Underrated city named one of UK’s best places to visit in 2026 – not London or Bath | UK | Travel

It may be time to look beyond the obvious choices and explore some of the UK’s most underrated destinations — and one hidden gem lies in the heart of the North East.

Time Out has unveiled its list of ‘The 14 best places to visit in the UK in 2026’, and breaking into the top 10 is a North East city that is frequently overshadowed by its more famous neighbour just 10 miles down the road.

Certain locations earned their place on the list for their vibrant nightlife, others for their stunning coastlines, world-class museums, or exceptional food scenes. Sunderland claimed the number 10 spot, carving out a reputation that stretches well beyond its celebrated football club.

While many visitors might not immediately think of Sunderland beyond its Premier League credentials, travel experts insist there is a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered in this coastal city. With a packed calendar of exhibitions, sporting events and much more lined up throughout 2026, there is no shortage of reasons to visit — and plenty more to make you extend your stay.

Beaches

Unlike most bustling cities, Sunderland is fortunate enough to boast several expansive and stunning beaches, courtesy of its prime location along the mouth of the River Wear on the North Sea coast. The twin beaches at Roker and Seaburn offer the perfect spot to relax, with some visitors hailing them as “the best in the UK”, having returned since childhood.

Both hold blue flag status, ensuring they remain pristine and secure destinations for families to savour the golden sands during summer or enjoy a tranquil coastal stroll in the cooler months.

A recent visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “We spent a fine sunny spring morning walking on the seafront. We got there easily by taking the E1 bus from Sunderland city centre.

“Roker and Seaburn are attractive with good beaches with nice cafes with good coffee, which we sampled, and seafront restaurants that we would like to try next time. We only spent three hours here, but it has whetted our appetites and will certainly come again when visiting Sunderland.”

Pier Point at Roker is ideally positioned beside the beach, featuring numerous cafes and restaurants where visitors can indulge in classic seaside fare and pause for refreshments.

Museums

As highlighted by Time Out in their rankings, museums form a substantial element of Sunderland’s tourism offering and provide an excellent opportunity to display the city’s abundant cultural and historical heritage. It is advisable to watch for forthcoming exhibits and displays at these venues, though they warrant a visit on any ordinary day.

Distinctive in what it provides and a contemporary choice for tourists is the National Glass Centre, set within a striking glass building beside the waterfront. The venue is devoted to examining concepts and heritage through glass while offering chances for individuals to express creativity and engage with the educational programmes available.

It receives excellent reviews as one of Sunderland’s top attractions, ranking second on TripAdvisor. One visitor remarked: “This place is amazing. The glassblowing demonstration is really good, the cafe is really nice, food delish, staff very good. Nice setting on the water.”

Additional museums comprise the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum, Ryhope Engines Museum and, perhaps most significantly, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens. Located in the city centre, the Sunderland Museum chronicles the city’s narrative across four storeys, featuring an array of captivating galleries and displays.

One visitor said: “The museum offers free entry and has plenty of exhibits. I first had to see the staple of the museum, which is Wallace the Lion who has been with the museum for over 160 years.

“There was a write-up about how Wallace came to be in the museum which was nice to read about. There were a few other areas which showed off the history of the mines and celebrated the miners’ unions, etc.”

For those seeking a way to while away some time indoors, whether escaping dreary weather or simply keeping cool, the museum’s free admission makes it an unmissable opportunity to explore all it has to offer.

Throughout the city, a vibrant array of thriving independent eateries serve up a tempting selection of dishes, from street food vendors to charming cafés and beloved seafront staples. Time Out made a point of singling out Propa Pies, a “nostalgia-fuelled pastry pop-up from Hairy Biker Si King”, which offers an impressive range of inventively flavoured pies alongside timeless classics.