Durham has been crowned the most picturesque place for homebuyers to move to in the UK, new research has found.
In the latest Home Improvement Trends Report from Rated People, findings discovered that a quarter of British homeowners (29%) say they want to move house this year to get more outside space, while a further 25% want a bigger home.
As part of their study, the team analysed Instagram hashtag data for over 500 UK towns and cities, revealing the places that Brits want to relocate to — and the results come as no surprise.
While Durham scooped first place, the Cornish surfing town of Newquay came in second place with 42 photos shared per capita. Other pretty places include Stamford in Lincolnshire, Brighton in East Sussex and beautiful Falmouth in Cornwall — famous for its deep natural harbour.
Nationwide lockdowns might have made many of us want to escape to the country, but some thriving cities also made the list including Manchester, Liverpool and Edinburgh.
"Over the last year or so, our houses have become so much more to us than simply the walls in which we live," Adrienne Minster, CEO of Rated People, says.
"Lots of us have invested in home improvements and reinvented our spaces to be better suited for working from home or to give us more room for family life and spending time with our loved ones. Plenty of others have decided to move and get to work on making a new house feel like home."
Planning a house move? Take a look at the full research below...
The UK's 20 most picturesque places to move to
1. Durham, County Durham
2. Newquay, Cornwall
3. Stamford, Lincolnshire
4. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
5. Manchester, Greater Manchester
6. Brighton, East Sussex
7. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
8. Falmouth, Cornwall
9. York, North Yorkshire
10. Warwick, Warwickshire
11. Liverpool, Merseyside
12. Oxford, Oxfordshire
13. Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
14. Edinburgh, Scotland
15. London
16. Ely, Cambridgeshire
17. Canterbury, Kent
18. Torquay, Devon
19. Margate, Kent
20. Inverness, Scotland
The best scented candles to make your home smell like heaven
Country Living Marketplace Soy Wax Candle - Awaken 180ml
This hand-poured soy wax candle is scented with a blend of rose, ylang ylang, and jasmine essential oils. The calming scent reduces stress and helps you unwind.
Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Candle
If we told you that you could calm yourself significantly after a long day just by lighting a candle, would you believe us? Aromatherapy Associate's De-Stress Candle is proof. This gorgeous candle omits a zen blend of frankincense, wild camomile and petitgrain. The effects are powerful.
Love the smell of fresh laundry? This is the candle for you. This will make your whole room smell like crisp cotton sheets. Beauty Pie members pay just £17.60 for it with the subscription service.
Fresh linen is a scent loved by all - refreshing, relaxing, and comforting. Subtle notes of powder and musk add depth, complemented by its main floral fragrance.
3 Wick Jumbo Candle - English Pear and Spices
Hand-poured right here in the UK, this stylish candle makes a lovely gift or treat for yourself. An inviting scent of English pear and spices will make you feel comforted and relaxed. Plus, a burn time of 70 hours means you'll have plenty of time to enjoy it.
Fragranced with refreshing eucalyptus and lemongrass for a rejuvenating welcome to your home. We love the pretty blue holder, which can be re-used to hold trinkets.
The White Company Wild Rhubarb Botanical Medium Candle
The White Company's range of botanical candles look as pretty as they smell with decorative fruits, herbs and woods in their bases. This rhubarb-scented candle is a gorgeous gift to give, with notes of tart rhubarb, freesia buds, plum blossom and juicy red apples.
Country Living Marketplace Bees 30cl Candle - Mandarin & Sandalwood
Handmade in Northumberland with plant wax made from rapeseed and coconut oil, this uplifting candle is sure to boost your mood. Scented with mandarin and sandalwood, this candle both smells and looks good, thanks to its bee-patterned ceramic pot.
What we love about Malin + Goetz's candle range is their unconventional approach. Rather than create standard floral fragrances, they opt for the likes of sage, otto and vetiver. Their bergamot-scented candle is our favourite to date with its citrusy, sparkling fragrance.
Country Living Marketplace Inglenook Embers - Frankincense, Amber & Cedarwood
This opulent candle has a musky, earthy and grounding scent created by a combination of frankincense, amber, and cedarwood essential oils. A brilliant choice for the colder months and the festive period.
Inspired by the spray whipped up by the North Sea, this is the perfect candle for fans of long, coastal walks. The fresh scent is refreshing and invigorating.
The fruity scents of pear and blackcurrant are just the thing for adding a burst of fragrance to your home. Bold and playful, this is a fragrance everyone will enjoy.
Know someone who just adores the scent of real roses? You'll make their day with this option from Yankee Candle. It's powerful without being overpowering.
