Top UK places to visit in 2023 revealed – and there are some real surprises
The top UK cities and towns to plan a trip to in 2023 have been revealed
Eastbourne has been named the top destination, followed by Birmingham and Cardigan
Time Out, who conducted the poll, wanted to highlight "ludicrously underrated" places rather than usual hotspots
Read on to see the full list of 15 places and why they were chosen
The best places to travel to in the UK next year have been revealed, and they might not be what you expect.
Eastbourne has been named the number one place to visit for a day or overnight trip in 2023, according to the list compiled by Time Out.
The East Sussex coastal town has been chosen not for its beach alone but for its rising status as a creative and cultural hub, with things to look forward to including Towner Eastbourne gallery hosting the 2023 Turner Prize (from September), The Screen International Film Festival and Beach Life Music Festival, along with live music, independent shops and eating haunts signposted.
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Coming in second on the list is Birmingham, which has more than just the Bullring shopping centre and Cadbury World on offer (though both may appeal of course). It's been recognised as the "most underrated food scene in the UK", according to Time Out's experts. Apparently British-Indian restaurant Opheem, affordable fine-dining spot Harborne Kitchen and sky-high French restaurant Orelle are ones to check out. Plus, the Ashes are returning to Edgbaston Stadium in June.
Completing the top three is the humble town and community of Cardigan in west Wales, which "remains criminally under-appreciated". It's credited for being a traditional market town with a creative side, full of independent business, as well as its beauty and rich history. The renovated Cardigan Castle and Guildhall Market are just some of the places to swing by.
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“Rather than the usual hotspots, we want to highlight places, many of which are ludicrously underrated, which people don’t automatically think to go to," says Huw Oliver, Time Out’s UK editor.
"In all of the places on the list, you will find interesting things to see and do, eat and drink during the day and night, a friendly welcome and a community spirit which enables you to connect with locals and really get to know a place."
Completing the top five best destinations across the nation to pay a visit to next year are Manchester – with highlights including the reopening of Manchester Museum in February and the opening of Factory International's new arts centre in June – and Scarborough – with suggestions including the February Dark Skies Festival, the revival of Scarborough Fair, and the many independent businesses and local ale scene to make the most of.
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Glasgow (the place everyone seems to be talking about at the moment), Dorset, Padstow, Orkney and Margate, also feature in the list of 15 places.
"We recommend that you definitely put one or more of these destinations on your travel list for next year," adds Oliver.
Best places to visit in the UK in 2023:
Eastbourne
Birmingham
Cardigan
Manchester
Scarborough
Glasgow
Dorset
London
Edinburgh
Liverpool
Padstow
Orkney
Margate
Sheffield
Cheshire
Watch: 2022 top travel destinations
