The 14 best places to visit in the UK in 2026 - Derby storms onto TimeOut list
The city’s ‘absolutely stacked’ calendar is one of the reasons why TimeOut has named it a must-visit spot this year
Derby is getting much deserved time in the spotlight as lifestyle experts at TimeOut name the city in its top 2026 travel list.
Derby can often be overlooked by neighbouring giants Nottingham and Sheffield, however the wise people at TimeOut appear to recognise the true potential of Derby.
Writer India Lawrence has named Derby on the 14-strong list which is a curation of writers and editors opinions.
The list was pulled together by the TimeOut team who analysed what’s on listings and sought opinion from various sources to ultimately create a guide of ‘places that should be on your radar over the next 12 months’.
Factors that made a city appear on the prestigious list are varied. TimeOut say: “Some [cities] have swaggered onto the scene with a quickfire burst of thrilling new attractions.
“Others have built their cred slower and reached a point of quiet brilliance, while others still are established spots that simply remain very much worth their rep.
“Several places will be made even more tempting by those aforementioned 2026 openings, whether that be delicious places to eat and drink, game-changing new transport options or unmissable cultural events.”
What makes Derby a top place to visit in 2026?
Derby’s badge of ‘gateway to the Peaks’ is no doubt one of the reasons why writer India Lawrence name-checked Derby in the list of top places to check out this year.
Ms Lawrence said: “Derby is well-established as a base for visiting the stunning rugged hills of the Peak District (including picture-perfect villages like Ashford-in-the-Water, Bakewell and Buxton), but right now the Midlands city is an exciting destination in its own right – and it’s got plenty more scheduled for 2026.”
The vibrant entertainment and alternative music scene, which gets better every year, is another reason why Derby made it onto the list.
Ms Lawrence said: “For the ravers, ULTRA, a 3,500-capacity warehouse club, opened its doors in Derby on New Year’s Eve 2025.
“The clubbers’ stomping ground in an industrial park combines ‘early rave spirit’ with state-of-the-art production.”
Derby’s cultural offerings saw one of the city’s most famous artists being celebrated in London.
“After being staged at London’s National Gallery, a major exhibition of Joseph Wright of Derby’s remarkable candlelight paintings will go on show at Derby Museum in May 2026, where it will be totally free to visit” Ms Lawrence said.
Derby’s ‘absolutely stacked’ events calendar for 2026 is perhaps one of the most exciting yet, making the city a must-visit hotspot for music and sports fans alike.
Ms Lawrence said: “In October the UCI Indoor Cycling World Championships will be held in the city, which will include weird and wonderful events like bicycle gymnastics and cycle-ball (a bit like football on a bike).”
Derby may be known for its rich industrial heritage, however those newer to the city may not be aware of the city’s role in popular culture.
Derby’s famous export Lara Croft turns millennial
Did you know the original Tomb Raider game - it is Lara Croft’s 30th birthday this year - was created in Derby? There is even a road named after the athletic adventurer called Lara Croft Way in the city.
Derby is set to celebrate two significant milestones this year. 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Derby-Osnabrück twinning and the anniversary of Derby achieving city status.
The 50:50 event is a year-long series that will see a calendar of events celebrating Derby’s heritage, local arts and communities.
Unmissable things to do in Derby 2026
Ms Lawrence has named ULTRA, a new 3,500 capacity space platforming cutting-edge sounds in the Midlands, as a must-visit destination.
The flagship event We Are WHSE is already proving to be popular, with the February session already sold-out.
Derby has long needed an underground space and it comes at this brand-new 3,500-capacity industrial haven. By tapping into the raw, stripped-back essence of original club culture but with state-of-the-art lighting, sound and production the venue will be a proper hideout for those who are ready to truly lose themselves in the music. The venue itself boasts exposed steel girders, corrugated walls and an atmosphere that channels early rave spirit.
The opening season of ULTRA, will see sets from DJs including drum ‘n’ bass juggernaut Wilkinson, Radio 1 Dance resident Rossi and London house legend East End Dubs.
For those travelling into Derby, there are plenty of places to stay. One favoured by TimeOut is The Coach House, a boutique guesthouse with cosy and colourful English country décor inside a 19th-century reverend’s house.
The UK’s 14 top places to visit in 2026 - full list
1. Stirling
2. Hastings and St Leonards
3. Stockport
4. Edinburgh
5. Cirencester
6. Caithness
7. Derby
8. Anglesey
9. Birmingham
10. Sunderland
11. Strand, London
12. Blackpool
13. Omagh
14. Portmeirion
What are your thoughts on the list? We would love to know, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] and we’ll take a look.