Time Out has released its list of the top 15 places to visit in the UK for 2023 - and three Scots places have nabbed a spot.
The global media and hospitality brand, which helps people explore and experience the best of the city, curated the list which features Glasgow at number six, Edinburgh at number nine and Orkney at number 12.
The team of experts made the decision based on specific events happening next year as well as for their individuality and community feel. Glasgow, Edinburgh and Orkney all have exciting things coming up in the coming months, making them a must-visit for anyone in the UK.
Glasgow’s Film Festival in March is highlighted as a key reason to visit the city in 2023 as is its vegan food scene, independent shops and nightlife including venues such as Barrowland Ballroom, SWG3, Sub Club and La Cheetah.
Edinburgh, which was named Time Out’s Best City in the World 2022 and has now also made it on to the list of Best Places in the UK to Visit in 2023, is singled out for its overall beauty, trendy independent shops in suburbs like Stockbridge and new hotel openings.
Time Out’s experts also encourage people to try its lesser-known events than the Fringe such as the city’s late July Jazz and Blues festival. The ‘Best Cities’ 2022 list was voted for by the public and also considered perennial factors like ‘beauty’ and ‘green space’, which Edinburgh came top for.
This new list is selected by Time Out’s journalist team and focuses on those cities with currently thriving food, drinks and art scenes and with new openings and events in 2023.
Next year is also seen as a big one for Orkney due to twice weekly flights from April from London to its main town on Mainland, Kirkwall, which will make it easier to visit this otherworldly archipelago.
One of the reasons why Orkney is recommended for a holiday is the 5,000-year-old Neolithic site, the Ness of Brodgar, which will open between July 5 and August 17. The prehistoric village of Skara Brae is also highlighted as is the Orkney Distillery and the lively and welcoming local music scene.
Elsewhere, the place that made the top the list was Eastbourne, which will be hosting the prestigious Turner Prize next year at the Towner Eastbourne contemporary art gallery.
Manchester came in at number four, thanks to Manchester Museum reopening in February and Factory International’s new arts centre also opening next year and set to host many International exhibitions.
Huw Oliver, Time Out’s UK editor explains why the places on the list made the cut: "Rather than the usual hotspots, we want to highlight places, which are often ridiculously underrated or even unknown to people as travel destinations. In all of the places on the list, you will find interesting things to see and do and 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 travel list for next year."
Time Out’s Best Places to Visit in the UK in 2023
Eastbourne
Birmingham
Cardigan
Manchester
Scarborough
Glasgow
Dorset
London
Edinburgh
Liverpool
Padstow
Orkney
Margate
Sheffield
Cheshire
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
