From seaside towns to little known streets
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.
11 neighbourhoods made the list, and in top place is Govanhill in Glasgow – the former deprived suburb was also voted the fifth best in the world.
It was praised for its trendy new bars, bookshops and brunch spots.
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.”
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.
Earlier this year, Time Out even said that St Leonards was giving Margate a run for its money as a ‘trendy coastal epicentre‘.
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.
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…
- Govanhill, Glasgow
- Cathedral Quarter, Belfast
- Newington Green, London
- Underbanks and Central Stockport
- Leith Walk, Edinburgh
- Crookes, Sheffield
- Heaton, Newcastle
- Beeston, Nottingham
- Central St Leonards, East Sussex
- Georgian Quarter, Liverpool
- Old Market, Bristol
