Thinking about staying a bit closer to home for your next holiday, or ‘staycation’? Then the good people who read Condé Nast Traveller might be worth listening to this year - or reading, that is.
The Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards are a huge deal in the travel industry, and for a very good reason: they’re voted on entirely by their global community of passionate travellers.
Each year, the publication asks its readers from all over the world to share their favourite destinations, hotels, cities, and resorts. The scores, presented as percentages, represent the average levels of satisfaction from real people, meaning the results are a direct and unfiltered reflection of genuine travel experiences.
What makes these awards so highly regarded is the sheer number of people who take part. In 2024, for example, more than 550,000 votes were counted from readers in the United States alone. It’s not a panel of experts or editors making the decisions; it’s a long-running recognition of excellence based on honest feedback from travellers just like us.
So, where in the UK do readers consider the best place to visit? We’ve pulled together the top ten, including their overall scores, and we’ve also included a couple of landmarks and places of interest we think are worth checking out on your next local holiday.
5. Cambridge
Best known for its world-class university, alumni of which include Sir Isaac Newton, Alan Turing, Stephen Hawking and Sylvia Plath. Besides a punting tour along the canals, visitors can take in the world-renowned collections at the Fitzwilliam Museum and marvel at the breathtaking architecture of King's College Chapel. 🎯 91.11 | Getty Images
6. Edinburgh
Edinburgh, renowned for its summertime fringe festival and diverse architecture, has an enduring allure that draws visitors back time and time again. Visitors can explore the majestic Edinburgh Castle, wander along the historic Royal Mile, or take a hike up Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano that offers sweeping views of the city. 🎯 91.39 | Getty Images
7. Glasgow
Staycationers are increasingly aware of the city’s charm, attracted by a host of things to do and a Glaswegian food scene that’s tastier than ever before. You can step back in time with a visit to the 12th-century Glasgow Cathedral, admire the art at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, or take a stroll through the flower-bedecked George Square at the heart of the city's historic Victorian centre. 🎯 92.08 | Getty Images
8. London
London is a thriving hub of 32 boroughs, each with its own distinct character, from the hip area of Dalston to the colourful Notting Hill and the buzzing Soho. Visitors can explore the historic Tower of London, get a modern perspective of the city from the London Eye, or walk across the famous Tower Bridge for spectacular views. 🎯 92.56 | Getty Images