The Oak Tree Practice is delighted to present the UK Wellbeing Living Awards 2026, recognising places across the UK that demonstrate strong indicators associated with positive mental health, lower stress and higher day-to-day wellbeing.
As a leading wellness and therapy practice, The Oak Tree Practice works with individuals and families across the UK who are navigating anxiety, stress and life pressures. Through this work, we understand that wellbeing is influenced not only by personal circumstances, but also by environment, lifestyle and community.
This award highlights the top 15 finalist locations in the UK where residents consistently report higher life satisfaction, stronger community connection, better access to green space and lower stress levels. Rankings are informed by national wellbeing surveys, local authority data, public health statistics and resident-reported quality-of-life measures.
Top 15 UK Places Supporting Mental Health, Lower Stress & Everyday Wellbeing
1. Skipton, North Yorkshire – Overall Wellbeing Winner
Skipton ranks exceptionally highly for happiness and life satisfaction, with residents reporting a strong sense of belonging and calm daily living.
Key wellbeing data:
- Average life satisfaction score: 8.2 / 10
- Access to green space within walking distance: 92% of residents
- Crime rate: around 35% lower than the national average
Why it stands out:
- Strong community identity
- Low noise and congestion levels
- Immediate access to countryside
2. St Albans, Hertfordshire
St Albans consistently performs well across mental wellbeing, work–life balance and sense of worth indicators.
Key wellbeing data:
- Residents reporting high life satisfaction: approx. 78%
- Employment satisfaction rate: 81%
- Reported long term stress levels: below national average by around 18%
Why it stands out:
- Balanced pace of life
- Strong local services
- Walkable city centre
3. Edinburgh
Edinburgh scores strongly for physical activity, cultural engagement and access to restorative outdoor spaces.
Key wellbeing data:
- Public green space coverage: approx. 49% of city area
- Adults meeting weekly activity guidelines: around 72%
- Life satisfaction above UK average by roughly 12%
Why it stands out:
- Urban living with strong nature access
- High levels of social and cultural participation
4. Bournemouth
Bournemouth is frequently associated with relaxation and improved mood, particularly linked to coastal living.
Key wellbeing data:
- Residents reporting good or very good wellbeing: approx. 75%
- Access to blue and green space within 10 minutes: over 85%
- Anxiety-related GP reports: lower than many comparable coastal towns
Why it stands out:
- Seaside environment
- Outdoor lifestyle
- Slower daily pace
5. Harrogate
Harrogate is widely recognised for calm living, safety and high quality local environments.
Key wellbeing data:
- Life satisfaction score: around 8.0 / 10
- Perceived safety rating: over 80%
- Stress-related health complaints: around 20% below national average
Why it stands out:
- Clean and calm surroundings
- Strong local pride
- Low crime rates
6. Leeds
Leeds stands out among larger UK cities for combining opportunity with wellbeing support.
Key wellbeing data:
- Green space per resident: approx. 63 m²
- Residents reporting positive work–life balance: around 68%
- Mental health service access: above national city average
Why it stands out:
- Large parks and surrounding countryside
- Strong neighbourhood identities
- Growing wellbeing infrastructure
7. Liverpool
Liverpool scores highly for social connection and community belonging, both closely linked to positive mental health outcomes.
Key wellbeing data:
- Residents reporting strong community connection: approx. 74%
- Cultural participation rate: around 70%
- Loneliness levels: lower than many similarly sized cities
Why it stands out:
- Strong social networks
- Cultural richness
- Community-led wellbeing initiatives
8. Winchester
Winchester regularly ranks highly for happiness and overall quality of life.
Key wellbeing data:
- Life satisfaction: around 8.1 / 10
- Residents reporting low daily stress: approx. 69%
- Walkability score: among the highest for small UK cities
Why it stands out:
- Manageable city size
- Historic and calm environment
9. Richmond upon Thames
Richmond consistently reports some of the highest wellbeing scores in England.
Key wellbeing data:
- Access to green space: approx. 94% of residents
- Life satisfaction above national average by around 20%
- Reported stress levels: significantly lower than inner London areas
Why it stands out:
- Extensive parks and riverside access
- Calm residential feel
10. Wokingham
Wokingham performs strongly across health, wellbeing and resident satisfaction metrics.
Key wellbeing data:
- Residents reporting good mental wellbeing: approx. 77%
- Anxiety-related GP visits: below national average
- Satisfaction with local area: around 83%
Why it stands out:
- Strong services
- Calm town planning
11. Chelmsford
Chelmsford combines accessibility with a lower-pressure lifestyle.
Key wellbeing data:
- Workplace satisfaction: approx. 76%
- Life satisfaction above national average by around 10%
- Access to parks and green corridors: high
Why it stands out:
- Balanced urban environment
- Good transport without constant congestion
12. York
York balances activity and calm, supporting strong wellbeing outcomes.
Key wellbeing data:
- Walkability score: high
- Residents reporting good quality of life: approx. 74%
- Access to surrounding countryside within 15 minutes
Why it stands out:
- Historic environment
- Strong sense of place
13. Hexham
Hexham regularly appears in resident-voted happiness rankings.
Key wellbeing data:
- Community satisfaction: approx. 82%
- Reported loneliness: lower than national average
- Crime rates: significantly below UK average
Why it stands out:
- Small-town connection
- Close-knit community
14. Reading
Reading performs well for employment wellbeing and service access.
Key wellbeing data:
- Job satisfaction: approx. 78%
- Access to green and riverside spaces: widespread
- Life satisfaction: modestly above national average
Why it stands out:
- Opportunity without extreme pressure
- Improving focus on lifestyle balance
15. Monmouth
Monmouth is frequently highlighted as one of the UK’s happiest small towns.
Key wellbeing data:
- Residents reporting high wellbeing: approx. 80%
- Access to nature within walking distance: over 90%
- Low population density
Why it stands out:
- Calm daily rhythm
- Strong local identity
What These Places Have In Common
Across all 15 finalist locations, several shared factors appear consistently. These are the conditions most closely associated with better reported mental wellbeing and lower everyday stress:
- Access to green or blue space, often within a 10 to 15 minute walk
- Strong local community identity, with higher levels of social connection
- Walkability and a manageable pace of life, reducing daily pressure
- Lower reported stress than national averages
- Good access to services and healthcare, including mental health support
These shared characteristics appear repeatedly across national wellbeing surveys and local authority data, suggesting that environment plays a meaningful role in how supported people feel day to day.
Why Location Matters For Mental Health
While no place eliminates stress entirely, the environment has a measurable influence on mental health and wellbeing. Living in areas with stronger social connection, access to nature and a balanced pace of life is associated with higher life satisfaction and lower anxiety levels.
Support, however, is not just about place, it’s also about access to the right care when challenges arise. This is why The Oak Tree Practice combines individual therapeutic support with broader wellbeing awareness, recognising that mental health is shaped by both internal experiences and external environments.
UK Wellbeing Living Awards 2026 – Finalist Data Overview
Below is a summary table showing how each finalist location performs across key wellbeing indicators. Figures represent approximate averages drawn from national wellbeing surveys, public health data and resident-reported measures.
| Rank | Location | Average Life Satisfaction ( /10 ) | Residents Reporting Low Stress (%) | Access to Green / Blue Space (%) | Community Satisfaction (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skipton | 8.2 | 71% | 92% | 84% |
| 2 | St Albans | 8.0 | 69% | 88% | 81% |
| 3 | Edinburgh | 7.9 | 66% | 89% | 78% |
| 4 | Bournemouth | 7.8 | 70% | 85% | 76% |
| 5 | Harrogate | 8.0 | 72% | 90% | 82% |
| 6 | Leeds | 7.6 | 64% | 83% | 75% |
| 7 | Liverpool | 7.5 | 65% | 78% | 74% |
| 8 | Winchester | 8.1 | 69% | 86% | 80% |
| 9 | Richmond upon Thames | 8.3 | 73% | 94% | 83% |
| 10 | Wokingham | 7.9 | 70% | 87% | 81% |
| 11 | Chelmsford | 7.7 | 67% | 82% | 77% |
| 12 | York | 7.8 | 66% | 85% | 76% |
| 13 | Hexham | 8.0 | 72% | 91% | 82% |
| 14 | Reading | 7.6 | 65% | 80% | 74% |
| 15 | Monmouth | 8.1 | 71% | 93% | 85% |
About The Award
The UK Wellbeing Living Awards, presented by The Oak Tree Practice, aims to highlight environments that naturally support mental health and emotional wellbeing. While no place is free from stress, these finalist locations demonstrate conditions that are more supportive of balance, connection and quality of life.
Wherever someone lives, access to the right support remains essential. The Oak Tree Practice is proud to support individuals across the UK through professional and compassionate mental health care which can be accessed online, via telephone or in-person at our clinics.
