A recent insightful survey has unveiled a captivating trend among Britons: a profound yearning to escape the mundane realities of everyday life and bills by relocating to the idyllic, fictional settings of their favourite television shows. Topping this list of dream destinations, with a significant one in five respondents expressing a desire to move there, is the sun-soaked Summer Bay from the enduring Australian soap opera “Home and Away.” This research, conducted by Compare My Move, polled 2,000 Brits, offering a unique window into the public’s aspirations for a life less ordinary, often found within the comforting confines of televised narratives.
The allure of Summer Bay is multifaceted and deeply resonant. For many, it represents the quintessential escape: an endless summer of pristine beaches, a laid-back lifestyle, and a tight-knit community where personal dramas unfold against a stunning natural backdrop, seemingly untouched by the drudgery of urban living or financial pressures. The consistent portrayal of a vibrant, active outdoor life, punctuated by surfing, swimming, and beach barbecues, contrasts sharply with the often grey and demanding realities of British life, making the prospect of relocating to this fictional paradise incredibly appealing. The sheer escapism offered by the perpetual sunshine and clear waters provides a powerful antidote to the anxieties of modern existence, transforming a TV setting into a genuine, albeit unattainable, dream home.
While Summer Bay captured the top spot, the survey revealed a diverse palette of dream locales. Securing the second position was the picturesque Emmerdale village, the heart of the rural Yorkshire-based farming soap, attracting 14% of the vote. The appeal of Emmerdale speaks to a different kind of longing—one for community, simplicity, and the tranquil beauty of the British countryside. Respondents envisioning a move to Emmerdale likely seek the warmth of close-knit village life, the rhythms of a traditional rural existence, and the scenic solace of rolling green hills, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of city living. This choice highlights a desire for rootedness and a return to perceived simpler times, where communal bonds and natural beauty take precedence over the complexities of contemporary society.
The third most coveted destination, attracting 12% of those surveyed, was another Australian favourite: Erinsborough, the familiar suburban setting of “Neighbours.” Like Summer Bay, Erinsborough offers a glimpse into a sunnier, seemingly less complicated world, albeit one centred around cul-de-sacs and local cafes rather than beaches. Its enduring popularity underscores a collective fondness for the familiar, optimistic, and often dramatic yet ultimately comforting narratives of Australian suburbia, serving as a powerful emblem of escape from the everyday.
Beyond these top three, the survey further illuminated the breadth of TV’s imaginative pull. Aidensfield, the charming, albeit fictional, setting for the classic daytime soap “Heartbeat,” claimed the fourth position. This choice evokes a nostalgic yearning for a bygone era, reflecting a desire for the perceived innocence and slower pace of mid-20th-century rural England, complete with its unique blend of community, quirky characters, and crime-solving. Rounding out the top five, with a notable 10% of the vote, was Springfield, the iconic, perpetually chaotic hometown of the animated heroes “The Simpsons.” Springfield’s inclusion showcases the universal appeal of humour, family dynamics, and the enduring charm of a world where absurdity often triumphs over reality, offering a different form of comedic escapism.
Dave Sayce, co-founder of Compare My Move, provided insightful commentary on these fascinating findings, underscoring the profound influence television wields in shaping our collective imagination of the “perfect place to live.” He observed the distinct preferences among respondents: while a significant portion gravitates towards the aspirational, sun-drenched beach escapes like Summer Bay, an equally compelling number are drawn to the comforting embrace of community spirit found within rural dramas such as “Emmerdale” or the familiar suburban warmth of “Neighbours.” Sayce articulated that the survey unequivocally demonstrates that escapism is not merely alive but thriving, functioning as a vital coping mechanism in a world often burdened by routine and financial anxieties. People are not just dreaming; they are actively envisioning places that harmoniously combine aesthetic beauty, engaging narrative drama, and, critically, a profound sense of belonging. The results serve as a powerful testament to the human desire for an idyllic refuge, a place where the boundaries between fictional paradise and real-world longing blur, allowing for the temporary, yet deeply felt, immersion into a televised perfection that promises a brighter, more fulfilling existence away from the pressures of daily life. The diverse appeal of these fictional locations—from coastal utopias to quaint villages and even animated cities—highlights a universal human need to envision and aspire to a life that transcends the ordinary, demonstrating the powerful role of popular culture in shaping our deepest desires for home and happiness.
