TripAdvisor has unveiled its highly anticipated Summer Travel Index for 2026, providing a comprehensive look at the most in-demand destinations for British travellers planning trips between June and August. The report meticulously analyses year-on-year growth in bookings to identify the fastest-rising hotspots across the United Kingdom and Europe, offering valuable insights into evolving travel preferences.
UK Trending Destinations: A Blend of Coastal and Countryside Escapes
For those opting for staycations within the UK, the data reveals a balanced interest in both picturesque countryside retreats and stunning coastal locations. The top ten trending destinations showcase a diverse array of options, from serene villages to vibrant urban centres.
Grasmere Tops the UK List
Leading the UK rankings is Grasmere, a small village nestled in the heart of the Lake District, often celebrated as one of England's most beautiful spots. Once famously described by poet William Wordsworth as 'the loveliest spot that man hath found,' Grasmere continues to captivate visitors with its idyllic lakeside setting, charming traditional cottages, winding cobbled streets, and renowned gingerbread shop that has become a local institution.
Cornish and Northern Irish Gems Follow
In second place is Carbis Bay, a Cornish seaside village celebrated for its pristine white-sand beach, remarkably clear turquoise waters, and prestigious Blue Flag status maintained for eighteen consecutive years. The village also gained recognition as the Best Coastal Wedding Venue in the 2018 UK Wedding Awards, adding to its appeal.
Belfast secures the third position, with Northern Ireland's capital city attracting visitors through its rich cultural heritage, historical significance as the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, warm welcoming atmosphere, and bustling nightlife scene. The city's popularity has been further boosted by its association with the hit HBO series Game of Thrones and easy access to natural wonders like the Giant's Causeway.
Completing the Top Ten UK Destinations
Rounding out the top five UK destinations are Bowness-on-Windermere, a tiny village situated on the shore of England's largest lake in Cumbria, and Portrush, the popular Northern Irish seaside town known for its dramatic coastline.
The remaining spots in TripAdvisor's UK top ten include:
- Coventry
- Nottingham
- Torquay in Devon
- Buxton in Derbyshire
- Glasgow
European Hotspots: Spanish Dominance and Emerging Destinations
Across Europe, Spanish destinations demonstrate remarkable popularity, claiming multiple positions in the top ten trending locations for British holidaymakers during the summer of 2026.
Alicante Leads European Rankings
Alicante emerges as the leading European destination, with the Spanish port city welcoming a record-breaking 1.7 million international visitors in the previous year. The city's appeal lies in its sun-drenched Mediterranean shores, vibrant festival calendar, and exceptional culinary scene featuring approximately 1,700 dining establishments, which helped secure its title as Spain's Capital of Gastronomy in 2025.
Portuguese and Spanish Contenders
Alvor in Portugal claims second place, offering tourists a perfect blend of traditional fishing village charm with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and exceptional seafood restaurants, alongside stunning golden sand beaches like Praia de Alvor and Praia dos Três Irmãos. The Algarve region where Alvor is located recorded an impressive 2.38 million overnight stays in September 2025 alone.
Spain's Playa de Palma ranks third, featuring a six-kilometre beach resort in the heart of Palma with extensive sandy beaches, over 100 restaurants, bars, and cafes, and a particularly lively nightlife scene that attracts party-loving tourists with themed venues, nightclubs, and British and Irish pubs.
Notable European Entries
Malaga in Andalusia takes fourth position, celebrated for its sunny beaches, historic landmarks, and famous sweet Malaga wine. The fifth spot goes to Ksamil in Albania, a small village in the Albanian Riviera that has gained viral popularity for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and affordability, earning it the nickname 'The Maldives of Europe.'
Completing the European top ten trending destinations are:
- Krakow, Poland
- Sitges, Spain
- Rhodes, Greece
- Budapest, Hungary
- Dublin, Ireland
TripAdvisor's Summer Travel Index for 2026 provides British travellers with valuable guidance for planning their summer getaways, highlighting both traditional favourites and emerging destinations that are capturing the imagination of holidaymakers across the United Kingdom and Europe.
