Cornwall's surf town, Newquay, has claimed the top spot on a new list of emerging UK destinations for 2026, with bookings jumping by 32.5 per cent compared to last year.
It's the first time in five years that Newquay has broken into the top 10 rising destinations, with holidaymakers intrigued by Fistral Beach and gorgeous harbourside views.
Searches for 'UK staycation' have shot up by a staggering 5,000 per cent over the past month alone, according to the research by holidaycottages.co.uk.
Britons are already busy planning their 2026 getaways, and domestic travel is set to be popular. Hereford has secured second place on the list, with bookings rising by 28.2 per cent for the coming year.
Cornwall's surf town Newquay has claimed the top spot
| GETTYThe cathedral city is proving a choice for those who love a mix of urban exploration and countryside escapes. Visitors can wander through museums, browse independent shops, and then head to the River Wye for a peaceful walk through green fields.
It's not just holidaymakers taking notice either - Herefordshire has been enhancing its tourism sector, with entries for the Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards jumping by 46 per cent in 2025.
Northumberland is proving a real hit with travellers planning ahead, with two of its coastal gems making the top five.
The top 10 emerging destinations
- Newquay (32.5%)
- Hereford (28.2%)
- Beadnell (21.1%)
- Broadhaven (19.8%)
- Bamburgh (18.6%)
- Holt (18.6%)
- Woolacombe (18.2%)
- Bridport (18%)
- Bakewell (15.4%)
- Seahouses (14.8%)
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Beadnell, a charming seaside town, came in third with a 21.1 per cent booking increase - and it's easy to see why people love it.
The village boasts the only west-facing harbour on the entire East Coast, where you can watch fishermen heading out to catch wild salmon and sea trout. Nearby Bamburgh also made the list with an 18.6 per cent rise in bookings.
Meanwhile, the Welsh village of Broadhaven landed fourth place at 19.8 per cent, drawing families with its watersports and traditional seaside fun.
Digital PR manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, Sarah Pring, said: “The UK is home to so much diversity in terms of landscapes, fauna, history and activities.
Bamburgh beach is a peaceful part of England
| GETTY
Woolacombe Beach was voted one of the rising destinations for 2026
| PA"Just a short journey away, you can be coasting some of the world’s best waves, while in a different direction, you could spend the day stepping back in time at one of the country's many heritage sites.
"With UK destinations trending on social media platforms like TikTok, alongside far-flung international destinations, we’re seeing so many travellers re-explore domestic travel and realise you don’t need to go far to experience beauty.
"Travellers increasingly seek a mixture of relaxation and culture, and there are so many UK destinations that offer that, including the many coastal destinations in particular that are proving popular for 2026."
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