The coolest places to live in the UK right now, according to Time Out

Time Out just published the Coolest Neighbourhoods in the UK 2026. The list, which was assembled with the expertise of our nationwide network of city contributors, is a guide to the nation’s chicest, trendiest, most happening places.

What makes a place cool? Well, a whole range of things. Vibrant eating, drinking and shopping options, a strong roster of local independent businesses, a diverse selection of cultural attractions and a palpable sense of community are all factors. What’s more is that the chosen areas aren’t just top places to live – they’re also underrated spots to visit.

You can check out the full list here.

In brief, the list features the three UK neighbourhoods that made the global coolest neighbourhoods ranking: Glasgow’s Govanhill, Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and London’s Newington Green.

The other eight ’hoods range from famous visitor areas (like Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter and Bristol’s Old Market) to postcodes that have seen an influx of game-changing new openings in recent years (like Heaton in Newcastle and Crookes in Sheffield).

Top spot went to Govanhill. Writer Annie McNamee said: ‘Gen Z are migrating from West End bars and brunch spots to trendy new spots in Govanhill, giving this once-overlooked sandstone suburb quirkiness and energy.

‘Thankfully the area, which has been Glasgow’s most diverse for a century, hasn’t lost its background amongst all the hype.’

Previous areas that have featured in our ranking of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK include Birmingham’s Digbeth, Stokes Croft & St Paul’s in Bristol and Margate’s Cliftonville.

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