Although there are some stunning places for a day trip in Greater Manchester, sometimes you just can’t beat the coast. Luckily for us, iconic – yet often overlooked – seaside town Blackpool is only really down the road, and it’s been named one of the best places to visit in the UK in 2026.
The editors over at Time Out collated their list from a variety of opinions, and based on “listings of all that’s happening in Britain in 2026”, coming up with the top 14 spots that are worth having on your list for when you fancy a little change of scenery this year.
Blackpool named one of the best places to visit in 2026
Although “for a long while, Blackpool was the case-in-point in the decline of the British seaside resort town”, the coastal spot seems to be on the up-and-up, with plenty of jewels to boast about. With Blackpool’s iconic Pleasure Beach Resort turning 130 this year, the tallest rollercoaster ride of its kind in Britain, ‘colossal’ new swing Aviktas, is set to open, and a new Alice in Wonderland themed ice show is on the way – making Blackpool a real hotspot for families and thrill-seekers alike.
The UK’s first ever circus museum, and a hotel that was crowned the best in all of Europe, both call Blackpool home, meaning the town remains one of the most popular domestic holiday destinations in the UK – partly down to its historic prowess, and partly its appetite for change.
Time Out suggests making a note of the following free events to get the most out of Blackpool in 2026:
- Blackpool Pride (June 5-7)
- Blackpool Air Show (August 8-9)
- The Illuminations (from September 4)
- The World Fireworks Championships (October)
- Christmas By The Sea (November to January)
Other UK spots named best to visit in 2026
The list is a surprising one, and a fair few mentions got us thinking. The likes of Portmeirion snagged a place in the list, thanks to its whimsical energy and TV and film history, Caithness for its rugged beauty and opportunity to see the Northern Lights, and even Birmingham and Derby, for their culture, raves and food scene, whilst both being within a short drive from stunning nature.
Our very own Stockport also made the list, thanks to its ‘cool’ status, independent culture and unique history – see The Hat Works and Stockport Air Raid Shelters. The annual Stock Party is also back this June, bringing together locals and visitors alike to see what Stockport’s all about.
The best places in the UK to visit in 2026
- Stirling, Scotland
- Hastings and St Leonards, East Sussex
- Stockport, Greater Manchester
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Cirencester, Gloucestershire
- Caithness, Scotland
- Derby, Derbyshire
- Anglesey, North Wales
- Birmingham, West Midlands
- Sunderland, County Durham
- Strand, London
- Blackpool, Lancashire
- Omagh, Northern Ireland
- Portmeirion, North Wales
You can see the full article of best places to visit in the UK in 2026 here.