A dream opportunity has emerged for travel enthusiasts and content creators across the United Kingdom. Holidaycottages.co.uk has officially launched its search for the nation's first official Joy Seeker, a unique role that essentially pays someone to go on holiday for a year.
What Does The Joy Seeker Role Involve?
The successful candidate will embark on a 12-month contract, starting in February 2026, with a salary of £30,000. Crucially, all travel expenses are covered. The Joy Seeker will become the public face of the company's Happy Place campaign, tasked with visiting and documenting at least 12 self-catering properties in some of the most uplifting corners of Britain.
Their core deliverables will include capturing authentic experiences through photography, long and short-form social media content, and blog features. The aim is to inspire other travellers to discover their own feel-good breaks, from quiet coastal spots to serene countryside retreats.
Sarah Pring, digital PR manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, explained the motivation behind the campaign. "We already know where people feel happiest in the UK - thanks to more than 12,000 holidaymakers who shared their favourite destinations with us," she said. "Now we want to bring those places to life through real experiences."
Discovering The UK's Happiest Places
The itinerary is not left to chance. The Joy Seeker's travels will be guided by a substantial survey of over 12,000 guests, pinpointing the top ten happiest destinations. The role also includes visiting two fast-rising hotspots.
The list of destinations includes:
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Cumbria
- Norfolk
- North Yorkshire
- Northumberland
- Dorset
- Pembrokeshire
- Gwynedd
- Suffolk
The job promises a year of unforgettable moments, from wandering the cobbled harbours of Devon and hiking lesser-known paths in Pembrokeshire's national parks to lingering on Northumberland's vast beaches beneath historic castles.
How To Apply For The Happiest Job in the UK
The company is looking for a confident and creative storyteller with a genuine love for travel and the great outdoors. Applicants should also have proven experience in producing engaging content across various formats and a passion for celebrating local culture.
The application process involves three stages:
- Stage 1: Submit an online form with a written pitch and a video about your personal UK happy place.
- Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a call and asked to complete an additional creative task.
- Stage 3: Finalists will take a short break to produce sample property and location content.
The deadline for entries is January 20, 2026. For the right creator, this is more than a job; it's a chance to build a national portfolio, collaborate with local communities, and showcase the restorative power of Britain's diverse landscapes.
Sarah Pring summarised the offer: "This is more than just a job. It's a chance to swap your 9 to 5 for a year of creativity, adventure, and real connection to people and places across the UK."
All content created by the Joy Seeker will be published throughout 2026 across holidaycottages.co.uk's digital channels and shared with the national press.
