UK’s top travel destination for 2026 is lesser-known ‘gem’ with game-changing new train service

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If you’re looking to explore the UK this year, make sure this ‘underrated gem’ destination is on your radar.

Although less well-known than neighbouring Glasgow and Edinburgh, Stirling has just been crowned by Time Out as the best place in the UK to visit for 2026.

The Scottish city was praised for its ‘immense historical sights’ and ‘access to extraordinary natural landscapes’.

But its win was cemented by the upcoming introduction of a game-changing new rail link, with five daily trains over 11 stops between Euston and Stirling coming this spring.

Lumo, dubbed the ‘Ryanair of trains’ for its low-cost fares, announced plans to launch the route – the first ever to directly connect three stations (Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert) with London – in May.

And according to Zoe Adjey, senior lecturer at the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of East London, tickets will ‘certainly be cheaper’ than those on the current LNER service — so come springtime, you can give Stirling a go without spending a fortune.

‘It deserves much more attention’

Having grown up in Stirling, I’m used to receiving bemused looks when I tell people where I’m from, meaning I typically end up resorting to either ‘It’s the place in Braveheart’ or ‘It’s in between Glasgow and Edinburgh’.

With the smallest population of any of Scotland’s cities, only getting the status upgrade from town in 2002, it’s often overlooked — something I’ve been guilty of doing myself.

But after moving to London in my 20s, I realised how lucky I was to live in the ‘gateway to the Highlands’ for so many years, surrounded by its breathtaking nature and centuries-old history. And now when I visit home, I’m able to see Stirling’s charm with fresh eyes.

Travel blogger Victoria (aka The Girl on the Move) called it an ‘underrated gem’ that’s ideal for a more relaxed city break, while Kathi at Watch Me See said it ‘deserves much more attention’.

There are plenty of fans on Reddit too, with Emotional-Fuel-9089 describing it as ‘a wonderful town’ and Tito1983 saying Stirling was ‘one of the coolest places [they’ve] been’.

Things to do in Stirling

Perched high on a volcanic rock, Stirling Castle dominates the skyline and is one of Scotland’s grandest historic sites, making it a must-visit for your trip. For an entry fee of £18.50 for adults and £11 for children (if you book online), you can immerse yourself in the world of themonarchs who once ruled here — including Mary Queen of Scots, who called its halls home during her childhood.

A short walk away is the Old Town, a maze of cobbled streets, where you can take a guided walking tour that brings the area’s colourful past to life.

The Old Town Jail is also well worth a visit, with brilliant live performance tours that make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time (and make you glad you weren’t born back then).

Then there’s the iconic Wallace Monument, a towering tribute to Scottish national hero William Wallace set on Abbey Craig hill. It offers stunning panoramic views and a range of interactive displays, but do be aware it’s a fair climb to the top.

If you’re scared of heights, the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre – around 10 minutes away in the car from Stirling city centre – is a great alternative without the vertigo.

For those who want to explore nature on their holidays, Stirling provides easy access to all sorts of beautiful outdoor spaces. The nearby Ochil Hills – which reaches 2,365 ft at its highest point on Ben Cleuch – are ideal for hiking, with trails suitable for all abilities.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is just a short drive away too, and if you have a car, you can also get up close and personal with the wildlife at Blair Drummond Safari Park.

No trip to Scotland would be complete without a wee dram, and Stirling is packed with traditional pubs like Nicky Tams, the Curly Coo and the Settle Inn (my personal favourites).

There’s no shortage of options for food either; sample locally-sourced Scottish cuisine at Brea, enjoy an afternoon tea at family-run favourite Fletchers, or grab a burger at Monterey Jack’s, topping up on caffeine as you go at The Burgh, Chester’s, or Unorthodox Roasters.

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