The best places to visit in the UK in 2023 revealed by Time Out

• The best UK cities and towns to plan a trip to in 2023 have been revealed

• Eastbourne was named the top destination, followed by Birmingham and Cardigan

• Time Out, which conducted the survey, wanted to highlight “ridiculously underrated” places rather than the usual hotspots

• Read on to see the full list of 15 venues and why they were chosen

The best places to travel to in the UK next year have been revealed, and they may not be what you’re expecting.

Eastbourne has been named the number one place to visit for a day or overnight trip in 2023, according to the list compiled by Time Out.

The East Sussex coastal city was chosen not just for its beach, but for its growing status as a creative and cultural hub, with things to look forward to including the Towner Eastbourne gallery hosting the Turner Prize 2023 (from September), The Screen International Film Festival and Beach Life Music Festival, along with live music, independent shops and signposted restaurants.

Read more: Unveiled the world’s coolest neighborhoods to visit, including five UK destinations

Coming second on the list is Birmingham, which offers so much more than just the Bullring shopping center and Cadbury World (although both can be attractive of course). It’s been recognized as “the most underrated food scene in the UK,” according to Time Out pundits. Apparently British-Indian restaurant Opheem, budget-friendly fine-dining Harborne Kitchen and ultra-high-end French restaurant Orelle are the ones to try. Additionally, the Ashes will return to Edgbaston Stadium in June.

Rounding out the top three is the humble town and community of Cardigan in West Wales, which “remains criminally underrated”. It is credited for being a traditional market town with a creative side, full of independent businesses, as well as its beauty and rich history. The refurbished Cardigan Castle and Guildhall Market are just a few places to pass by.

Read more: The world’s 50 best places to visit from Devon to the Galápagos Islands

The story continues

“Rather than the usual hotspots, we want to highlight places, many of which are ridiculously underrated, that people don’t automatically think about going to,” says Huw Oliver, UK editor of Time Out.

“In all the places on the list you will find interesting things to see and do, eat and drink during the day and night, a friendly welcome and a community spirit that allows you to connect with the locals and really get to know a place .”

Rounding out the top five best destinations across the nation to visit next year are Manchester – with highlights including the reopening of the Manchester Museum in February and the opening of Factory International’s new arts center in June – and Scarborough – with suggestions including February’s Dark Skies Festival, the revival of Scarborough Fair and the many independent businesses and local beer scene to make the most of.

Read more: The 30 best takeaways of 2022 revealed: is your favorite dish on the list?

Glasgow (the place everyone seems to be talking about right now), Dorset, Padstow, Orkney and Margate, also feature on the top 15 list.

“You’ll definitely want to put one or more of these destinations on your travel bucket list for next year,” adds Oliver.

The best places to visit in the UK in 2023:

1. Eastbourne

2. Birmingham

3. Cardigan

4. Manchester

5. Scarborough

6. Glasgow

7. Dorset

8. London

9. Edinburgh

10. Liverpool

11. Padstow

12. Orkney

13. Margata

14. Sheffield

15. Cheshire

Watch: 2022 Best Travel Destinations