The Best Places for UK Short Breaks in 2026
If you've been wondering where the best place to for a weekend break in the UK is, then you're...
by Rob Hayes / Travel Tips
Trying to find the perfect place to spend your next big staycation? If so, then you’ve come to the right place!
With over 600,000 holidays already confirmed in 2025 and bookings growing by nearly 4% from FY24 to FY25, it’s clear that demand for UK breaks shows no sign of slowing down. So, we’ve looked ahead to 2026 to bring you a list of the best UK holiday destinations.
Based on the number of bookings per property in each region for 2026 so far, this list is perfect for those looking for somewhere unique and exciting to spend their next holiday. Not only that, but you can also use our handy quiz below to find the perfect place to stay based on your tastes and preferences!
So, whether you’ve got a destination in mind and you’re looking to learn more about it, or perhaps you’re trying to find somewhere to visit that you’ve never been to before, this guide is sure to give you plenty of ideas and inspiration.
Keep scrolling to uncover all the best UK holiday destinations for 2026…
Two distinct regions boasting their own unique charm, the Scottish Highlands and surrounding Scottish Islands, top the list of the best holiday destinations in the UK for 2026 so far.
Dominating most of Northern Scotland, the Highlands is a region known for its vast natural beauty. Home to Britain’s largest lake, Loch Ness, as well as truly unique locations like John O’Groats, the northernmost point on the mainland, it’s a place that offers an unforgettable experience for visitors no matter what you get up to.
Likewise, the Scottish Islands are also known for their remoteness and unspoilt surroundings. From some of the best beaches in Scotland on the Isle of Skye, which is also one of our top destinations for a UK short break, to the towering peaks of the Isle of Mull and the splendid isolation of the Outer Hebrides, a staycation in either of these regions is an experience you won’t forget any time soon.
Taking the second spot on our list of the best UK holiday destinations for 2026 is Northumberland, a region that’s seen a massive up take in staycations for the past few years, jumping from 6th place to 2nd! We expect to see a lot more bookings as people continue to discover this breathtaking region and all it has to offer.
Found in North East England along the border with Scotland, here you’ll find vast areas of open countryside waiting for you to explore, such as Northumberland National Park and the Kielder Forest, which make for wonderful places to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
On the other hand, the county’s coastline also makes for a great place to stay during your next UK holiday. Stretching over 60 miles, there are countless beautiful Northumberland beaches waiting to be discovered, as well as lots of fantastic towns like Alnmouth, Bamburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed, making it the ideal place to go for a dog-friendly holiday.
On top of all that, it’s also worth noting that despite its growing popularity, Northumberland still remains to be one of the cheapest UK holiday destinations, making it an excellent place to visit if you’re hoping to make a saving on your next getaway.
With an idyllic coastline, picturesque countryside and wonderous Northumberland castles, it’s not hard to see why Northumberland is one of the best UK holiday destinations in 2026.
Situated along the Scottish border with England, Southern Scotland is a wonderful region that boasts miles of beautiful countryside from coast to coast. Known for its historic castles, rolling hills and lush valleys, it’s a place where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature; we’re not surprised its proven a holiday hotspot with our customers!
Home to quaint towns such as Coldstream and Kelso, it’s a place that’s often less visited by tourists and somewhat overlooked when it comes to Scottish staycations. However, it is packed full of things to see and do; if you’re looking to dive into the past, explore the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey or delight in a visit to the home of Sir Walter Scott, Abbotsford, a sprawling estate which much to see.
So, whether you’re simply looking for somewhere new to spend your next break away from the typical tourist crowds, or you’re interested in learning the rich history of this unique region, Southern Scotland is a wonderful place to go on holiday.
Home to the two largest cities in the country, Glasgow and the capital of Edinburgh, Central Scotland is home to most of the country’s population.
Best known for its impressive landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and wonderful attractions like the National Museum of Scotland, this region has long been a popular UK holiday destination for both city breaks and countryside escapes, giving visitors the chance to experience the best of both worlds.
Aside from the two giant cities that dominate most of this region, there’s also a host of unique and interesting towns and villages dotted in between, with some of the best being the likes of Callander and Stirling. So, whether you’re hoping to escape to the city or the countryside, booking your next holiday in Central Scotland is an idea worth thinking about!
Known for being one of the largest national parks in the country, the Lake District and the surrounding county of Cumbria play host to thousands of tourists every year. With over 10,000 bookings for 2026 so far, the Lake District continues to be one of the UK’s most popular holiday regions and an excellent place to consider booking your 2026 getaway.
Immortalised by the works of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth’s “Guide to the Lakes”, this region first became a staycation hotspot at the height of the Victorian era, particularly after the opening of Windermere‘s railway station in 1847.
Today, towns like Bowness, Ambleside and Keswick form the beating heart of the region’s tourism industry, each home to a host of fantastic landmarks, attractions and plenty of fantastic places to eat, drink and shop.
Discover the Lake District’s magnificent lakes, where you can take to the open water with a variety of watersports, a lake cruise or a spot of wild swimming. If you’d prefer to enjoy the water from dry land, then don’t worry as the countless Lake District mountains and fells offer breathtaking views across the water and countryside as well as some of the best Lake District walks and Lake District dog walks in the whole region.
Experience all this and more by booking a 2026 UK holiday to the Lake District!
Also with over 10,000 bookings confirmed so far, we’re not surprised to see North Wales on our list of the most popular UK holidays for 2026. If you’ve had a chance to visit this beautiful part of the country, it’s not hard to see why!
Stretching from the Isle of Anglesey in the far west to the border with England to the east, this region has long been a hotspot for British holidaymakers. The region is perhaps best known for the abundance of beautiful North Wales beaches housed in coastal resorts like Rhyl and Llandudno, seaside escapes made popular in the Victorian era.
Whilst towns like these are still popular with visitors today, many other places across the region also draw in both domestic and international tourists, such as the impressive Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park that’s home to one of the most famous Welsh mountains, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).
If you’re looking to learn more about the past, then this UK holiday destination is perfect! North Wales is home to some of the best castles in Wales, including the imposing Conwy Castle and Harlech Castle, which both tower over the coast and offer unique glimpses into the past – North Wales truly offers it all!
With over 3000 bookings for 2026 so far, the Yorkshire Dales is an exceptional place for your next holiday in the UK. Located in the county of North Yorkshire, this region is dominated by rolling green hills, quaint villages, lush valleys and a host of historic castles, making it one of the best UK holiday destinations for 2026.
In the heart of this stunning national park, you’ll find the Wensleydale Valley, famous for its namesake Wensleydale Cheese and home to natural landmarks like Aysgarth Falls and Semerwater. You’ll also find historic marvels like the ruins of Middleham Castle and Fountains Abbey which was voted a UK bucket list attraction for autumn. The Yorkshire Dales is also laced with a whole host of “chocolate-box” villages like Dent, Leyburn and Masham waiting to be explored.
If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, then you’re in luck, as there are plenty of magnificent walks in Yorkshire where you’ll get to immerse yourself in the natural beauty that draws so many people here every year.
If golden beaches, dramatic coastlines and picture-postcard villages are high on your list, then Cornwall is a destination you simply can’t ignore. This much-loved corner of the UK offers something for everyone, whether you’re after lazy days by the sea or active adventures through rugged countryside.
From the surfer’s paradise of Newquay to the historic charm of St Ives, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Families will love building sandcastles on Fistral Beach or visiting the Eden Project, while couples can escape to quieter spots like Mousehole or the Helford River for a more peaceful retreat. Inland, you’ll find walking trails that weave through moorland, ancient tin mines and quaint market towns, offering a real sense of Cornish heritage.
Foodies won’t be disappointed either, with local seafood, farm shops and cosy harbour pubs offering the best of the region’s produce. Whether you’re glamping under the stars, booking a coastal cottage or staying in a family-friendly lodge, Cornwall makes for a wonderful place to go for a staycation all year round!
From its iconic Jurassic Coast to its rolling green countryside, Dorset continues to be one of the UK’s top holiday destinations for good reason. With a mix of coastal towns, sandy beaches and historic landmarks, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your time here.
Along the coast, spots like Lulworth Cove, Weymouth and West Bay are perfect for lazy beach days or scenic cliff walks, while inland you’ll find characterful villages like Milton Abbas and Shaftesbury offering a slower pace and plenty of charm. The region’s fossil-strewn beaches, particularly around Lyme Regis and Charmouth, are also a big hit with families and amateur palaeontologists alike.
Whether you’re tucking into fresh seafood by the harbour, exploring the ruins of Corfe Castle or walking the South West Coast Path, Dorset strikes a balance between relaxation and adventure. With a great range of holiday cottages, lodges and glamping options to choose from, it’s an ideal pick for couples, families and groups planning a UK break in 2026.
Found in the heart of England, the Peak District was designated as the first national park in the country back in the 1950s and still remains one of the UK’s favourite staycation hotspots today. Over 3000 people have secured their getaway here in 2026, so why not join them?
This wonderful national park straddles Derbyshire and reaches into other counties like Cheshire, Staffordshire and South Yorkshire, meaning that there is so much to explore. Home to a host of historic locations like the infamous plague village of Eyam, the impressive Chatsworth House estate and Cromford, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, there’s no shortage of things to see, do and explore here.
There is plenty of natural beauty to bask in, as well as attractions to enjoy. You’ll find Dovedale, the Monsal Trail, Stanage Edge, and the Pennie Way, so be sure to pack your hiking boots if you choose to stay in this top UK holiday destination. In addition to numerous Peak District walks, you can also look forward to wild swimming in the Peak District or having a full day of fun at Alton Towers, one of the best theme parks in the whole of the UK.
All findings in this article are based on Sykes Holiday Cottages’ internal booking data.
Booking growth was measured by comparing total holidays taken in FY24 and FY25. To identify the most popular regions, we analysed bookings per property for calendar year 2026 (as of October 23rd), highlighting the most in-demand destinations so far.
We also reviewed bookings per property for calendar year 2025 to track changes in regional popularity.
Still searching for the perfect place to go for your 2026 staycation? Be sure to check out our guides covering the best UK holiday destinations for couples, the best dog-friendly UK holidays and the best UK holiday destination for families! If you’ve been inspired, browse over 22,000 holiday cottages across the UK to find your perfect UK holiday cottage before planning your itinerary with our UK Travel Guide.
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...
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