Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire has been crowned the UK's must-visit destination for summer 2026 by Expedia Group. This historic market town boasts independent shops, Tudor buildings, a chalk river, and easy rail links from London.
Why Bishop's Stortford?
The town, which was sold to the Bishop of London in 1060, offers a fascinating heritage reflected in its charming high street and town square. Bridge Street features an appealing mix of period buildings, including timber-framed Tudor structures, Georgian townhouses, and Victorian architecture.
Top Attractions
The River Stort towpath is a globally rare chalk waterway with crystal-clear water flowing over a pristine gravel bed. A riverside stroll connects Castle Gardens through Sworders Field and Grange Paddocks meadows. Waytemore Castle, a Norman motte-and-bailey structure in the town centre, provides insight into medieval heritage, with adjacent Castle Gardens perfect for a picnic.
Redricks Open Water Swimming Lake in Sawbridgeworth, just a few miles away, offers a 750-metre circuit shared with ducks, swans, and fish. It provides induction programs, coaching sessions, and monthly Full Moon Swim events.
Getting There
Trains from London's Liverpool Street station and Cambridge take approximately 40 minutes, while Stansted Airport is just ten minutes away by train or car. The town is roughly two hours from Birmingham by road.
Travel Trends
Bishop's Stortford was named the top destination of summer 2026 in Expedia Group's Unpack '26 Summer report. The study found that 45% of Britons show greater interest in UK holidays compared to last summer, driven by plans to watch the World Cup and concerns over rising airfare costs linked to the Iran War.
Melanie Fish, spokesperson at Expedia Group, said: "This summer, travel isn't slowing down - it's being reshaped. As major global events and rising costs influence decisions, travellers are either staying closer to home or seeking out destinations where they can get more for their money."
Top Summer 2026 Destinations
- Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire: 90% search increase
- Sudbury, Suffolk: 60%
- Reading, Berkshire: 60%
- Nottinghamshire: 40%
- Scarborough, North Yorkshire: 40%
- Harrogate, North Yorkshire: 40%
- Tenby, Pembrokeshire: 35%
- Glasgow: 30%
- Paisley, Renfrewshire: 30%
- Canterbury, Kent: 30%
Searches for coastal towns like Scarborough and Tenby have risen by 40%, while interest in rural getaways and locations with easy access to national parks has also surged.
