While there are so many exciting things happening across our destinations this year, deciding where to travel can seem a difficult decision. To help inspire you, we are sharing our travel hotspots for 2023 in the UK & Ireland from forward thinking foodie destinations to world-class museums.
Manchester
The world’s first industrial city is having a real arts and culture moment. The Manchester Museum which is home to collections including natural history and archaeology reopens in February following a £15 million renovation. We are also excited to see the Factory International arts space opening early summer which will be home to the Manchester International Festival and a year round programme of creative and special events. When you are ready for some fresh air head to the National Trust Castlefield Viaduct which is Manchester’s answer to The High Line. You can visit Manchester with our 4-day city break.
Leeds
Another Northern powerhouse we are looking forward to sharing is Leeds. The Yorkshire capital is celebrating a Year of Culture and is home to the only nationally recognised opera company outside London. Visit the Leeds Art Gallery for a diverse collection of works or head to the City Varieties Music Hall for a live show. The Thackray Museum of Medicine or the Royal Armouries Museum are both great for families. When you get peckish head to The Swine That Dines for elevated seasonal food or for street food try the Kirkgate Market. With the Yorkshire Dales National Park on it’s doorstep, Leeds is the perfect addition to any tour in northern England.
Edinburgh
Of course Edinburgh is always a good idea but the recent opening of the Gleneagles Townhouse and soon to open 100 Princes Street boutique hotel make it particularly exciting year. The Scottish National Gallery project is set to open in the summer celebrating Scottish art as well as the Port of Leith distillery for whisky enthusiasts. For foodies, Secret Food Tours will take you on a journey to discover the dishes most loved by locals. Visit Edinburgh with our 4-day city break.
Southern Scotland
Whilst we will always love the Scottish Highlands, this year we recommend heading south to the Borders thanks to the new Lumo train which offers affordable, environmentally friendly travel between London and Edinburgh. You will still find breath-taking landscapes and historic castles but with less crowds and some epic Dark Skies. Visit the home of famed Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott, Abbotsford House in Melrose or head to the east coast where you will find seaside cliffs and lobster rolls. In Dumfries and Galloway, follow in the footsteps of poet Robert Burns, explore the country’s only triangular castle, Caerlaverock and see the stars at the first Dark Skies Park in the UK, Galloway Forest Park. Visit the south of Scotland with our Undiscovered South itinerary.
Wales
Not only are we seeing a foodie focus this year from Wales but it is also at the forefront of responsible travel destinations. Chefs are focussing on foraging and high quality local produce and there are also a number of particularly exciting restaurants worth heading to including Ynyshir in the Dyfi Valley which has recently been awarded a second Michelin star. This small country boasts breath-taking scenery and some of the best beaches in the world and so Visit Wales is celebrating with their Year of Trails. One of our favourite Welsh distilleries Penderyn is opening it’s Swansea experience in the spring and don’t miss the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for it’s wildlife and outdoor activities. You can visit Wales with our 8-day highlights trip.
We would love to help you curate the perfect itinerary for your clients around these exciting destinations for 2023, just send us an email: [email protected]