FROM trendy coastal towns to reformed suburbs, the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK have been revealed – and only one in the UK’s capital.
Time Out has found the country’s most exciting spots, taking into account factors like thriving food scenes, nightlife, theatre, art and shopping.
Govanhill in Glasgow came in first place for coolest UK neighbourhoodCredit: AlamyThe only London spot to make the list was Newington GreenCredit: Alamy
It was praised for its trendy new bars, bookshops and brunch spots.
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Reporter for the Scottish Sun Oliver Norton revealed more about it – he told us: “I’m not surprised that Govanhill has just been voted the fifth coolest neighbourhood in the world.
“There’s always something going on, and the multicultural vibe has totally transformed what some once considered a deprived dump.
“When visiting, I like to swing by Cibo, an Italian kitchen and deli, or one of the trendy cafes before browsing through local book and record shops.
“Later in the day, the area comes alive thanks to some of Glasgow’s best pubs – far away from the stress of the city centre.
“Personal favourites include McNeill’s Bar or Ryan’s Bar where some of the city’s finest DJs and selectors have provided the soundtrack to many a night.”
Only one London neighbourhood made it onto the list and that was Newington Green.
The North London neighbourhood came third on the UK list, and 33rd position in the world’s best.
The publication described Newington Green as “brimming with brilliance.”
St Leonards on Sea was the only coastal destination to make it onto the listCredit: Alamy
Along with plenty of lovely coffee shops and restaurants, the area does have some more gritty spots too.
Time Out said “From newly forged, hipstery gastropub Golden Tooth and small-herd butcher-cum-nightclub Stella’s to legendary Turkish seafood joint Sariyer Balik and the old Mildmay Club, Newington Green successfully combines both new and old London.”
Coming in ninth spot was the only seaside town on the list, Central St Leonards in East Sussex.
It was praised by Time Out for its ‘tip-top coffee shops’, galleries and ‘indie businesses’ like the indoor market called Heist along with its hole-in-the-wall bars and cafes.
The second best neighbourhood on the list was revealed to be the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast – which also came 24th in the ‘best in the world’ list.
The Cathedral Quarter in Belfast is one of Jenna’s favourite neighbourhoodsCredit: Jenna Stevens The neighbourhood is known for having cobbled lanes and old warehouses house galleriesCredit: Alamy
It was described as having “cobbled lanes and old warehouses housing galleries, gig spaces, restaurants, yoga studios and enduring cultural institutions.”
Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens said: “Whether you’re wanting a pint in a pretty setting, the city’s coolest souvenir shopping or a backdrop for your Instagram pictures, the Cathedral Quarter is the place to be in Belfast.”
“The area is anchored by St Anne’s Cathedral, where cobbled streets branch out to reveal buzzy bars, pubs and independent shops.
“Once an old warehouse district, this trendy quarter is now the city’s creative heart. Victorian warehouses that used to store linen and rope now house art galleries and indie coffee shops.”
When it comes to food, Jenna suggests checking out The Dirty Onion and Yardbird, The Muddlers Club, and the Common Market.
The North of England is where most of the cool neighbourhoods are according to Time Out.
These included the likes of Underbanks and Central Stockport, Crookes in Sheffield and the Georgian Quarter in Liverpool.
Full list of the 11 coolest neighbourhoods in the UK 2026…
TWO HISTORIC Palm Houses that are home to hundreds of rare plants have reopened following an ambitious revamp.
The buildings that are almost 200-years-old are part of the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, but were forced to close for five years to repair leaks and rust.
The Palm House in Edinburgh has reopened following a renovationCredit: instagram/@an_italian_in_hortIt’s filled with hundreds of rare plants which were temporarily removedCredit: instagram/@an_italian_in_hort
Plans were first drawn up to upgrade the two Palm Houses in 2017 – but it wasn’t until 2021 when they closed, and then in 2022 the restoration began.
As of October 2, they are now open to the public once again after extensive work costing £23.5million, as reported by The Times.
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During the works, more than five thousand panes of glass were replaced, and the ironwork that had been corroding has been repaired and repainted.
The stone work was renovated and a wall that once separated the two houses has been knocked down.
Around 800 rare plants like palms, conifers, ferns and begonias were temporarily moved during the restoration work – luckily the majority of them survived.
However, one 200-year-old Sabal palm tree had grown too tall for the glass house and couldn’t be saved.
But some of its seedlings have been kept.
The oldest of the two Palm Houses is the Tropical Palm House which was first built in 1834 and was the tallest traditional palm house in the UK at the time.
The second is the Temperate Palm House which was built in 1858 and still remains as one of the tallest traditional palm houses in the world.
Talking to the BBC, David Knott, the director of horticulture at the Botanic Garde, said: “For many people in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland and throughout the world, the palm houses in Edinburgh really are one of the most iconic features of the Botanic Garden here.”
Two structures form the Palm Houses at Royal Botanic Garden in EdinburghCredit: Alamy
Along with its cosy caravans and lodges, there are some very exciting additions coming its way.
The park has announced it is undergoing a huge £4million upgrade with work starting this November.
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One of the largest upgrades will be to its existing indoor swimming pool which will be expanded to become 18-metres long.
It will also add a new toddler splash area, designed specifically for little children – and for adults, there will be a new jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.
The pre-existing gym facilities will also be upgraded.
Its entertainment complex is set to be revamped too with new activities and facilities both indoors and outdoors.
Outside will be a new pirate-themed 9-hole adventure golf course, giant chess and lots of things to do like table tennis, curling – and it will install a padel court.
Inside will be a new soft play area with an upgraded games arcade including interactive darts.
The Hunter’s Bar and Restaurant is being refurbished, and will have a brand-new sports bar, as well as a transformed showbar where there will be entertainment for guests.
A new outdoor terrace will be a new spot that guests can enjoy throughout the year with open-air seating through the summer and covered for when the weather doesn’t play ball.
For those wanting sweet treats, there will also be a brand-new ice cream parlour.
When it comes to accommodation, holiday homes and pitches will be added to the site too.
Currently, guests can stay in basic caravans, to luxury lodges including The Hideout and The Hideaway which have outdoor decks and lots of inside space.
Work is due to start in November of this year with a Grand Opening event planned for Easter 2027.
For those who want to book a break that coincides with the new additions, three-night breaks on April 23 start from £219 – or £18.25pppn.
With this break, a family of four can stay in an Essential Clover Caravan which has two bedrooms (one double, one twin), kitchen and living area.
Simon Lane, CEO of Verdant Parks, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Verdant Parks, our employees, our owners and our holidaymakers.
“We’re committing our biggest investment to date to Thurston Manor Holiday Park and completely transforming what guests can see, do and experience when they visit.
“From the extended swimming pool and new toddler splash area to the new padel court, pirate-themed adventure golf and transformed entertainment offering, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
“We’re delighted to reveal our plans for the next chapter of Thurston Manor and we can’t wait to share more details and sneak peeks as the transformation takes shape over the next six months.”
