A stunning UK destination loved by both tourists and locals has been named as the ‘happiest place in the world’. Outshining locations such as Australia’s Gold Coast and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, the Lake District took the top spot.
When going on a holiday, whether within the UK or overseas, taking pictures of your adventure is a must. After examining thousands of these joy-filled holiday photos shared on Instagram, travel insurance experts at InsureandGo unveiled which holiday hotspots house the most cheerful tourists. And this popular holiday spot, known for its tranquil waters and natural beauty, was found to be the winner.
The researchers examined 100 popular global holiday destinations, gathering a sample of photos from famous tourist attractions within each location. They then used facial recognition technology to analyse the expressions of visitors, assigning each an average ‘smile score’.
The Lake District ranked as the number one happiest holiday hotspot globally, followed by Lofoten in Norway and Queenstown in New Zealand. Cumbria’s National Park topped the leaderboard with an impressive smile score of 88.4 out of 100, with the majority of its photos showing visitors grinning and enjoying their trip to the region, reports Devon Live.
Being home to England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, and boasting countless picturesque villages and breathtaking views, there’s plenty to smile about. It appears that not even the notorious British weather can deter visitors from beaming for the camera.
Scafell Pike may be a renowned attraction in this region, but there are plenty of other sights and activities that visitors can’t stop raving about. Wastwater, the deepest lake within the national park and the entirety of England, is a sight not to be missed.
Stretching over three miles long and plunging 260 feet deep, the lake is nestled amongst towering mountains, providing the perfect backdrop for some truly stunning photographs.
The Lake District also boasts some of the darkest skies in the UK, making it a prime spot for stargazing once night descends. One of the top locations for this is Ennerdale, a secluded valley in the North West of the Lake District, known for its untouched wilderness feel and some of the darkest skies in Cumbria.
Of course, no trip to the lakes would be complete without taking part in some water-based fun. With over 16 lakes scattered across the region and a stretch of coastline, you can hire boats, canoes, go swimming or even try your hand at windsurfing and paddleboarding.
There’s certainly no lack of accommodation options in the Lake District either. For instance, the quaint market town of Keswick offers plenty of attractions for visitors, from shops and eateries to attractions such as the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery.
Here, you can also arrange boating trips around Lake Derwentwater, and with numerous bike hire shops available, it’s the ideal location for a scenic ride.