Forget the scorching heat and soaring costs of going abroad. In the summer months, taking it easy on a UK staycation is what holidaying should be all about, and here’s where you should be staying. TripAdvisor has revealed the most popular UK destinations in the country among Brits.
Looking at the TripAdvisor searches made by travellers in the UK for travel between June 1 and August 31, 2026, the findings reveal a mix of countryside and coastal destinations—from the Lake District to Cornwall, while Northern Ireland also features twice among the top 10—but there are plenty of surprise appearances too.
The most popular UK destination among Britons for 2026 is Grasmere, which is located on a lake of the same name in the heart of the Lake District, while the nearby Bowness-on-Windermere also features (4th). Other quaint escapes include Carbis Bay in Cornwall (2nd), Torquay in Devon (8th) and Buxton in Derbyshire (9th).
But Brits aren’t just longing for the cerulean sea or emerald fields; there’s plenty of city breaks people will be taking this summer, including big-hitters like Belfast (3rd) and Glasgow (10th). But the big surprise for popular UK holiday destinations for summer 2026 is in the West Midlands, with Coventry (6th).
Why are Brits visiting Coventry this summer?
TripAdvisor describes Coventry as “symbolised by the ruins of its cathedral, which was heavily bombed—along with the rest of the city—during World War II. While the Midlands metropolis is a convenient gateway to Stratford-upon-Avon, those who hang around discover a town in the midst of a financial and cultural resurgence.”
That doesn’t really explain its popularity, and while annual events like MotoFest (June 6 to 7), Coventry Pride (June 27 to 28), and Godiva in the City (July 4 to 5) return this summer, there’s nothing major or unexpected happening (unless, of course, you count Coventry City FC’s recent promotion to the Premier League).
But Coventry has also been undergoing a rapid, significant transformation in recent years (especially with a redevelopment of the city centre nearing completion). Mix that with a rich history, stunning architecture, and modern shopping opportunities, and there are plenty of reasons to visit the West Midlands’ second-largest city.
The UK’s most popular destinations among Brits for summer 2026:
- Grasmere, Cumbria
- Carbis Bay, Cornwall
- Belfast
- Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
- Portrush, NI
- Coventry
- Nottingham
- Torquay, Devon
- Buxton, Derbyshire
- Glasgow
You can learn more about TripAdvisor’s trending destinations for summer 2026 here.
