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The UK’s ‘best city to visit in 2026’ has a Victorian arcade full of independent shops | UK | News
It’s a place known for its history and its landmarks (Image: Getty)
The UK has plenty of cities worth visiting, but only one has been picked as the best place to go in 2026. Experts looked at new travel options, big events and how easy it is for people to plan a simple weekend away. And after assessing everything, one city came out on top.
It’s a place known for its history, its landmarks and its links to some of Scotland’s most famous stories. It’s also somewhere that will be much easier and cheaper to reach next year thanks to a handy new train service.
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Stirling in Scotland has been named the number one UK destination to visit in 2026 (Image: Getty)
A new direct train line from London to Stirling is launching in a few months (Image: Getty)
The magazine explained exactly why. Time Out UK’s news editor Ed Cunningham said: “Stirling is far from an unsung destination; the Scottish city’s greatness is legendary, particularly its immense historical sights – including its castle and National Wallace Monument, both beacons of Scottishness – and access to extraordinary natural landscapes like Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
“But in 2026 there’ll be one huge new reason to visit Stirling: the launch of an affordable direct train service from London that will make the city cheaper, easier and more accessible to get to than ever.”
The new Lumo route launches in mid-2026. Trains will run several times a day from London Euston, with advance fares available for under £30.
One of the main highlights of the city is the Stirling Arcade, a Victorian shopping arcade dating back to 1882.
Stirling Arcade is full of independent shops (Image: Stirling Arcade)
Visit Scotland says the Arcade is one of only five of its kind left in the country (Image: Stirling Arcade)
Visit Scotland says it is one of only five of its kind left in the country. The arcade runs from Murray Place to King Street and has been a central part of the city for more than 100 years.
Inside, you’ll find around 15 independent shops including boutiques, jewellery stores, bridalwear, comic and collectable shops, gift retailers and a fully licensed restaurant.
There is also Stirling’s first dedicated vegetarian café. The arcade still has its original ironwork and glass roof, which fills the walkway with natural light.
Beyond the arcade, Stirling has several well-known attractions. Stirling Castle sits at the top of the old town and is one of Scotland’s most visited sites.
Inside, there are the Royal Palace, the Chapel Royal, the Regimental Museum and viewing points looking out over Stirlingshire.
Nearby is the National Wallace Monument, which tells the story of Sir William Wallace and overlooks the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views.
Stirling Castle sits at the top of the old town and is one of Scotland’s most visited sites (Image: Getty)
The National Wallace Monument overlooks the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge (Image: Getty)
Stirling’s old town also includes the Old Town Jail, where visitors can learn about the city’s history of crime and punishment through guided tours.
Across the road is the Church of the Holy Rude, the second-oldest building in Stirling and the site where James VI was crowned in 1567.
Another popular place is Cowane’s Hospital, a 17th-century almshouse described as one of the finest buildings of its kind in Scotland.
For something quieter, the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum has paintings, local objects, outdoor space and the city’s oldest historical items, including a 1540 football and a 1511 curling stone.
There are also plenty of walking routes surrounding the city that take tourists through some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes.
