Two Scots entries in UK list of '˜happiest places'

New research also revealed that the Highlands is the third most popular UK holiday destination, behind Cornwall and the Lake District.

The study also found that one in four Britons are of the opinion that there is ‘no place like home’ when it comes to booking holidays.

Out of 1,500 people polled, nearly two-thirds said that some of their happiest childhood memories involved holidays in Britain - or ‘staycations’ - and nearly 60 per cent admitted that they were trying to give their children a similar experience.

The top five ‘happy place’ experiences in the UK were:

1. Eating a pub lunch in the Cotswolds

2. Hiking in the Lake District

3. Eating an ice cream on Brighton Beach

4. Enjoying fish and chips at Padstow Harbour

5. Admiring the white sandy beaches of the Hebrides

Hunting for the elusive Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie, came in at number 17 on the list.

A spokesperson for the Serviced Apartment Company (SACO), which carried out the research, said: “Britain really does have it all – whether that’s food and drink, leisure, accommodation and entertainment, or the great outdoors and sprawling beaches.

“In terms of culture, history and picturesque scenery, many popular European resorts could not compete.

“There’s no better time to visit a memorable location that makes you feel happy and content. Many parents are choosing to relive their childhood memories by visiting places of interest with their own children.”

Further findings from the research included 24 per cent of respondents claiming that you haven’t experienced a true British holiday until you have been caught in torrential rain.

The rest of the top 10 ‘happy place’ experiences were walking in the Peak District, enjoying a cream tea in the Isles of Scilly, eating a pasty in St Ives, visiting the Roman Baths in Bath and an open-top bus ride in London.