course, you've also got the riverside and Richmond Bridge to stroll along for a change of scenery. The River Thames is an important part of the town's culture and is the site of regattas, riverside pubs and markets.
Richmond's a great place to visit for a spot of retail therapy, with a grand collection of stores. Jigsaw, Oliver Bonas, Anthropologie, Reiss and Russell and Bromley can be found here - so your Christmas shopping needs are sorted.
Completely spoilt for choice for places to eat and drink, Richmond has a selection of cosy pubs including the Roebuck on Richmond Hill which has unbelievable views of the terrace gardens and the Thames. The White Cross and Stein's Kitchen are also destinations to visit for a hearty dish.
There's a selection of fancy restaurants in Richmond including the Peggy Jean which is a barge transformed into a bar and restaurant with Aussie beach club vibes. You've also got The Ivy, Gaucho, Côte and Scotts too.
Many of these establishments offer cocktails too, contributing to Richmond's buzzy nightlife. The Bootlegger Vault is a sophisticated spot for drinks, and So Bar is great for sharing tapas and enjoying cocktails.
For little ones Richmond boasts a slew of outstanding Ofsted rated schools, including Fern Hill Primary, Grey Court School and Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School. There are plenty of activities for children to get stuck in with locally, including at the Richmond Theatre and at the National Archives in Kew, just north of Richmond.
If you're sold on the Richmond way of life, you'll have to fork out on average around £978,493 for a property according to Rightmove. Flats fetched an astonishing £566,843 and terraced houses scored £1,001,338 with detached homes costing £1,632,626.
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