As summer 2025 winds down, our brand new data ranking reveals exactly where Brits felt happiest on their holidays. The results are a magical mix of iconic cities, the beloved theme parks we know and love - including Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Universal Orlando Resort, and some very joyful surprises right here in the UK.
The British Happy Holidays Index: What Is It?
Our internal travel and data experts right here at AttractionTickets.com analysed six unique data points to find out where the most happy memories were made this summer. Destinations were scored on everything from sunshine hours and online ratings to the number of glowing reviews using words like “happy”, “perfect”, and “magic”. Combined with search trends, the final score revealed which places Brits couldn’t stop smiling about this summer.
The Top 20 Happiest Holiday Destinations
Leading the pack was none other than the Eiffel Tower in Paris, defying the much-discussed “Paris Syndrome” and earning near-perfect scores for sentiment and search volume. Not far behind was a trio of American theme park legends: Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Orlando Resort.
The Top 20 Ranked:
Rank | Destination | Score out of 30 |
|---|---|---|
1 | Eiffel Tower (Paris) | 27.65 |
2 | Walt Disney World Resort (Florida, USA) | 27.55 |
=3 | Universal Studios Hollywood (California, USA) | 27.5 |
=3 | Universal Orlando Resort (Florida, USA) | 27.5 |
5 | Disneyland Paris (France) | 27.25 |
=6 | Discovery Cove (Orlando) | 26.75 |
=6 | Warner Bros. Studio Tour (London) | 26.75 |
8 | Top of the Rock (New York) | 26.7 |
9 | Peppa Pig World (Hampshire) | 26.6 |
10 | Center Parcs – Longleat Forest (Wiltshire) | 26.45 |
11 | Tivoli Gardens (Copenhagen, Denmark) | 26.4 |
12 | Alton Towers (Staffordshire) | 26.1 |
13 | Butlin’s – Bognor Regis (West Sussex) | 26 |
14 | Butlin’s – Skegness (Lincolnshire) | 25.95 |
15 | Niagara Falls (USA/Canada) | 25.8 |
16 | Central Park (New York) | 25.75 |
17 | Legoland Windsor (Berkshire) | 25.65 |
18 | Natural History Museum (London) | 25.6 |
=19 | Marmaris Bay Resort (Turkey) | 25.55 |
=19 | Longleat Safari Park (Wiltshire) | 25.55 |
20 | Times Square (New York) | 25.5 |
Key Takeaways from the Index
- Paris stole the show: The Eiffel Tower earned top marks thanks to glowing reviews and sky-high search interest.
- Florida thrills reign supreme: Walt Disney World and Universal’s two parks proved the magic of sunshine and roller coasters never fades.
- Homegrown happiness: Nearly half the list featured UK locations, showing the lasting appeal of domestic holidays.
- Family fun wins big: Places like Peppa Pig World and Alton Towers outscored major global landmarks.
- Weather isn’t everything: Indoor attractions like the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and The Natural History Museum ranked high, proving unforgettable experiences can happen rain or shine.
Why Are These Places So Joyful?
Oliver Brendon, CEO of AttractionTickets.com, explains: "This index shows that happiness on holiday comes from a combination of factors. While sunshine plays a role, it's the emotional resonance of places that truly makes them unforgettable. Destinations like Walt Disney World Resort have that magic formula of excitement and bucket-list appeal."
Plan Your Happiest Holiday Yet
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Whether you're dreaming of theme parks in Orlando, magical moments in Paris, or unforgettable days out in the UK, we’ve got your perfect getaway covered.
