UK holiday spot 'happier than Barcelona and New York' with 'no end of picturesque villages

The Lake District has been crowned the happiest holiday destination in the world, according to a new study.

Despite the unpredictable British weather, it seems the breathtaking views and charming villages of Cumbria's National Park are enough to keep visitors smiling.

Insureandgo used facial recognition technology to analyse thousands of Instagram photos from 100 popular global holiday destinations, assigning each an average 'smile score'.

The Lake District topped the list with a score of 88.4 out of 100, beating the stunning scenery of Lofoten in Norway and New Zealand's Queenstown. Scotland's Isle of Skye also made the top 10 with a 'smile score' of 79.1, reports the Mirror.

Lofoten, Norway, a hidden jewel of dramatic mountains and untouched villages, has outshined familiar favourites like Barcelona and New York City by bringing more smiles to travellers' faces.

Boasting an impressive smile score of 85.2, it seems this Norwegian beauty spot ought to climb the travel wish lists. Hot on its heels is Queenstown, New Zealand, in a respectable third place with a smile score of 84.2.

Its irresistible cocktail of stunning landscapes, Lord of the Rings allure, celebrated vineyards, and thrill-seeking opportunities make it an unforgettable destination for any traveller.

Further down the list at seventh is Scotlands Isle of Skye, famed for its awe-inspiring views and epic treks; Palawan in the Philippines, with snorkellers delighting in its translucent waters; and Lisbon, Portugal's gem as visitors wander its beautiful tiled streets.

InsureandGo's Russell Wallace remarks on the role of social media in travel: "Social media platforms like Instagram are a fantastic way to not only share your adventures with friends and family, but also find inspiration for your next travel destination. And with the people who surround you while travelling able to make or break your experience, we were incredibly keen to find out if certain tourist hotspots are filled with more grinning tourists than others."