BRIGHTON beach has been named one of the country’s happiest places.

Almost a fifth of Brits said they were at their absolute happiest eating an ice cream on Brighton beach, according to a new study.

Research looked into locations in the UK which made us feel “happy” when we visit them.

Those who answered Brighton beach in a survey of popular places made it the third most popular survey answer behind a pub lunch in the Cotswolds and walking in the Lake District.

Ben Harper, from Serviced Apartment Company, which carried out the study, said: “Brighton really does have it all, whether that’s food and drink, leisure, accommodation and entertainment, or the great outdoors and its sprawling beaches.

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

Brighton was the most popular British seaside destination on the list of 30 happy places. Below Brighton was Padstow in Cornwall, which was chosen by 17 per cent as their favourite place and the sandy beaches of the Hebrides with 17 per cent. St Ives, also Cornwall, scored 15 per cent, Blackpool Sands had seven per cent and Fistral beach had five per cent of the vote.

Brighton was found to be a favourite destination among women in particular, with 23 per cent of those surveyed picking it as one of their happy places, compared to 14 per cent of men.

It also seems popular with 16 to 24-year-olds, with more than one in five, the highest number for any age category, enjoying a trip to Brighton for their holidays this year.

More than one in ten people from Brighton said it was their favourite holiday location, which suggests how much people love living in the seaside city.

More than half (58 per cent) in the 1,500 survey, said that fish and chips are a must on holiday.

Mr Harper added: “There’s no better time to visit a memorable location like Brighton that makes you feel happy and content. Parents choose to relive their childhood memories by visiting places of interest with their children and it seems according to our research Brighton is one of them.”