Best Places in the UK for a Holiday in 2026

A village in Northumberland has surprised everyone by making it to the list.

The best places in the UK for a holiday in 2026 have been announced, with St Ives in Cornwall at the top and Bamburgh in Northumberland coming second.

A survey of 2,000 adults showed that Bourton-on-the-Water and Salcombe are now more popular, and other coastal areas have also changed in the rankings. Brighton is now sixth, ahead of Lyme Regis, which was fifth last year and is now seventh.

The study found that 38% of people plan to take their main holiday in the UK this year, and for Gen Z, this number is 53%. This is more than last year, when 34% of adults and 45% of Gen Z said they would holiday in the UK.

Brighton has moved up the list to sixth place.

James Shaw said, 'UK holidays are still very popular because they offer what people want when planning a trip, especially during uncertain times for travel abroad.'

More people are choosing to stay in the UK for their holidays, looking for value, flexibility, and reassurance.

This year, younger travellers are having a bigger influence, with more people choosing UK holidays that include experiences like scenery, food, culture, and visiting multiple places.

The UK has a wide range of holiday experiences, from seaside towns to national parks and countryside retreats, which is reflected in the variety of destinations in the rankings.

The study showed that 64% of people are planning or have thought about a road trip to multiple destinations, with an average of three stops. Coastal spots are the most popular, followed by rural areas and national parks. People like to visit places with good reviews and memories.

When choosing where to go, 48% of people consider tourist attractions, 38% think about places they have fond memories of, and 35% look at reviews and ratings.

Ambleside in the Lake District is in the top three.

For 48% of people planning a UK break, it's about having time to relax and switch off.

The study found that 14% of people have been influenced by a film or TV show, with Peaky Blinders being the most influential after its film release this year.

Places like Northern Ireland, where Game of Thrones was filmed, and Northumberland, where Jurassic World was filmed, are also popular.

James Shaw added, 'Holidays are a key time for people to spend quality time together and switch off, even when budgets are tight.'

The research shows that UK travel is appealing because it offers convenience and variety, whether it's a coastal escape, a countryside road trip, or visiting places that hold personal memories.

More travellers are now taking flexible, multi-stop breaks, wanting to experience more of what the UK has to offer in one trip.

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