The big city alternatives promising historical charm and fewer crowds for a 2026 staycation

From cultural hotspots to historic market towns, UK holidaymakers are looking beyond the usual tourist favourites when planning their next getaway.New booking data has found the fringing towns that are becoming increasingly popular with Britons looking to discover more of what the UK has to offer.Habits are changing, according to the data from rail ticketing platform TrainPal, with more people choosing UK escapes that offer a mix of culture, food, heritage and outdoor experiences, all within easy reach by rail.Leading the rankings is Salford, a destination that is quietly growing in popularity thanks to its cultural attractions, waterside developments and thriving creative scene. It is also minutes from Manchester city centre. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say UK's fastest-rising holiday destinationsSalfordHatfieldSt AlbansUttlesford DistrictChelmsfordBoltonGuildfordBedfordWakefieldHarrogateWarringtonTelfordCrawleyBeyond Salford, other lesser-known spots such as St Albans and Uttlesford District are piquing the interest of visitors. They promise historic charm, open green spaces and easy access from major cities.Destinations including Harrogate, Guildford and Wakefield performed well as they have plenty to see and do without the crowds of traditional tourist hotspots.UK BREAKSBudget rail operator launches new service connecting major UK cities from this week - fares from £30UK's tallest ride that sends guests 138ft into the air opens at Blackpool Pleasure BeachBest beaches in England ranked: Top for sunshine, fish and chips and moreBritish holidaymakers are loving accessible areas. A town that can be reached quickly and conveniently for a spontaneous weekend away, day trip or short break is a winner.European commercial director at TrainPal, Alvaro Ungurean, said: The latest booking trends show that travellers are increasingly prioritising destinations that offer memorable experiences, easy accessibility and a strong sense of place. We're seeing impressive double-digit growth across many destinations, with some locations recording exceptionally strong year-on-year increases. What's particularly interesting is the breadth of destinations attracting attention. While major cities remain important, travellers are increasingly embracing places that offer cultural attractions, independent food and drink scenes, heritage experiences, outdoor activities and shorter, more flexible breaks.Rail continues to play a key role in that shift. Better connectivity and the growing popularity of domestic travel are helping more people discover destinations that may previously have been overlooked.The results underline a broader trend towards exploring closer to home, with travellers seeking out destinations that deliver memorable experiences without the need for long-haul travel. Whether it's a culture-packed city break, a food-focused weekend or a chance to discover somewhere new, the UK's emerging destinations are proving increasingly popular with holidaymakers heading into 2026.This comes as more under-the-radar parts of the UK were highlighted as trending spots to visit this year. Discover rolling hills and scenic walks. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter