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A pretty UK town packed with independent shops, cosy tearooms and acres of green space, has been named as the ‘most welcoming’ destination, and after a visit, you might never want to leave

There’s a list of beautiful UK towns that offer an idyllic day out, whether that’s taking a stroll along their meandering rivers or exploring their cobbled streets lined with medieval architecture.

Yet there’s one that’s been named the ‘most welcoming town’ of them all, thanks to warm charm you’ll struggle to find anywhere else.

Harrogate, in North Yorkshire, is a Victorian spa town known for its mineral springs, 200 acres of green space at The Stray park, cosy tearooms, independent boutiques, and, famously, the home of Yorkshire Tea. It has often been hailed as one of the happiest places to live and has once again secured the title of the most welcoming town in the UK.

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Thanks to its warm and friendly atmosphere, hospitality, and repeat visitors, Harrogate was named the UK’s most welcoming destination in Booking.com’s 2026 Traveller Review Awards. It’s even thought that its tea heritage and charming tearooms could have something to do with its ranking, as a quarter of Brits associated a visit to the Yorkshire town with a cosy cup of brew.

Whether it’s a warming cuppa in one of their tearooms, cafés, hotels, or even pubs, the town’s history can’t be ignored, as it’s where the black tea blend of Yorkshire Tea has been produced by the Bettys & Taylors Group since 1977. It’s also home to the delightful Bettys Café Tea Room, offering afternoon tea in the imperial room of freshly baked scones and, of course, their signature tea.

But that’s not the only tearoom in this town. There’s also Jenny’s Tea Shop, Mama Doreen’s Emporium, and another Bettys Café Tea Room, just on the outskirts of the town.

Yet, away from its brews, streets are lined with boutiques, with Montpellier Quarter boasting more than 50 independent shops, bars, restaurants, antique shops, and art galleries. There’s also Cold Bath Road, which offers more eateries and shops, all while paying homage to the town’s spa heritage.

Harrogate is known as the ‘English Spa’ thanks to its mineral springs, which were discovered in the 16th century. It quickly became known as a wellness destination, thanks to its open green spaces, spa treatments, fresh air, and famed waters.

Today, there are original Turkish Baths for a relaxing treatment and the Royal Pump Room Museum for a closer look into the town’s spa heritage. Harrogate has remained known as a spa town and continues to attract visitors seeking to unwind from the stress of everyday life.

The town is characterised by Victorian and Georgian buildings, some of which make up its collection of hotels, and there are plenty of B&Bs available in the area. That’s when you can tear yourself away from the ample green spaces, with its position on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a haven for avid walkers.

With acres of pristine landscapes, Harrogate is home to beautiful parks and tranquil gardens that offer scenic strolls during the warmer months. One of its most popular attractions, which welcomes around three million visitors a year, is the Grade II-listed Valley Gardens, featuring various areas to admire.

Whether you’re looking for a day out away from the city or a weekend escape, you might just feel at home in Harrogate. Plus, it’s nestled just over a 20-minute train journey from Leeds and half an hour from York, making it even more convenient.

Ryan Pearson, regional manager for UK and Ireland at Booking.com, said: “Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards celebrate destinations that consistently deliver exceptional hospitality, and Harrogate has earned recognition as one of the UK’s most welcoming towns for this specific reason.

“Guests frequently praise the town’s friendly, attentive hosts and genuinely warm atmosphere, which makes visitors feel instantly at home. While Harrogate charms with its historic spa buildings, elegant streets, and beautiful surrounding countryside, it’s the town’s authentic, personable hospitality that inspires repeat visits and rave recommendations from travellers.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

The UK’s most beautiful places have been ranked and one English spot has particularly impressed thanks to its enchanting scenery and quaint villages

A beautiful region full of rolling green hills, lakes with azure waters and charming villages that are the stuff of fairytales has been named England’s most beautiful place for 2026.

The Lake District has long been attracting visitors from around the world, often featuring on rankings of the more scenic spots and picturesque landmarks across Britain. Now, it’s been named one of the UK’s most beautiful places, taking the silver medal in new rankings from Big 7 Travel.

“England’s largest national park, the Lake District, is surely one of the UK’s most beautiful areas,” the team behind the research explained. “Whether it’s grass-covered fells, England’s highest mountain (Scafell Pike), beautiful lakes such as Ullswater and Windermere or quaint towns like Grasmere and Keswick, the Lake District has it all. Perfect for everyone from hikers to swimmers, photographers to artists and more, the Lake District is easily one of the most beautiful places in the UK.”

While it’s hardly a hidden gem, it’s not difficult to see why the Lake District is so popular with tourists. There are plenty of breathtaking lakes to explore in the region – 16 in fact – with popular highlights including the likes of Lake Windemere, Derwentwater and Ullswater which boast a host of water sports facilities and attractions. (Families may particularly want to bookmark the World of Beatrix Potter which brings the stories of Peter Rabbit and his friends to life).

Then of course that lush green landscape is packed with everything from scenic strolls to epic hiking trails, depending on how far you want to cover in your hiking boots. Oh, and the region is renowned for the many, many brilliant pubs where you can warm up by a fire, tuck into a hearty roast and enjoy a well-deserved drink after a busy day of exploring.

As for where to stay, there’s a plethora of accommodation to choose from, with the likes of Sykes Holiday Cottages and Holidaycottages.co.uk both offering up some brilliant options that look like the stuff of storybooks, or if you fancy treating yourself to a hotel stay, TripAdvisor has a handy guide to some of the best cheap Lake District hotels you’ll want on your radar.

Meanwhile, if you’re after more staycation inspiration then you could of course head to the UK’s most beautiful destination in the rankings. That accolade went to the Queen’s View in the Scottish Highlands, a picturesque viewing point that overlooks Loch Tummel. One of its most famous visitors, Queen Victoria, arrived at the site in 1866 and reportedly assumed that the location was named after her. (In reality, It is thought that it was named after Isabella, Robert the Bruce’s first wife, who lived more than 500 years before Victoria’s visit).

You can see the top 10 rankings below…

The UK’s top 10 most beautiful places

1. Queen’s View – Perthshire, Scotland
2. The Lake District – Cumbria, England
3. The Forest of Dean – Gloucestershire, England
4. Fairy Pools – Isle of Skye, Scotland
5. Rathlin Island – County Antrim, Northern Ireland
6. Berwyn Mountains – Powys, Wales
7. Heights of Abraham – Derbyshire, England
8. Holkham Beach – Norfolk, England
9. Eilean Donan Castle – Highlands, Scotland
10. Knaresborough – North Yorkshire, England

You can find out more on enjoytravel.com.

Is there a destination you think deserved to be in the top 10 rankings? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Kidlington in Oxfordshire was declared a town last month after almost 40 years, and boasts scenic walks, cosy pubs and is the perfect base for visiting Blenheim Palace and Harry Potter locations

Britain has officially gained a new town, boasting welcoming pubs, a delightful tearoom, picturesque riverside strolls and a vibrant community spirit.

Located to the north of Oxford, Kidlington features a busy high street and an expanding population. However, until recently, it held the distinction of being one of Britain’s largest villages.

The Oxfordshire settlement is home to nearly 14,000 people and exceeds the size of several of England’s more established towns. Kidlington previously sought to upgrade its designation from village to town status back in 1988, though the bid was unsuccessful at that time, with locals continuing to embrace their preferred classification.

Yet after nearly four decades, Kidlington was officially granted town status last month, after Parish Council members backed the move unanimously. The council highlighted that it possesses the “population, services, and infrastructure of a town”, with the reclassification bringing certain advantages.

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Under the government’s revised National Planning Policy Framework and National Policing Guarantee introduced last year, towns benefit from enhanced safeguards, especially concerning planning and policing matters. The settlement has ambitions to construct additional housing and increase its population beyond 30,000, reports the Express.

Yet, some locals remain unconvinced about its elevated status as a town, with one resident telling the Metro: “I would prefer it to be a village – it just got more of a community feel to it. A town to me seems something that it’s not. I don’t know what it represents, being a town.”

They continued: “I can’t see by being a town it’s going to improve.” Meanwhile, others feel disappointed about losing its claim as one of Europe’s largest villages.

However, politics aside, Kidlington boasts a stunning location, close to the beautiful Cotswolds, nestled between the River Cherwell and the Oxford Canal. The town offers numerous picturesque walks, and sits conveniently less than half an hour’s drive from Oxford city centre.

It serves as a perfect base for Oxford commuters, with the neighbouring Parkway railway station providing access to the city in less than 10 minutes. For those exploring the town itself, there’s the 13th-century church featuring an impressive 220-foot spire, and the high street, brimming with shops and welcoming pubs, including The King’s Arms and The Boat Inn, positioned along the river.

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Making the most of its setting, visitors can find the Thrupp Canoe and Kayak Hire Centre for leisurely river trips, followed by a visit to the delightful Annie’s Tea Rooms. There’s also the Thrupp Community Forest providing woodland walks, and close by sits Willowbrook Farm for days of adventure.

The town is also in close proximity to the market town of Bicester, renowned for its popular outlet village, offering discounted brands. Meanwhile, less than 10 minutes away lies Blenheim Palace, the distinguished birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home to acres of tranquil grounds to explore.

Nearby is also the iconic Harry Potter tree, featured in the franchise films, which is definitely worth a visit after a wander around Kidlington.