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We’re well into the New Year now, but your 2026 calendar no doubt still has plenty of free space. Time Out is here to change that. Our writers and editors have clubbed together to compile a list of the greatest places to explore in the UK this year, whether because of new openings, monumental exhibitions or because they’re having a moment.
The list includes a former capital city with a game-changing new train route, a beautiful underrated part of the Cotswolds, artsy seaside twin towns and a town nicknamed the ‘new Berlin’. It also includes an east Midlands city with a burgeoning club scene.
If you’re partial to a big night out, give the likes London and Manchester a miss and head to Derby instead this year. Yes, really.
ULTRA, a 3,500-capacity warehouse club, opened its doors in the city right at the end of last year. Sat in an industrial park, it combines early rave spirit with state-of-the-art production. Its opening season has so far featured the likes of drum ‘n’ bass juggernaut Wilkinson and Mixmag Breakthrough DJ of 2024 Max Dean. And still to come are sets from Radio 1 Dance resident Rossi and London house legend East End Dubs.
But that’s not the only reason you should pay Derbs a visit in 2026. It’s preparing to to celebrate 50 years since becoming a designated city with a two-year long programme of events that will heritage, local arts and communities. And in October there’ll be a big fan event to mark the 30th birthday of Tomb Raider, which was created in the city. Tomb Rider Day at the Quad creative centre will include guest panels, autograph sessions and photo opportunities with actors, models and makers who had a hand in the making of the Lara Croft franchise.
You want more? Well, there’s also going to a major (free!) exhibition of Joseph Wright of Derby’s remarkable candlelight paintings (previously at London’s National Gallery) at Derby Museum in May. Then, a few months later, the UCI Indoor Cycling World Championships will be held in the city, which will include weird and wonderful events like bicycle gymnastics and cycle-ball.
Besides all of that, Derby is a brilliant base from which you can visit the dramatic hills and rugged valleys of the Peak District and stop by picture-perfect villages like Ashford-in-the-Water, Bakewell and Buxton. A very wholesome way to nurse a hangover, we think.
The full list of Time Out’s 14 best places to visit in the UK in 2026.
Plus: The mineral-rich northern town that is officially one of Europe’s most underrated spa breaks.
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