It may be a small place, but uk there is somewhere for every traveler to explore.
It is being destroyed the castles AND coastal citiesOR living cities and rural landscapes that will take your breath away.
And now, TripAdvisor has released their Summer Travel The 2026 index reveals the trending destinations among British travelers this summer.
For those looking for a staycation, the fastest growing destination is GrasmereIN Cumbria.
Located in the heart of Lake Districtthe picturesque village is often overlooked for its more popular neighbours, such as Windemere and Ambleside.
But for those who have visited Grasmere, it leaves quite an impression.
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Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler once called the countryside ‘an absolutely beautiful corner of the world’ and it has been a muse for writers and poets for centuries.
Most famously, Grasmere was home to William Wordsworth, who called it “the most beautiful place on Earth”.
TripAdvisor’s ranking was compiled by looking at searches made by British travelers to the UK between February and April this year, for trips between June and August.
While Grasmere claimed first place, second place went to Carbis Bay, in Cornwall.
Belfast took bronze and another Lake District favourite, Bowness, came fourth. Portrush, in Northern Irelandplaced a respectable fifth.
However, perhaps a little more surprisingly, Coventry was ranked as the sixth trending destination, making West Midlands proud.
Domestic trending destinations (based on annual growth), according to TripAdvisor
- Grasmere, Cumbria
- Carbis Bay, Cornwall
- Belfast
- Bowness-on-Windemere, Cumbria
- Portrush, Northern Ireland
- Coventry
- Nottingham
- Torquay, Devon
- Buxton, Derbyshire
- Glasgow
Things to do in Grasmere
Located to the north of Loch Grasmere and surrounded by mountains, the village can count some pretty big names as fans, all of whom are inspired by the majestic surroundings.
John Constable and William Turner both painted here, Sting reportedly owns a cottage in the countryside, and even Taylor Swift gave it a nod in her song The Lakes, when she sings “tell me what my words are worth / take me to the lakes”.
Home of poet William Wordsworth, Dove Cottage is perhaps the country’s most popular tourist attraction, with tickets costing just £8 for a full day.
You can experience his house as it was 200 years ago, as well as wander through the beautiful gardens. Wordsworth described Dove Cottage as “the loveliest spot that man ever found,” so it’s certainly worth a trip.
You can also go to the Church of Saint Oswald, in the center of the village, which dates back to the 13th century and is the last resting place of the poet.
Another of Wordsworth’s former residences, Allan Bank is a popular National Trust property. But instead of antique furniture, the house is full of artwork, as well as opportunities to enjoy the views – you might even spot a few red squirrels.
Of course, a trip to the English countryside is not complete without enjoying a cuppa and cake in a tea room.
Baldry’s is popular with locals and visitors, serving the community for 25 years. They bake fresh bread and cakes on site every morning and use locally sourced ingredients.
No matter how much of a sweet tooth you have, you have to go to The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. Not quite the cookie you’ll be familiar with, this is a cross between a cookie and a cake, invented in 1854.
While shops claim to offer ‘the world’s best gingerbread’, you don’t just have to take their word for it. Renee Zellweger, Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise have all been seen here, and even the King has tried it.
And of course, Grasmere is the perfect place for those who love the great outdoors.
Hire a boat and take a gentle row around Lake Grasmere. Cane boats are rented from Faeryland for just £25 for an hour, for four people.
For something a little more adventurous, you can also canoe, kayak, paddleboard and even swim.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, there are also plenty of hiking trails around the lake and up into the hills.
Perhaps the most famous is the Coffin Route – which isn’t as scary as it sounds.
The historic footpath links Grasmere to another delightful village, Ambleside, and is named after it was traditionally used to carry coffins around the village.
And, if you’re heading to Grasmere in the warm summer months, don’t miss Sour Milk Ghyll, a waterfall that makes for a perfect wild swimming spot.
Exploring is hard work, so be sure to end your visit to the village at Grasmere Brewerywhere you can try their beer as well as whiskey, gin and vodka.
You can also enjoy a distillery tour and tasting, but be sure to book in advance.
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