The 15 best places to visit in the UK in 2023
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- 17 Jan 2023
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Fancy holidaying a little closer to home next year? These are the places in the UK you’ll definitely want to visit
So you’re thinking about planning a holiday for 2023. Some time off to relax, see some art, hang out with pals or just generally explore. But where should you go, exactly? Well, Time Out’s UK team is here to remind you that, actually, there are loads of amazing destinations, like, right here. Believe it or not, there are fascinating places all over the country you can visit easily, cheaply, and without having to catch a flight (or travel very far at all, in fact).
To compile this ranking, we went to our local experts across the UK to figure out which cities, towns and regions are really worth visiting next year. These are places with thriving food, drink and arts scenes. They’re cities with big cultural openings and spectacular new hotels. And they all have at least one huge event (and in many cases, several) coming up that should immediately go in your calendars.
Basically, they’re the parts of the country that everyone will be talking about over the next 12 months. And deservedly so. From an underappreciated coastal town that’s set to host the Turner Prize and a city where fine-dining doesn’t necessarily mean having to splash out to an old-school resort town with world-beating beer and the region with two of our favourite music festivals, this is the best of the UK for 2023. Happy staycations!
Best places to visit in the UK in 2023
1. Eastbourne
This coastal town might conjure up images of OAPs on coach holidays, pesky pebbles in your jelly shoes and hordes of tennis fans at Rothesay International, but Eastbourne is well on its way to becoming an established hub for creatives. The Towner Eastbourne, an eye-catching gallery sporting a vibrant mural by German artist Lothar Götz, has been selected as the official host of the 2023 Turner Prize (from September 28), to tie in with the venue’s centenary year. While you’re in town, it’s also worth heading out to the South Downs National Park, perhaps during the Eastbourne Walking Festival (September 16 to 25), just before the launch of the Turner.
The perfect day After coffee at Beanzz Coffee & Kitchen, head to the seafront and take in the views of Beachy Head. Go for a dip, then grab lunch at Port Hotel. Round off the day with live music at the Dew Drop Inn, Printers Playhouse or The Stage Door.
Plan your trip Alongside the Turner Prize, the town will also play host to Crossing The Screen International Film Festival (March 3 to 5) and Beach Life Music Festival (July 15 to 16). —Melita Cameron-Wood
2. Birmingham
Birmingham has long been bubbling away as the UK’s most underrated food destination. Its latest wave of accolades come from the Good Food Guide 2022, with three restaurants in Birmingham and Solihull (Carters of Moseley, The Wilderness, Grace & Savour at Hampton Manor) cited in its prestigious list of the 20 buzziest restaurants in the UK. Birmingham has also been crowned Britain’s ‘most exciting food destination’ by the very same guide, describing the city as having ‘a range of unique and frequently exceptional restaurants across the price range’. Contemporary British-Indian restaurant Opheem and pleasantly affordable fine-dining spot Harborne Kitchen are among the city’s standouts. Keep an eye out for chic French restaurant Orelle, on the 24th floor of the city’s shiny new 103 Colmore Row building. Views. For. Days.
The perfect day Kick off with coffee at Wayland’s Yard before lunchtime beer and baos at North Brewing Co’s new Birmingham taproom, because why not? Just the one pint though, as a city-centre canal-kayak tour with Roundhouse Birmingham awaits. Back on ‘land’, grab a quick photo at the Black Sabbath bench on Broad Street, then dive into Brum’s best chicken at Bonehead and catch a new band at The Sunflower Lounge.
Plan your trip 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the city’s famous Bullring shopping centre, plus the tenth anniversary of the iconic Library of Birmingham – Europe’s largest. Expect commemorative events. The Ashes, cricket’s oldest rivalry, also returns to Edgbaston (June 16 to 20). —Richard Franks
