The UK’s must-visit destinations in 2026

1. We’ve seen a lot of the UK.
   
   
2. We know which places people keep going back to.
   
   

If 2026 is the year you actually leave your postcode, these are some destinations we think are worth the effort. Especially when the effort mainly involves sitting down, plugging in your headphones, and letting us do the driving.

1. Birmingham: Of course, Bab

There’s a reason why it’s called the nation’s 2nd city. The shopping is excellent, the food scene is serious, and the canals are still there doing their thing. Did you know there are more of them than Venice? Of course you did. Cadbury World is also here, which makes Birmingham the only place where eating lots of chocolate feels educational.

Why go with us:
We take Spaghetti Junction out of your hands entirely. You’re welcome.

2. Bristol: Effortlessly cool (annoyingly so)

Bristol has a lot going for it and knows it. Harbourside walks, independent shops, street art that may or may not be a Banksy, and a music scene that quietly shows off without making a fuss. 

Why go with us:
We’ll drop you right in the centre, so you don’t have to drag a suitcase uphill while pretending you’re enjoying it.

3. London: Still busy. Still great.

London remains London. Palaces, museums, markets, neighbourhoods with strong personalities, and more food than anyone can realistically get through in a weekend. You won’t do everything. That’s fine. Nobody does.

Why go with us:
It’s cheaper than the train, calmer than driving, and doesn’t involve arguing with Google Maps.

4. Manchester: Big personality, bigger nights

Manchester does music, football, food and nightlife extremely well and isn’t shy about it. Come for a gig, a match, or just to see what everyone’s on about. You’ll probably stay out later than planned.

Why go with us:
No station changes. No post-event chaos. Just get on, get off, carry on.

5. Leicester: Small city, big flavour

Leicester packs a lot into a fairly manageable size. There’s history (including a king found in a car park), good shopping, and a food scene, especially on the Golden Mile. That makes “just one more meal” a recurring thought.

Why go with us:
Parking near the centre is optimistic. We prefer realism.

6. Leeds: Busy when you want it, calm when you don’t

Leeds is very good at balance. Smart shopping, great bars, excellent breweries and then parks and green space nearby when you need a reset. It’s lively without being exhausting.

Why go with us:
Spend your money on Leeds, not on fuel, parking, or stress.

7. Nottingham: More than the tights guy

Yes, Robin Hood. But also independent shops, creative streets, castles, and a surprising number of caves underneath the city. Nottingham tends to win people over quietly, which we respect.

Why go with us:
Historic streets are charming. Driving through them is less so.

8. Edinburgh: Very hard to dislike

Edinburgh has castles, views, cobbles, excellent food, and whisky that people get very passionate about. It’s dramatic, walkable, and somehow impressive in any weather.

Why go with us:
No airports, no baggage rules, no explaining why your toothpaste is too big. Just sit down and head north.

The bottom line

We’re National Express. We run comfortable coaches, keep prices sensible, and make getting around the UK easier than it needs to be.

You pick the destination.
We’ll drive.

If you know, you go National Express.

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