For those living near airports or under busy flight paths, aircraft noise can be a seriously unwelcome disturbance.

Yet some areas in the UK are affected more severely than others, with takeoffs and landings interrupting everything from afternoons spent in the garden to futile attempts at sleep.

But where are you most likely to find yourself reaching for a pair of earmuffs? 

Research has revealed which UK locations experience the highest levels of aircraft noise, with offending hubs including spots in London, the north of England, Scotland and beyond.

The study, from wellness firm Nature’s Best, highlights where residents may be most exposed to the sounds of flights overhead when trying to get a good night’s rest.

Luton tops the ranking for the highest level of nighttime aircraft noise with 51 decibels (dB).

Luton Airport operates 24 hours a day and allows night flights, which could help explain why the town records a particularly high level of nighttime aircraft noise.

Leeds ranks second at 46 dB; Leeds Bradford Airport sits relatively close to several residential areas, including Yeadon, Horsforth and Rawdon, while also being around eight miles from Leeds city centre - thus affecting the major UK city.

Despite the name of the hub, Bradford itself is actually less badly affected than neighbouring areas, suffering only 34 dB. 

Meanwhile, London ranks third at 38 dB. With several major airports serving the capital and surrounding area, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City, residents can be exposed to a complex network of flight paths.

However, it must be noted that some of the largest airports are subject to specific night-flight restrictions.

Further down the ranking, Southampton records 36 dB, while Reading, Liverpool and Glasgow hover around the 35 dB mark. 

Liverpool John Lennon Airport also operates across a 24-hour period, with specific measures in place to manage noise from nighttime flights.

Rounding out the top ten are Bournemouth, Aberdeen and Bradford.