A city in Scotland has been crowned the UK’s top travel destination for 2026, claiming first place ahead of Edinburgh in a comprehensive guide to Britain’s best places to visit
A quaint, historic city has been named as the top destination to visit in the UK this year (stock image)(Image: Jose Miguel Sanchez via Getty Images)
The best destination in the UK has been named as an historic gem in Scotland – and no, it’s not the ever-popular Edinburgh.
Britain is home to a remarkable collection of stunning locations, with an incredible variety of sights to discover. From the tranquil glacial lakes and fells of the beloved Lake District, to the soaring peaks of Eryri/Snowdonia in Wales, the iconic Mourne Wall in Northern Ireland, not to mention the gently rolling countryside, charming coastal towns, and picturesque villages scattered across the nation – there truly is something for everyone.
There’s no shortage of things to see and do across the UK – so much so, in fact, that deciding where to head for a “staycation” or day trip can feel like quite the challenge.
With this in mind, Time Out has put together a guide to “the best places to go in the UK in 2026” – and it’s a Scottish city that has taken the coveted top spot.
So, where exactly is it? The city of Stirling, naturally.
Nestled in central Scotland, it’s a captivating and scenic destination renowned for its rich and storied past.
Surrounded by sweeping expanses of rich farmland, the city boasts a medieval old town and the breathtaking architectural prize Stirling Castle, perched atop a rugged volcanic rock.
Stirling’s Old Bridge and port further add to its fascinating heritage, while other notable landmarks include the National Wallace Monument – a 19th-century tower crowning the summit of Abbey Craig – and Stirling Old Town Jail, offering yet another compelling glimpse into the city’s long and varied past.
History enthusiasts will be in their element, particularly those who opt for the Bannockburn Experience which, according to Your Stirling, uses “cutting-edge technology” to bring “the 14th century battle to life for 21st century audiences”.
Visitors can “see the actual battlefield where it all happened more than 700 years ago”.
There’s a great deal more to explore in Stirling. The city is well known for being compact and easy to navigate on foot, and is frequently dubbed the “Heart of Scotland”.
On visiting this year specifically, Time Out noted: “For those partial to a tipple, Stirling Distillery (the city’s first ever distillery) will release its first batch of Stirling whisky in late 2026, and independent venues will celebrate Stirling Cocktail Week with serious food and drinks deals all over the city.”
This year also marked the grand finale of the city’s 900th anniversary celebrations, which had been “ongoing since 2024” but came to an end with a Culture Night of music, dance, comedy and more at Stirling Castle.
Time Out was equally eager to flag another compelling reason to visit Stirling: “The launch of an affordable direct train service from London that will make the city cheaper, easier and more accessible to get to than ever.
Stirling wasn’t the only Scottish destination to feature in the round-up, however. Other entries on the list include, perhaps unsurprisingly, Edinburgh in fourth place, and Caithness – situated at the very northern tip of mainland Scotland – which came in sixth place.
