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05
Feb
Harrogate named UK’s most welcoming place
Harrogate has been named as the UK’s most welcoming place by Booking.com.
The town was also the only UK location to feature in the booking website’s list of top 10 most welcoming places in the world.
Booking.com runs annual traveller review awards, and the 2026 edition is based on more than 370 million reviews from travellers across the world.
The awards, known as Most Welcoming Cities, also includes towns and villages with at least 50 accommodation options.
This year's winners were revealed today (February 5) and showed Harrogate finishing ahead of Newry in County Armagh and Broadway in Worcestershire on the UK list.
Harrogate also featured alongside the likes of Montepulciano in Italy, Magong in Taiwan and San Martín de los Andes in Argentina in the international top 10.
The announcement accompanying the news said of Harrogate:
Renowned for its elegant spa heritage, leafy gardens, and beautifully kept streets, the town offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, complemented by friendly independent shops, cafés, and a strong sense of community that makes visitors feel at home.
Some of the recognised accommodation showing remarkable hospitality includes Hotel du Vin & Bistro and Rudding Park.
Apartments continued to top the list for global travellers when choosing accommodation but camping and villas are becoming more popular.
James Waters, chief business officer at Booking.com, said:
From welcoming hosts who go above and beyond for guest stays to expert taxi drivers sharing ‘local-only’ tips, these personal touches can make a trip truly special for travellers.
The ratings are based on reviews left by booking.com guests.
UK’s Top Most Welcoming Cities 2026
1 Harrogate, North Yorkshire2 Newry, County Armagh
3 Broadway, Worcestershire
4 Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
5 Portstewart, County Londonderry
6 Wells, Somerset
7 Dornoch, Highlands
8 Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire
9 Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
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2026 Most Welcoming Cities on Earth
• Montepulciano, Italy• Magong, Taiwan
• San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
• Harrogate, United Kingdom
• Fredericksburg, Texas, United States
• Pirenópolis, Brazil
• Swakopmund, Namibia
• Takayama, Japan
• Noosa Heads, Australia
• Klaipeda, Lithuania
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