Whilst it can be thrilling to explore a far-flung destination and immerse yourself in a new culture and landscape, many of us lack the time or budget for long-haul holidays. That’s why it’s worth contemplating destinations closer to home.

Even if they’re just around the corner, experiencing them as a tourist can offer a fresh perspective on a place. This is why Expedia has compiled a list of the top UK holiday spots for 2026. Whilst the city claiming the number one spot may not be a huge surprise, there are some intriguing locations in the top ten, reports the Mirror.

London clinched the top spot for domestic destinations, and even if you frequent the capital, it’s worth considering for a city break. Although many visitors stay in the heart of London, it’s an expansive, sprawling city brimming with vibrant neighbourhoods, so simply lodging a bit further out can entirely alter your viewpoint.

Bypass the hotels in the tourist hub and consider staying in an area, such as Hackney Wick or Ladbroke Grove, both of which featured on The Telegraph’s list of London’s 10 coolest neighbourhoods. Not only will you save money on accommodation, but you can also live like a Londoner whilst still enjoying convenient transport links to tourist attractions.

A visit to the capital needn’t revolve around the traditional stops at Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Whilst those landmarks remain popular, fresh attractions are constantly emerging. Come late 2026, the London Museum will launch in Smithfield, housed within a stunning former Victorian market building. The venue will feature subterranean exhibition areas and performance spaces.

V&A East launches on April 18 in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, situated just moments from the well-loved V&A East Storehouse. The facility will house two complimentary galleries presenting “contemporary global culture” alongside temporary exhibition areas. Its inaugural temporary showcase will be The Music Is Black: A British Story, whilst the café will offer cuisine reflecting East London’s multicultural character.

Even longstanding institutions such as the British Museum continuously present fresh exhibitions and activities. This September, the highly-anticipated Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition arrives at the museum, enabling visitors to view the remarkable 68-metre-long medieval work at close quarters.

For those seeking more energetic entertainment, the forthcoming Gameshow LIVE! could prove appealing. Launching this spring, it positions itself as the “world’s first interactive gameshow”. As many as 200 participants can take part, with the attraction featuring all the classic gameshow elements, from buzzers to striking lighting effects. It’ll undoubtedly surpass your neighbourhood pub quiz.

Edinburgh, a classic tourist hotspot, secured second place on Expedia’s list, whilst Manchester and Liverpool took third and fourth places respectively. Birmingham, perhaps an unexpected entry, clinched the fifth spot, outperforming York and the Lake District in the rankings.