Ten

Take your pick (and pack your bags!) for our must-visit destinations of the year.

SOUTH KOREA

THE LOWDOWN: With the launch of direct flights, a new hiking trail and an ever-growing obsession with the country’s incredible cultural hits – including viral Netflix musical KPop Demon Hunters – this destination is looking pretty Golden right now.

DON’T MISS: Much of the new Dongseo Trail, a 527-mile route modelled on Spain’s Camino de Santiago, will open this year, running from Anmyeondo Island to the fishing village of Uljin. “Meanwhile, Korean fried chicken is really something, and the capital, Seoul, is the home of that,” says Tom.

Stock up on K-beauty in the district of Myeongdong, and get a taste of music-meets-waterfight at Seoul’s Waterbomb Festival in July or your fix of K-pop proper at the Gangnam Festival in autumn.

BEST TIME TO GO: April, for the cherry blossom.

FYI: Virgin Atlantic flights from London to Seoul start on March 29, from £799 return.

SANDS GREAT

Perfect coastal destination for spa weekend, cocktails & spot of bird-watching

SEAS THE DAY

5 January cruise deals with discounts, upgrades and cheap drink packages

LUDLOW, ENGLAND

THE LOWDOWN: This pretty Shropshire market town is fast sealing its spot as one of the UK’s best foodie destinations, and Tudor stunner Castle Lodge – former home of Catherine of Aragon – is re-opening as a seven all-suite boutique hotel with an eatery under talented local chef Harry Bullock.

DON’T MISS: Other foodie delights include Pale Kitchen And Arts, serving up pastries and local art, the cheese rarebit on Guinness bread at No3 Church Street (from the owners of much-loved Harp Lane Deli) and excellent waffles at Number 9 Ludlow. Richard Ashcroft, The Streets and The Human League are gigging at Ludlow Castle this summer, too.

“Ludlow is one of England’s great historic towns with a lovely walkable centre filled with independents,” says Tom. “But the beautiful Marches countryside surrounding the town means it’s wise to pack your walking boots as well.”

BEST TIME TO GO: September, for the UK’s longest-running food festival.

PELOPONNESE, GREECE

THE LOWDOWN: In Christopher Nolan’s epic adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey, hitting screens in July, the jaw-dropping scenery of the Peloponnese will be the star of many scenes.

Better still, “You get more bang for your buck here than on many of the Greek isles,” says Tom Hall, vice president at Lonely Planet.

DON’T MISS: Hike to oceanside Nestor’s Cave to see where Matt Damon’s Odysseus outwits the Cyclops, swim in Poseidon’s realm at omega-shaped Voidokilia Beach, explore the atmospheric Methoni Castle and snap flamingos at protected wetland Gialova Lagoon.

There are also herons, ospreys and the African chameleon here – which isn’t found anywhere else in Europe. The area’s home to the kalamata olive, too, so bring on those delicious Greek salads!

BEST TIME TO GO: May for lovely 23°C days.

FYI: Flights to Athens cost from £42 return.

VANCOUVER, CANADA

THE LOWDOWN: This stunning city, surrounded by mountains, is a host of the FIFA World Cup this summer. “Nature is so accessible here – you can spot whales and seals by just going for a walk around Stanley Park,” says Tom.

DON’T MISS: Head to the fan zone at Hastings Park for bands, food stalls and a buzzing atmosphere. Dig into the local sushi fave, a BC roll with sweet spot prawns, washed down with a 33 Acres of Sunshine craft beer, then hop on the Skyride to Grouse Mountain for amazing city views.

Further afield, British Columbia is also home to seven national parks with hiking trails, waterfalls and glaciers to explore, plus the chance to spot bears at Yoho National Park. It’s a hot spot for geothermal activity, so don’t skip the natural spas at Lussier Hot Springs, too.

BEST TIME TO GO: Catch the footie buzz between June and July. Otherwise, September for autumn colours and smaller crowds.

FYI: Flights to Vancouver cost from £323 return.

RABAT, MOROCCO

THE LOWDOWN: A UNESCO World Book Capital for 2026, the Moroccan capital provides a fab setting for adventures. Wander the blue and white alleys near the Kasbah Des Oudayas or explore the Ville Nouvelle, where you’ll find chic boutiques and eateries. Trad riads make great-value stays, too.

DON’T MISS: Take in the Chellah – an impressive 14th-century Islamic necropolis, Zaha Hadid’s futuristic Grand Theatre of Rabat and the observation deck at Mohammed VI Tower. “Rabat is very different to what you might imagine,” says Tom.

“It has a modern feel, yet still has old kasbahs, souks and the beautiful Andalusian gardens. It’s also on Morocco’s high-speed rail network, so if you want to see more of the country, it’s super-easy,” he adds.

BEST TIME TO GO: Spring, for fewer crowds.

FYI: Flights cost from £40 return.

OULU, FINLAND

THE LOWDOWN: Sitting on the Baltic Sea, 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle, you’ll find 2026’s European Capital of Culture, with jaw-dropping scenery and lush cuisine. “Pick between experiencing the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights, but either way, it’s a great place to dip your toe into Finnish culture,” says Tom.

DON’T MISS: Feast on reindeer, salmon and foraged berries at pop-ups during August’s Summer Night’s Dinner and September’s Arctic Tasting Week, or just grabbing a coffee and rye bread at Oulu’s lively waterfront market.

Meanwhile, The Climate Clock art trail launches in June with seven hotly anticipated works, and electronic music festival Frozen People is held on a frozen lake in February.

You can even go full Finn at Lainesauna. For €15, you sauna on a raft down the Oulujoki River then dive straight into the water in summer (or an ice hole in winter!).

BEST TIME TO GO: March – to catch the Northern Lights around the equinox and skip the most freezing temperatures.

FYI: Flights to Helsinki cost from £48 return. The new high-speed Pendolino Plus train from Helsinki to Oulu costs from £48 return.

TANZANIA

THE LOWDOWN: An interactive, immersive conservation centre opens in Tanzania’s capital, Arusha, in memory of primatologist Jane Goodall. And handily, the capital is brilliantly located between Mount Kilimanjaro and Serengeti National Park for ticking off that bucket-list safari, too.

DON’T MISS: Visit Dr Jane’s Dream: The Goodall Centre For Hope, which was developed with help from former Walt Disney Imagineers and African artisans. “National parks, game reserves and conservation areas make up about 38% of the country,” says Jon Nigel, co-founder at Weather2travel.com.

“But as well as spotting the Big Five in Serengeti, head north to Gombe National Park, where Jane conducted her pioneering chimpanzee studies in the ’60s.”

BEST TIME TO GO: June to October for prime waterhole action.

FYI: Flights to Arusha via Amsterdam cost from £412. Safari lodges cost from £62 a night.

LONDON

THE LOWDOWN: It’s the most-searched-for destination in the world, and 2026 is serving up stonking new cultural openings for our very own capital.*

DON’T MISS: V&A East is opening in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in April with The Music Is Black: A British Story including exhibits from Stormzy and Little Simz.

“It’s a brilliant time to explore new places, as well as the classics,” says Tom. “The Museum of London is reopening in Smithfield Market, not far away will be the Quentin Blake Centre For Illustration in Clerkenwell from May.

There’s also a huge Tracey Emin retrospective from February at Tate Modern and the Bayeux Tapestry comes to the British Museum from September.” Oh, and an exhibition dedicated to legendary author Agatha Christie hits the British Library in October, too.

BEST TIME TO GO: London’s a winner all year.

BASQUE COUNTRY, SPAIN

THE LOWDOWN: This small region famed for its pintxos (bar snacks), is packed with history, culture and 22 Michelin-starred restaurants. Plus, it’s home to a gorge coastline.

DON’T MISS: This will be a top spot to see the total eclipse on August 12. “Get as far to the west as you can,” says Jon. “From San Sebastián, Aiako Harria Natural Park will be a great place to view the night sky.

As will Gorbeia Natural Park, which lies between Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz.” Be sure to visit Bilbao’s world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, too.

BEST TIME TO GO: August for the solar eclipse and the legendary fireworks contest at Semana Grande festival in San Sebastián.

FYI: Return flights to Bilbao cost from £44.

DOMINICA

THE LOWDOWN: Also known as the Caribbean’s Nature Island, Dominica has just 63,000 inhabitants, but offers year-round whale watching, plus incredible hiking through its dense forests.

The world’s first sperm whale reserve is now located here, too.

DON’T MISS: You’ll love whale watching. “There are 200 sperm whales in the 300 square miles of ocean designated for the reserve and you can even swim with them as part of small, regulated groups,” says Jon.

Emerald Pool, a rainforest pool fed by a 40-foot waterfall, or Titou Gorge, seen in Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, are also must-sees.

Or take the newly-opened cable car to the volcanic Boiling Lake. What was once a three-hour hike each way now takes 20 minutes!

BEST TIME TO GO: go December to April for the best whale spotting.

FYI: Flights to Dominica via Barbados cost from £712. A new international airport is due to open in 2027, too.

IF manicured gardens and grand, Downton Abbey-style houses are your thing, you’re going to love our country house picks.

As the new year approaches, Britain’s most grand estates are ready to shine.

Country houses and estates are a great choice for a family day out, with wide-open grounds and historic buildings to explore.

But it’s not all countryside walks and grand buildings – plenty of country estates now have loads to do for children, too.

We’ve rounded up some of the most magnificent country houses across the UK, packed with exciting events, gorgeous grounds and plenty of kids’ activities.

With impressive interiors and gardens made for wandering, here’s the Sun Travel team’s top picks for 2026.

Read more on country houses

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Chartwell House, Kent

Now I don’t know about you, but the thought of seeing inside the home of one of our Prime Ministers’ was thrilling.

And Chartwell House, the home of Sir Winston Churchill and his family, really did live up to the thrill. 

Inside the stunning country home in Kent, there are lots of the former Prime Minister’s belongings, all laid out just as he himself positioned them. 

But it isn’t just the house that is impressive – there is also a studio in the grounds, which is home to the largest single collection of Winston Churchill’s paintings.

Many are landscapes and they truly are fascinating to look at. Whilst he was no Picasso, Churchill certainly was talented with a paintbrush. 

Outside there is also a rose garden that was designed by Lady Churchill and a lawn which looks over the surrounding countryside.

If you want to grab a quick bite to eat, then head to Landemare Café, which serves light lunches, cakes and hot drinks. 

Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

Kentwell Hall, Suffolk

If you want the perfect autumn break, you need to head to Kentwell in Suffolk, which dates back to the 1400s.

It isn’t open all year round, but in the summer you can explore the grounds and gardens.

There are a number of themed days throughout the year.

One of my favourites is Hands-On History, where it takes you back in time to the 16th century.

Otherwise there is the Enchanting Gardens Lit by Night and the Dickensian Christmas events in the winter months.

Or there are Open Air Cinemas and Last Night at the Proms during the warmer months.

Save time to visit the nearby Long Melford too, a very quaint old village.

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Ashridge House, Hertfordshire

Having first visited Ashridge House in 2022, I wouldn’t wait to go back.

Most of the house is actually closed because it’s used for weddings, but I still encourage anyone to go and see it.

It’s perfect to explore either on a crisp winter morning or sunny afternoon as there’s 190 acres of grounds to see from landscaped gardens to woodlands.

Thanks to its sprawling house and estate, it’s been used for filming things like The Dirty Dozen and Maleficent.

When you’re there, make sure to check out the Bakehouse as well which is a cafe in the courtyard that serves hot drinks, tasty pastries as well as breakfast and lunch.

During the festive season, the house also puts on a huge Christmas light display – which happens to be the biggest in Hertfordshire.

It has 20 installations across the estate along with a Ferris wheel that takes visitors up 115 feet into the air.

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Holkham Hall, Norfolk

Holkham Hall in North Norfolk is a sprawling estate featuring a grand hall with beautiful stately rooms, surrounding wildlife and plenty of exciting events throughout the year.

I’ve never visited an estate that has so much to do.

You’ll also find plenty of spots to set up a picnic down by the river of Holkham Park amongst wandering deer, as well as a summer food festival.

The warmer months also see the Ropes Course open for adventurers keen to climb and swing through the treetops.

There’s even a deer and wildlife safari for £6 per person (though if you drive to nearby Snettisham Farm Park, there you can feed the deer by hand).

But Christmas is my favourite time to visit, with craft markets, candlelight tours of the Hall, and even Canine Carolling (a performance from a choir of festively-dressed dogs).

It’s a popular time to visit, with many flocking over after seeing the estate sparkle in Channel 4‘s Christmas at Holkham Hall decorating documentary.

The expansive country estate is also just a short walk away from Holkham Beach – a royal favourite and often visited by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Travel Writer, Jenna Stevens

Farlam Hall Country House Hotel, Cumbria

What could be better at the end of an epic walk than a glorious country house?

Which is why Farlam Hall in the Cumbrian countryside is perfectly situated, a few miles south of Hadrian’s Wall. 

On a recent week’s hiking holiday along the wall, we stopped overnight at the 4-star property. 

The classically decorated rooms and very comfy beds were the perfect respite from the long days’ walking.

But my favourite bit was the canapes in the drawing room before dinner. 

It made me feel like I was in an Agatha Christie mystery. 

Head of Travel – Digital, Caroline McGuire

Coleton Fishacre, Devon

Hidden in the lanes of Devon, Coleton Fishacre is a stunning “1920s country retreat complete with tropical garden by the sea”, states the National Trust. 

The pretty house used to be a retreat for the D’Oyly Carte family, which included Rupert D’Oyly Carte – the son of Richard D’Oyly Carte who was the mastermind behind the Savoy Hotel.

The interiors are fascinating with lots of Art Deco features – all of which are in perfect condition. 

Outside, visitors will find the RHS-accredited coastal valley garden, full of exotic plants and boasting sea views. 

The entire house feels like exploring a treasure chest, with something exciting around each corner. 

There is also a cafe at the house and a really good gift show with local handmade items. 

Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

Heythorp Park, Cotwsolds

ONE of the latest grand country house hotels to join the Warner Hotels group, this imposing 18th century country house set in 440 acres of glorious parkland is just a stone’s throw from Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water.

Follow in the aristocratic footsteps of the Duke of Shrewsbury, who built the house in 1707 with a spot of clay pigeon shooting, archery or indulge in an afternoon tea on the terrace overlooking the stunning grounds.

And yet, for all its grandeur, this is a fantastic value way to enjoy a country house hotel.

Mid-week breaks with Warner include half board and all your entertainment and start from just £190 per night in January 2026.

Indulge in British classics in the Market Kitchen buffet restaurant at breakfast, lunch or dinner or enjoy a la carte fine dining in Brasserie32 and gastro pub classics in The Travelling Duke.

As well as an 18-hole championship golf course there’s a luxurious spa. For the real Downton experience, go for one of the mansion rooms in the original country house.

Head of Travel, Lisa Minot

Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire

Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire is the kind of place you turn up to for a morning walk, and somehow end up staying all day.

The stately house sits in the middle of the countryside, on a working farm straight out of a picture book.

This National Trust estate is perfect for strolls down woodland walkways before settling down in the Old Rectory for tea and homemade scones.

Plus the 17th century mansion is well worth stepping inside to poke around its ornate rooms.

Families can head to Home Farm to meet rare-breed animals, climb on tractors and watch the shire horses at work.

There’s always something happening too, with open-air theatre in the warmer months and popular harvest fairs in the autumn.

And if you want a postcard-perfect picture, the walk up to the Gothic Tower gives you some of the dreamiest views in Cambridgeshire.

Travel Writer, Jenna Stevens

The cheapest destinations for package holidays in summer 2026 have been revealed, with five Spanish getaways making the list, with a seven-night stay starting from £864 per person

As we near the end of 2025, there’s no better time to think about booking your sun-soaked getaway for next year, and some popular holiday hotspots have been revealed as the cheapest.

Whether you’re dreaming of a well-deserved trip under the Mediterranean sun on a golden sand beach or time spent wandering around European streets soaking up a city’s vibrant culture, there’s a bundle of desirable holiday destinations on offer. In a bid to help you choose your next getaway, the experts at Which? have revealed the 10 cheapest destinations to book for a package holiday for the summer of 2026.

For the results, they compared the prices of 5,393 package holidays from Jet2holidays and easyJet Holidays. This was based on a seven-night stay, including flights, departing on or around August 2, with two people sharing a room with various board types.

The winner

With its white-sand beaches and sprawling resorts, Which? found Costa Blanca along Spain’s Mediterranean coastline as the cheapest option for a package for next year. Known as the White Coast, it boasts popular resorts like Benidorm, Alicante, and Altea, each offering its own unique allure.

For a stay in Costa Blanca during the peak of summer, Which? found that it would cost, on average, £864 per person for a seven-night package. This was the only destination they found to be less than £900 for a week’s stay in August.

The second-cheapest package holiday was to Tuscany in central Italy, famed for its rolling hills, Renaissance art, and cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa. A week’s stay in the gorgeous Italian region would cost £929pp per week, including flights and accommodation – what’s not to love?

This is in stark contrast to the Italian region of Sardinia, which would cost around £1,508pp for the same stay, saving you a whopping £579. Tuscany is said to be more affordable due to its wide range of accommodations available, from self-catering to bed-and-breakfast, room-only, as well as all-inclusive and full-board packages.

Ranked as the third cheapest for a summer getaway was the stunning Agadir coast in Morocco, known for its sprawling sand beaches and as a major resort destination. With plenty of accommodation options along the coast, with beach days at its core, a stay here would cost £946pp.

Following the research from Which? they found that six of the cheapest holiday hotspots for 2026 were in Spain, with Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria also on the list. Elsewhere, Zante in Greece, with its pristine blue waters, fruity landscapes and lively nightlife, also made the top 10.

Here are the cheapest package holiday destinations for 2026, as outlined by Which? The results show the average price, per person, for a seven-night package stay.

1. Costa Blanca, Spain – £864
2. Tuscany, Italy – £929
3. Agadir coast, Morocco – £946
4. Dalaman area, Turkey – £1,048
5. Tenerife, Canary Islands – £1,073
6. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands – £1,119
7. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands – £1,121
8. Costa Brava, Spain – £1,125
9. Costa Dorada, Spain – £1,133
10. Zante, Greece – £1,142

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