Wiltshire town among the happiest places to live in Britain

The Guardian has compiled a list of the best places to live for those seeking a cheery life, and Devizes has made the cut.

The Wiltshire market town was named in a ranking of the county’s top 20 towns, put together by Guardian reporters.

Devizes received similar national attention earlier this year when it was named third on a list of the most quintessential market towns in England.

The most recent praise for the town in national media focused on its “cosiness” and array of independent businesses.

Caen Hill Locks at Devizes (Image: Getty) It said: “There’s a cosiness to modern day Devizes. There is a modest Sainsbury’s and an M&S Simply Food but this is a place of independent shops.

“The Walter Rose & Son butcher’s has been selling meat since 1847. The hardware store down the road, Roses, was established in 1947.

“Devizes Books Ltd, sited in a lovely Georgian building, has been operating for almost half a century.

“A weekly Thursday market has taken place for three centuries and indoor traders set up each day in the historic Shambles, off the market square.”

Guardian reporters picked out the historic Bear Hotel and At Table 31 as the places to go in the town for food or drink.

The Wharf theatre was highlighted for in-house musicals, plays, pantomimes, youth shows and live music, while those looking to stretch their legs were encouraged to head to the Ridgeway path and Roundway Hill.

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While Devizes was among the ‘best of the rest’, three locations made it onto the podium, with Berwick-upon-Tweed edging out Evesham and Caernarfon to be named the happiest place to live in Britain.

The rankings were based on a wide range of criteria, including access to green spaces and waterways, good air quality, public transport links, broadband speeds, access to health services, cultural attractions, and community facilities.

The list’s editor Hilary Osbourne said: “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.”