‘Overlooked’ town named best in Cotswolds and it’s not Bibury

The best destination to explore in the Cotswolds has been revealed – and it’s not the usual favourites like Chipping Campden, Bibury or Bourton-on-the-Water.

There’s a wealth of stunning beauty spots scattered across the UK, featuring rugged landscapes, peaceful golden beaches, vibrant and characterful towns, jagged rocks and cliffs, vast woodlands, sweeping green hills, and considerably more.

For a comparatively compact nation, there’s an impressive array of varied destinations to enjoy – whether you’re eager to discover the peaceful glacial lakes and fells of the Lake District, or the seemingly infinite dramatic coastlines of Scotland, the history of locations such as the Mourne Wall in northern Ireland, or the remarkable peaks of Eryri/Snowdonia in Wales; there’s certainly no lack of choices.

This holds equally true regarding the assorted towns scattered throughout the UK, from sleepy fishing villages and thriving market towns, to charming locations that offer a glimpse into history, and much more.

If you’re eager to undertake a “staycation” in the UK and feel daunted by the challenge of choosing where to visit, you’re in luck.

Time Out has published a compilation of “the best places to go in the UK in 2026” – and a Gloucestershire town has secured its place in the top five. Widely celebrated as the “Capital of the Cotswolds”, the historic market town of Cirencester has claimed fifth place on the national list.

Time Out said: “When it comes to ‘where to travel in the UK’, you might think the Cotswolds has been done to death. Actually, it hasn’t. In fact, only teeny tiny portions of the region tend to get all the love.”

The publication described Cirencester as “often-overlooked”, while commending the town – the largest in the region – for being “much better equipped for tourism” than overcrowded destinations such as Bibury.

Cirencester boasts a seamless fusion of Roman heritage alongside a diverse array of independent shops – particularly within the historic Corn Hall and Arcade – as well as stunning natural surroundings at Cirencester Park, home to the 9th Earl and Countess Bathurst, and a haven for deer and horses alike.

History enthusiasts will be in their element at the award-winning Corinium Museum, which houses an impressive Roman collection; “one of the largest collections of Romano-British antiquities extensively from Corinium”.

Visitors can explore mosaics, sculptures, coins and much more. The fully accessible venue features a gift shop and café, and also houses the Cirencester Visitor Information Centre.

The town further boasts a wealth of historic buildings and traditional pubs well worth exploring or popping into.

Regarding summer activities, Time Out added: “Heading here in summer? Go for a dip in the Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool, a beautiful old spot for a swim surrounded by old buildings.

“It’s a slice of history all by itself – around since 1869, making it one of the oldest in the country.”