The UK's happiest city to live in is revealed - is your area on the list?

The UK's "happiest" place to live has been named - and it's not in England or Wales.

Inverness, in Scotland, has taken to top spot of the cheeriest place to live in the UK, beating Cambridge and Oxford to first place.

Preston in Lancashire came in second place on the list, compiled by travel gurus at hospitality agency Accor.

According to the travel experts, the new social media craze of "soft living" is driving the trend. With over 32.8 million views on TikTok for the #softlife hashtag, this newfound desire for an easy-going lifestyle is capturing hearts.

As a result, the travel experts conducted research to reveal the 10 happiest cities in the UK for soft living. They analysed data from the Office for National Statistics' (ONS) personal well-being survey over the past five years.

Inverness, the largest city and cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, came out on top with a "happiness score" of 7.83 out of 10. It beat destinations such as Preston, offering a slower pace of life but still boasting plenty of attractions.

Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is a treasure trove of Scottish history and culture, boasting attractions such as the historic Inverness Castle and the awe-inspiring Inverness Cathedral. The castle, which has seen a succession of fortifications since 1057, stands as a testament to Scotland's storied past, while the cathedral holds the distinction of being the UK's northernmost Anglican cathedral.

The city's vibrant food scene is another draw, with an array of dining options ranging from the Michelin-recognised Rocpool to local hotspots like The Mustard Seed Restaurant and River House. Whether you're in the mood for fine dining or cosy cafes, Inverness caters to all palates, reports the Daily