UK’s first ‘bee town’ named one of country’s happiest places to live and you might even bump into some celebs
AN ANCIENT market town in Wales has been named one of the happiest places to live in the country.
An annual study by property website Rightmove revealed the happiest places to live in the UK.
Woodbridge in Suffolk topped the list for the first time.
Richmond upon Thames, a borough in London, was placed second, while Hexham in Northumberland, a previous winner, was ranked third.
Monmouth was crowned the happiest place to live in Wales, while Stirling came top in Scotland.
The historic Welsh town was established as a Roman fort, with its history dating back to ancient Britain.
Monmouth flourished under Norman rule, with Monmouth Castle also being constructed at this time.
The Welsh town is also famed as the birthplace of Henry V – an English king famed for his victory over the French at the battle of Agincourt in 1415.
Because of its rich history, there are a number of historical places to visit in the Welsh town, including Monmouth Castle.
Located just off the main shopping street in Monmouth, the castle is strategically at the crossings of the River Wye and River Monnow.
Nowadays, only ruins of the 12th century castle remain, with only external viewings taking place.
There’s also Moonow Gate and Bridge – a the only remaining medieval fortified river bridge in Britain.
The gate originally had its own portcullis and was primarily used to defend the town against invaders.
Visitors can walk over the bridge at their leisure – although cars are no longer allowed to cross.
The Welsh town also has a more recent claim to fame because it’s just a seven-minute drive from Rockfield studios where music legends Queen and Oasis have recorded tracks.
Because of its proximity to the record studios, it is likely Brits may spot a celebrity or two, especially a singer.
Monmouth also holds an annual music festival, which is free to visit.
The Welsh town is also known for its independent shops like Square Farm Shop, Fingal Rock (a wine shop) and Bees for Development (a shop that sells locally-produced honey).
Back in 2020, Monmouth was named the UK’s first Bee Town.
Nicola Bradbear, Director of Bees for Development previously said: “Monmouth is a hotspot for people with expertise in bees, ecology, botany, pollinator-friendly garden design, and beekeeping with honey bees.
“We now have a map of interesting bee sites in Monmouth, and are delighted by this unique bee profile for Monmouth.”
The town holds a bee festival where bee-derived products are sold.
Monmouth also sits within the Welsh county of Monmouthshire, which has been hailed the country’s food capital.
Every year, Abergavenny holds the largest food festival in the UK.
The next Abergavenny Food Festival will be held on September 20 and September 21.
Local producers like the Preservation Society (chutneys, syrups and preserves), Brooke’s Wye Valley Dairy Co (artisan Welsh ice creams and cheese) and the Crafty Pickle (vegan sauerkrauts and kimchis) have all previously featured at the festival.
Monmouth is a 50-minute drive from Cardiff, and it’s a 60-minute drive from Worcester.
Sun Travel's favourite towns and villages to visit in the UK
HERE are Sun Travel's favourite towns and villages to visit in the UK.
Harrogate, North Yorkshire – Hope Brotherton, Travel Reporter
FOR the last few years, my annual trip to Harrogate has been an immovable fixture in my calendar.
The Victorian spa town is the perfect place for a little bit of R&R thanks to its history of spa tourism, which is very much alive.
Head to The Harrogate Spa at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel if you’d like a pamper, which is a personal favourite of mine.
Make sure to overindulge at Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms where a glass of pink champagne and a huge scone are almost compulsory.
Harrogate is also home to the Glastonbury of Book festivals.
Taking place every July, the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, which has been affectionately nicknamed Harrogate crime writing festival, completely dominates the picturesque Yorkshire town – and I don’t think anyone would have it any other way.
As someone who’s been going to the festival for the last three years, I personally think it should be called the Glastonbury of book festivals with previous headliners including household names like Richard Osman, Lee Child, Kathy Reichs, Mark Billingham and Val McDermid.
Lavenham, Suffolk – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
ONE of my favourite villages I’ve ever visited in England is Lavenham, which is beautiful in autumn.
Said to be the best preserved medieval village in the UK, it is known for two buildings – the 600-year-old Crooked House and the De Vere House, which featured in the Harry Potter films.
Warm up at The Swan Hotel, which has its cosy Weavers Spa onsite.
Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
PERCHED atop a craggy cliff, overlooking a dinky shore, Robin Hood’s Bay seems like something from a fiction tale or a North Yorkshire postcard.
In summer, you’ll find dogs sprinting along the sands, while owners tuck into fresh crab sandwiches from the beachside hut and little ones fish for treasures in the rock pools.
I prefer the village in winter, though, when the weather takes a turn and nature comes alive with the grassy dunes dancing in the wind and moody waves thrashing on the rocks.
Aside from curling up in front of a roaring pub fire, in colder months visitors can stroll the rows of higgledy-piggledy boutiques and cafes dishing up wedges of homemade cakes piled high with buttercream.
You’ll be treading history as you meander the narrow alleyways too, as this former fishing village was once very popular with smugglers.
Contraband like gin or tea would be snuck in through the warren of interconnected houses and tunnels.
What’s more, there’s a restriction on visitor vehicles and cars are even banned from the harbour area, making it a great place for a car-free trip.
Another tiny village in the UK has been compared to a retro 1940s film set.
And an abandoned village in England only opens to tourists once a year.