Scottish city named as UK's best place to visit in 2026 – and it's not Edinburgh
The UK's best place to visit in 2026 has been named as a popular destination in Scotland, with rich heritage and exciting new attractions.
The top destination to visit in the UK has been revealed as an historic location in Scotland - and isn't the firm favourite, Edinburgh.
Britain boasts a remarkable array of picturesque spots scattered across its length and breadth, with the sheer variety of attractions on offer truly breathtaking.
From the tranquil glacial lakes and fells of the beloved Lake District, to the soaring peaks of Eryri/Snowdonia in Wales, the historic Mourne Wall in Northern Ireland, the gently rolling countryside, charming coastal towns, and delightful villages throughout the nation - there is something for everyone.
There is simply 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 prove rather challenging.
With this in mind, Time Out has published a guide to "the best places to go in the UK in 2026" - and it is a Scottish destination that has claimed the coveted top position.
So, where exactly is it? The iconic city of Stirling, naturally.
Situated in central Scotland, it's a captivating and scenic location renowned for its extraordinary heritage.
Surrounded by sweeping expanses of fertile farmland, it boasts a medieval old town alongside the magnificent architectural treasure of Stirling Castle, perched dramatically atop a rugged volcanic rock.
The city's Old Bridge and port are deeply intertwined with its storied past, while further historic landmarks including the National Wallace Monument, a 19th-century tower crowning Abbey Craig, and Stirling Old Town Jail offer fascinating glimpses into the city's long and colourful past.
History enthusiasts will truly be in their element, particularly those who opt to take part in the Bannockburn Experience which, according to Your Stirling, employs "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 is plenty more to explore in Stirling. The city is celebrated for being compact and easy to navigate on foot, and is frequently dubbed the "Heart of Scotland".
Regarding a visit 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 draw attention to another 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 was not the only Scottish destination to feature in the roundup, however. Other entries on the list include, perhaps predictably, Edinburgh, which secured fourth place, and Caithness - situated at the very northern tip of mainland Scotland - in sixth position.
