Time Out, the global publication and hospitality brand which millions turn to for advice and recommendations, has included the Welsh town Cardigan in the top three places to visit in the UK for 2023. The publication describes the town as the “most underrated” spot in west Wales and gives many reasons for visiting it next year including its overall beauty and “dazzling creative streak”, plethora of independent businesses, renovated Cardigan Castle and “stunning” Guildhall Market.
Cardigan comes in third place behind Eastbourne and Birmingham and, although Time Out is highlighting what it calls 'underrated' spots in the UK, the top 10 also includes London, Liverpool and Manchester. But with the Welsh town in third place, we're not complaining as we love the cute ancient town in Ceredigion which is the gateway to the Teifi Valley and home to the gorgeous 900-year-old Cardigan Castle, drool-worthy bakeries and coffee shops like Crwst and the guildhall Market.
Read more : The Welsh beachside street food hut that's won a major award
This is what Time Out themselves had to say about Cardigan in their recommendations for 2023: "West Wales remains criminally underappreciated, and charming Cardigan might be its finest spot. This is an old-fashioned Welsh market town with a dazzling creative streak, a beautiful place with fascinating history and countless ways to tell it. Cardigan was the birthplace of the Eisteddfod (brilliantly documented at the renovated Cardigan Castle), and the town is brimming with gorgeous cafés, convivial pubs and other independent businesses – our faves being cinema Mwldan and gin distillery-cum-bar Bar 45. The stunning Guildhall Market is a bustling centre of commerce (currently spread over three separate sites while the main building is being renovated) where Welsh ideas are celebrated and conversation is as valuable as currency. There are plenty of pretty beaches nearby too.
"The perfect day: Start by browsing the stalls at Canolfan Teifi before grabbing brunch at Bara Menyn Bakehouse. Nip into Stiwdio3 and then the castle before feasting at the brilliant Pizzatipi, just across the river. Rest your head at the fabulous Albion Aberteifi.
Huw Oliver, Time Out’s UK Editor explains why the places on the list have made the cut; “Rather than the usual hotspots, we want to highlight places, many of which are ludicrously underrated, which people don’t automatically think to go to but which offer so much. In all of the places on the list, you will find interesting things to see and do, eat and drink during the day and night, a friendly welcome and a community spirit which enables you to connect with locals and really get to know a place. We recommend that you definitely put one or more of these destinations on your list for a day trip or overnight break next year”.
The full list of Time Out’s Best Places to Visit in the UK in 2023 is:
-
Eastbourne
-
Birmingham
-
Cardigan
-
Manchester
-
Scarborough
-
Glasgow
-
Dorset
-
London
-
Edinburgh
-
Liverpool
-
Padstow
-
Orkney
-
Margate
-
Sheffield
-
Cheshire
Topping the list for a day trip or longer stay is Eastbourne. Eastbourne’s rising position as an artist and cultural hub - including its hosting of the Turner Prize from next September - secured its top position on the list, along with other events, independent shops and eateries and music venues to try in the East Sussex town. Second on the list is Birmingham, which Time Out notes for its “most underrated food scene in the UK” and lists the return of the Ashes in June next year as some of the key rationale to visit.
Manchester is at number four, with the Manchester Museum reopening in February and Factory International’s new arts centre due to open among its many jewels. At number five is Scarborough. The February Dark Skies Festival around the coast and North York Moors, the revival of Scarborough Fair and the town’s independent businesses and local ale scene are given as some of the many motives to visit the area.
Other entries on the Best Places to Visit in the UK 2023 list include England’s capital London at number eight and Scotland’s capital Edinburgh at number nine. Get the latest what's on stories straight to your inbox by subscribing to our dedicated newsletter here.
READ NEXT:
-
Inside the Pembrokeshire restaurant that's just been added to the Michelin Guide
-
First look inside new Cowbridge restaurant and gastropub Hiraeth
-
Man taught to cook by his grandmother as a boy is named top chef in Wales at the Asian Curry Awards
-
New patisserie serving up impossibly perfect cakes and gateaux in Cardiff
