Nick Babb

2:00pm - 6:00pm

Email the studio

Harry Styles

American Girls

Listen Live Podcasts

Skipton's happiest town recognition sparks surge in housing enquiries

Tuesday, 23 December 2025 09:30

Clifford Gardens

Bellway Homes has reported a significant increase in enquiries at its Skipton development following national recognition of the town as the UK’s happiest place to live.

The Yorkshire division of the housebuilder says interest has risen sharply at its Clifford Gardens development on Carleton Road since the Rightmove survey highlighted Skipton’s appeal.

The development is being built on a 16.5-acre site on the edge of the town and includes a range of house types aimed at both local buyers and those moving into the area.

Melanie Smith, sales director for Bellway Yorkshire, said the recent survey result had a noticeable impact on demand.

She said:

“Clifford Gardens has always held a big appeal to buyers, but it has been astonishing to see the rapid rise in enquiries on the back of the Rightmove poll that places Skipton as the UK’s happiest place to live.

"Hopefully, some of these enquiries will lead to sales in the new year.”

Bellway reports that almost 60 per cent of the 188 homes planned for the development have already been sold, with more than 40 per cent now occupied.

The Rightmove poll placed Skipton at the top of its list, with Harrogate the only other Yorkshire location to feature in the top ten, alongside towns such as Richmond upon Thames, Stirling, Cirencester and Hexham.

More from Local news

Yarndale announces winner of 2026 Start Up Bursary

Yarndale has announced the recipient of its 2026 Start Up Bursary ahead of the popular yarn festival's return to Skipton next month.
Polling station changes proposed in Skipton

Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith is encouraging residents to have their say on proposed changes to polling arrangements across North Yorkshire.
Silsden hair and beauty business celebrates expansion

A Silsden hair and beauty business has expanded into new premises following the transformation of a building opposite its original salon.
Strong A Level performance celebrated by county’s schools

Students across North Yorkshire are celebrating after receiving their A Level, BTEC and T Level results today (Thursday).
Main section of A59 Kex Gill route set to open 'within weeks'

The main section of the new A59 Kex Gill route between Harrogate and Skipton is set to open within weeks.
Successful launch for Craven Court's new independent bookshop

A new independent bookshop has celebrated a successful first week in Skipton town centre.
Free family music workshops coming to Skipton this weekend

Families are being invited to take part in a series of free music workshops in Skipton this weekend.
Skipton streets targeted in £27,500 chewing gum clean-up

Busy areas of Skipton are set to receive a chewing gum clean-up after North Yorkshire Council secured £27,500 in new funding.
Police invite residents' views on Skipton Bus Station

Police are inviting residents to have their say on anti-social behaviour at Skipton Bus Station.
Rise in number of children in care contributes to Council's £10m overspend forecast

Costs due to a rise in the number of children in care has contributed to North Yorkshire Council forecasting a £10m overspend for the financial year.
Skipton coffee company celebrates top Great Taste award

Skipton-based Coffee Care is celebrating after receiving a coveted three-star Great Taste award for the third time.
Teenagers sentenced after terrifying knife-point robbery in Skipton

Two Keighley teenagers have been handed suspended prison sentences after luring a classmate to a Skipton park before threatening him with a knife, beating him and stealing more than £800.
North Yorkshire schools set for £6.8m improvement programme

School buildings across North Yorkshire could benefit from a £6.8 million programme of improvements as the council looks to tackle a growing backlog of repairs.
Skipton Business Awards finalists revealed after more than 1,200 nominations

Skipton BID has announced this year's Business Awards finalists after more than 1,200 nominations.
Yorkshire children invited to nominate their parents to be 'slimed' on CBBC

Children across Yorkshire are being invited to nominate an adult in their life to be covered in slime live on CBBC.
Fresh calls for school transport changes to be abandoned amid claim council is ignoring own policy

North Yorkshire Council is facing fresh calls to abandon its controversial new home-to-school policy after it emerged that the authority was not following its own rules on how to assess eligibility.
Funding agreed to progress work on Skipton leisure hub redevelopments

North Yorkshire Council has approved the release of £360,000 to progress plans redevelop two leisure centres.
Community rallies to help elderly driver find 'missing' car in Skipton

The Skipton community has been thanked for rallying together to help an elderly driver find his car after he forgot where he had parked it.
Dales Dazzler trail running event returns to Skipton

Runners are set to take on some of the Yorkshire Dales’ most scenic trails when the Punk Panther Dales Dazzler returns to Skipton later this month.
Everything you need to know about Skipton Pride this weekend

Skipton Pride returns tomorrow (Saturday 8th August) for a day of live music, drag performances and family-friendly entertainment.