Planning a UK holiday in 2026? From dramatic coastlines and historic cities to national parks and lesser-known gems, there are plenty of inspiring destinations to explore without leaving Britain. With staycations continuing to appeal to travellers looking for great value, shorter journeys and memorable experiences, the country’s best places to visit offer something for every type of trip.
To help you decide where to go next, we asked tourism experts from England’s nine most-visited counties, along with specialists from some of the UK’s most popular holiday regions, to share their top recommendations. Whether you’re eager for a jam-packed weekend city break, a family-friendly getaway or an exciting outdoor adventure, these expert picks highlight the top locations you must have on your list this year, with no airport EES queues in sight.
Greater London
Simon McCaugherty, director of experience economy at London and Partners
There will be new attractions to try. You can learn about the city’s history at the London Museum, opening late this year. It’s being built in the Smithfield area, which served as a Roman cemetery, a mediaeval livestock market and as inspiration for Charles Dickens.
Opening in Clerkenwell in May, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration celebrates the artist behind the illustrations in Roald Dahl’s books, among other beloved titles.
Cornwall
Lindsey Skinner, director of Cornwall Association of Tourist Attractions and head of marketing at National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Think of Cornwall and sandy shores spring to mind. But I plan to head inland more often this year. Wild moorland rich in heritage can be found at Penwith, for example, home to Mên-an-Tol, Bronze Age standing stones.
As for visitor attractions, Geevor Tin Mine, west of Penzance, offers a poignant glimpse into working underground. At our museum in Falmouth, meanwhile, there’s an ongoing exhibition on surfing in Cornwall, which features art by Damien Hirst.
Devon
Sally Everton, general manager at Visit Devon
One of my favourite areas is the Jurassic Coast in East Devon for its striking red cliffs, fossil-rich beaches and picturesque villages.
Further south, the English Riviera includes Torquay, birthplace of Agatha Christie. It’s 50 years since her death, so the town’s events are ideal for celebrating her achievements.
The Spring Gathering on 11 April has talks from crime fiction authors, and will introduce the Agatha Christie Mile app that illuminates her early life. The Agatha Christie Festival runs from 12 to 20 September with film, theatre and talks on the programme.
North Yorkshire
Tony Watson, head of tourism, Visit North Yorkshire
I’ll be celebrating Scarborough’s 400th anniversary year. I’ll enjoy time out in its South Cliff Gardens among the wooded trails. The sea watching station on Marine Drive, which had more than 350 sightings of dolphins and porpoises last year, is another must.
The Open Air Theatre hosts live music, such as Paul Weller and The Streets. On the South Bay seafront, the Victorian Scarborough Spa has comedy, music and an annual sci-fi event.
Cumbria
Janie Oates, content executive, Cumbria Tourism
I’ll try the Solway Coaster cycle route from Silloth to Allonby village, where there are sand dunes and shingle beaches. I’ll pass through Mawbray Banks Nature Reserve and finish with an ice cream from Twentymans.
A foodie tour is also in order, including Silecroft Beach Café, with views of the fells and The Edge in Whitehaven for harbourside drinks.
Lancashire
Vikki Harris, marketing and partnerships director, Marketing Lancashire
The Morecambe Bay coastline between Half Moon Bay and the ruins of St Patrick’s Chapel in Heysham takes you along cliffside paths, through sand dunes and to graves featured on The Best of Black Sabbath album cover.
At the Winter Gardens, you can immerse yourself in the town’s history, then grab Morecambe Bay Chowder at the company’s solar-panelled bike cart before an ice cream from Brucciani’s.
Dorset
Sally King, Dorset National Landscape visitor tourism and access manager
Dorset has some of Britain’s most spectacular hill forts – Iron Age relics that once served as settlements and now crown some of the county’s most breathtaking landscapes. I love to climb Hambledon Hill to take in sweeping views across three counties, and Eggardon Hill for dramatic panoramas across the Jurassic Coast.
Norfolk
Mel March, senior PR and marketing manager, VisitNorwich
Norwich is in the Broads National Park so we get the best of both city and countryside.
I recommend hiring a kayak from Pub and Paddle and going down the River Wensum, with views of the distant Norwich Cathedral’s spire, and under ancient bridges, like Bishop Bridge. To relax afterwards, I suggest The Lions’ Den for a wood-fired sauna.
Greater Manchester
Victoria Braddock, managing director at Marketing Manchester
Salford started what we know today as the modern weekend in 1843, and I’m excited to see the return of the We Invented the Weekend festival this June. It will have live music, family fun, sports and wellness. It’ll be extra special as Salford – once home to LS Lowry – is marking its 100th anniversary as a city. I’m also delighted by the growth of Northern Roots in Oldham – the urban farm will open a visitor centre in the summer.
South-east Wales
Kim Colebrook, co-ordinator for Visit Southern Wales
Southern Wales is filled with castles. My favourite, White Castle, is near Abergavenny, known for its market and food festival.
White Castle can be combined with Skenfrith and Grosmont castles as a 20-mile circular walk or paired with a tasting at White Castle Vineyard.
Highlands, Scotland
Phil Scott, managing director of Links House at Royal Dornoch on the North Coast 500
The Traitors is filmed at Ardross Castle, but similarly grand is Dunrobin Castle (30 miles north) where gardens unfurl towards the sea and birds of prey swirl overhead.
Each season brings fresh wonders to the Highlands. In spring, wild garlic carpets the banks of Golspie Big Burn, at the foot of the walk to the Duke of Sutherland’s monument while summer coats Camore Woods, just outside Dornoch, in berries.
Road trips are great for taking in the Highlands’ epic scenery. For a quiet drive on the NC500, I suggest heading inland past Loch Shin before emerging near Kylesku, a fishing hamlet on the west coast.
Causeway Coast and Glens, Northern Ireland
Judith Cassidy, Tourism Ireland’s acting head of Great Britain
I’ll be visiting the Giant’s Causeway this year as the World Heritage Site celebrates 40 years since its Unesco designation.
There are more than 40,000 rocky columns perched on the edge of the Irish Sea, and a fantastic visitor centre full of gifts from local craftspeople.
Nearby, I’ll take a walk on Whiterocks Beach by Royal Portrush Golf Club, as the golden sand and bracing wind are perfect for brushing off the cobwebs at any time of year.
