How to Book a UK Holiday on a Budget
Saving money doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on a great holiday and our guide on how...
by Rob Hayes / Travel Tips
Looking to get ahead of the curve by visiting destinations before they’re popular? Then you’re in luck, as highlighted in our most recent Staycation Index, we’ve collated all the best towns and villages to visit in the UK for 2026!
Based on booking data from the past year, this list brings together the most popular UK towns and villages, based on locations with the biggest year-on-year growth. So, if you’re trying to find somewhere new for your next staycation and want a bit of inspiration, then you’ve come to the right place!
Keep scrolling to uncover the best UK towns and villages to visit this year…
Taking the top spot on our guide to the best UK towns and villages is Brixham. Sitting at the southern tip of Torbay, Brixham is a lively harbour town that has quietly grown in popularity over recent years. With a 62% increase in year-over-year bookings, it’s quickly becoming a favourite of our customers!
Known for its working fishing port and strong maritime heritage, it offers a more traditional and laid-back alternative to some of Devon’s busier seaside resorts. The town’s colourful harbour is the heart of Brixham, lined with seafood restaurants, cafés and independent shops, many of which serve fish landed just metres away.
History lovers will appreciate attractions like the Golden Hind Museum Ship, while coastal walkers can join the South West Coast Path, one of the best walks in the UK, for scenic routes towards Berry Head, one of the area’s most impressive viewpoints.
Set at the mouth of the River Teign, Teignmouth is a classic Devon seaside town that blends traditional charm with a relaxed, modern feel. With a 32% increase in bookings last year, visitors flock here to enjoy its long seafront, historic pier and easy-going atmosphere.
Home to one of the best beaches in Devon, Teignmouth Beach is split between sand and shingle, making it ideal for everything from sunbathing to paddleboarding, while the town’s well-kept promenade is perfect for leisurely walks with views across the bay. Just behind the seafront, the town centre offers a good mix of independent shops, cafés and pubs, alongside a strong local food scene that makes the most of fresh Devon produce.
With direct rail links, easy access to Dartmoor and the South West Coast Path on its doorstep, Teignmouth appeals to families, couples and walkers alike. It’s a town that offers plenty to do, without losing the relaxed pace that draws people back time and time again.
Tucked along the Pembrokeshire’s coast Saundersfoot is a friendly seaside village that, with a 31% increase in bookings this year, has become a firm favourite with those seeking a relaxed coastal break in West Wales.
Once a small harbour serving the local coal industry, it has evolved into a popular holiday spot without losing its welcoming, laid-back feel. The wide sandy beach is a real highlight and is undoubedtly one of the best beaches in Wales. It’s the perfect destination for families with the picturesque harbour also providing a scenic backdrop for waterside walks and boat trips.
The village centre is home to a good selection of cafés, pubs and restaurants, many of which specialise in fresh seafood and local Welsh produce. For walkers, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs straight through the village, offering stunning coastal routes in both directions.
Set on the south-west coast of Anglesey in North Wales, Newborough is a small village best known for its close connection to one of the island’s most striking natural landscapes. Backed by woodland and sitting just moments from the coast, it’s a destination that appeals to those looking to spend lots of time outdoors.
One of the best beaches in North Wales, Newborough Beach is the main draw, a vast stretch of sand that forms part of the Newborough National Nature Reserve. From here, visitors can enjoy views across to Snowdonia, while nearby Newborough Forest offers miles of walking and cycling trails through pine woodland and dunes. It’s easy to see Newborough is one of the best villages to visit in the UK.
The area is also closely linked with Ynys Llanddwyn, a tidal island steeped in Welsh history and folklore, and one of Anglesey’s most photographed spots. With this in mind, it should come as no surprise to hear that this natural beauty hotspot has seen an increase of 30% in bookings compared to last year!
Located on the English Riviera, Paignton is one of Devon’s best-known seaside towns and continues to attract visitors thanks to its classic coastal appeal and family-friendly atmosphere.
With a long history as one of the UK’s best holiday destinations, it offers all the hallmarks of a traditional British seaside break. Last year, it saw an increase of 25% in bookings, making it one of the best UK towns to visit in 2026.
Paignton Beach is a wide, sandy stretch backed by a busy promenade, making it ideal for families and relaxed days by the sea. The town is also home to Paignton Pier, a popular spot for amusements and sea views, as well as attractions like Paignton Zoo, one of the largest conservation zoos in the country.
Coming in 6th on our list of the best UK towns and villages to visit is Porthmadog. Found on the edge of the Glaslyn Estuary, Porthmadog is a characterful harbour town that acts as a gateway to both the Snowdonia mountains and the Cardigan Bay coastline.
Its unique setting has helped it grow in popularity, experiencing a 25% increase in bookings, with visitors looking to combine scenery, heritage and easy access to the outdoors.
The town is particularly well known for its links to the historic Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland railways, which run from the harbour into the heart of Snowdonia National Park and offer some of the most scenic train journeys in the UK.
Porthmadog’s compact high street is home to a good mix of independent shops, cafés and restaurants, while nearby beaches like Black Rock Sands provide wide open space for coastal walks and relaxed days by the sea.
Set on a loop of the River Coquet, Warkworth is a picturesque village that has become increasingly popular with those looking to explore Northumberland’s coastline and countryside.
Its compact layout, historic setting and relaxed pace make it an appealing choice for a quieter break in the north of England, experiencing a 25% increase in bookings year-on-year.
One of the best castles in Northumberland, Warkworth Castle dominates the village skyline, offering far-reaching views across the river and surrounding countryside. Below, the village itself is home to a small but well-regarded collection of pubs, cafés and independent shops, many of which are clustered along the riverbank.
Just a short walk or drive away, Warkworth Beach provides a wide stretch of sand and dunes, ideal for peaceful coastal walks and wildlife spotting. It’s also one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK, making it the perfect dog-friendly holiday destination too.
Another of the best towns in the UK is Bideford. Located on the banks of the River Torridge in North Devon, Bideford is a historic port town that has seen growing interest from visitors looking to explore this quieter corner of the county, taking an increase of 24% in bookings.
With its mix of heritage, riverside scenery and easy access to the coast, it offers a more laid-back alternative to Devon’s larger seaside resorts. The town is best known for Bideford Long Bridge, a medieval crossing that spans the river and links the two sides of the town.
Along the waterfront, visitors will find a good selection of independent shops, cafés and galleries, as well as a pleasant quay that’s ideal for riverside walks. Bideford also acts as a gateway to popular nearby spots such as Westward Ho! and the Tarka Trail, a traffic-free route perfect for walking and cycling.
Set along the Bristol Channel, Weston-super-Mare is a traditional seaside town that continues to attract visitors thanks to its long beachfront, classic attractions and improving food and cultural scene. Once one of the country’s most popular holiday resorts, it’s now enjoying renewed interest as a versatile coastal break, experiencing a 23% increase in bookings.
The town is best known for its expansive sandy beach, which as one of the best beaches in Somerset, stretches for miles at low tide and is ideal for long walks along the shore. Weston’s Grand Pier remains a focal point, offering amusements, cafés and sea views, while the seafront promenade links neatly with green spaces and coastal paths.
Away from the beach, the town centre provides a wide choice of shops, places to eat and seasonal events throughout the year, making it one of the best UK towns for your next holiday!
Round off our guide to the best UK towns and villages to visit is Morecambe. Overlooking Morecambe Bay on Lancashire’s coast, this wonderful seaside town has seen a steady rise in interest in recent years, experiencing a 22% increase in bookings.
Perhaps best known for its wide views across the bay towards the Lake District and one of the best beaches in the North West of England, the town offers a relaxed coastal setting with a growing cultural identity.
The town’s long promenade is ideal for scenic walks, particularly at sunset, when the bay is at its most impressive. Morecambe is also home to the iconic Eric Morecambe statue, a popular landmark on the seafront, as well as attractions such as the restored Midland Hotel, an Art Deco building that has helped shape the town’s renewed appeal.
Alongside traditional cafés and amusements, there’s an increasing number of independent eateries and events throughout the year.
The trending locations in this article were identified in the 2025 Sykes Staycation Index through analysis of internal booking data which highlighted the locations with the biggest year-on-year growth.
To find even more amazing places to book for your next break, be sure to check out this article covering the most beautiful villages in England. Or, if you’d prefer to stay somewhere a bit bigger, then be sure to check out these fantastic places to go for a UK city break instead!
by Rob Hayes / Travel Tips
I'm Rob and I joined the Sykes team in February 2024. I am a passionate writer and have always enjoyed holidays in the UK, especia...
Read More About Author
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, competitions and the latest news to your inbox, and you'll be entered into our monthly prize-draw 3 times!
Saving money doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on a great holiday and our guide on how...
Girls’ weekends away in the UK are more popular than ever! With this in mind, we know you’re likely...
Looking for the best city break destinations in the UK? Whether you’re after history, culture or somewhere scenic to...
Are you on the phone to our call centre? Your Customer ID is:
Get involved in the Discussion