The best places to visit in the UK in 2026 have been named by Time Out, and it’s a list full of your usual suspects – seaside towns, capital cities, countryside beauties, and… Stockport.
That’s right, Greater Manchester’s trendiest new borough has put itself firmly on the map, with the magazine claiming there to be ‘something bubbling in this buzzy Manchester satellite town’.
Stockport has been praised by Time Out for its ‘real energy and creativity, as well as a fertile independent culture’.
The guide highlighted the town’s businesses including Where The Light Gets In, the new Fell taproom, and its proximity to the Peak District.
And Time Out also raved about Stockport’s Underbank, which hosts summer street parties known as Stock Party, filled with street food and party vibes.
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Stockport made the list of just 14 places around the UK that are must-visits in 2026, joining more obvious destinations like the striking island of Anglesey in Wales, the colourful town of Portmeirion, and Scotland’s northerly Caithness, where you stand a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
Stockport isn’t the most unlikely name on the list, though – Sunderland, Birmingham, and Derby are also on there.
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Blackpool, too, is representing the North West on Time Out’s guide to the top places to visit in the UK in 2026.
The new Sticky Fingers bakeryUma ramen in StockportLoft Social
Time Out wrote of Stockport: “It might be a stretch to call Stockport ‘resurgent’ considering it hasn’t been exactly, well, surgent since the late 19th century, but there’s definitely something bubbling in this buzzy Manchester satellite town.
“The tourist poster that hails the town as ‘the new Berlin’ may be tongue-in-cheek, but there’s real energy and creativity – as well as a fertile independent culture – to back up the hyperbole.
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“The twin epicentres are the historic Market Place and the Underbank, a warren of bars, records shops and indie cafés (think Edinburgh’s Cowgate without the full-throttle booziness).
“Loft-style restaurant Where The Light Gets In offers foodies a Michelin-class option in a town that’s suddenly found its appetite, while Cumbrian brewery Fell opened a snazzy new neighbourhood bar at the tail-end of last year. Any over-indulgence is easily cured, too: the serenity of the Peak District is a short train journey away.”
Stockport Council said: “We’ve been named 3rd in Time Out’s list of the best places to visit in the UK in 2026 and we couldn’t be prouder!
“It comes at a great moment for the town with Stockroom welcoming over 100,000 visitors a month and Merseyway Shopping Centre footfall topping 10 million last year, showing just how much people are enjoying spending time in Stockport. And with Stock Party returning this July, there’s even more to look forward to!
“Thank you to everyone who follows us, supports local businesses, turns up to events and helps make our borough what it is!”
Dave Challinor ‘extends’ Kyle Wooton’s career ‘by five years’ as Stockport County striker turns CB
Danny Jones
Stockport County manager Dave Challinor has quipped that he might have just extended star striker Kyle Wootton’s career “by five years” at the very least by moving him to centre-back.
Challinor‘s squad has been riddled with a fair few fitness setbacks for a good chunk of the season, but following Joseph Olowu’s MCL injury, he has now been left with just one traditional central defender available for selection.
As a result of this growing crisis, Wootton has been moved to centre-half for the time being, making his full debut in defence earlier this week.
Better still, he helped shore up County’s backline well enough to secure them not only three more important points but a clean sheet in the 2-0 win over AFC Wimbledon.
Naturally, with the Hatters having one of League One‘s leading scorers in Wootton with a total of 22 contributions so far (19 goals and three assists), it’s fair to say no one was expecting to see him pulled out of the position in which he’s reached new heights this term.
Already putting together his most productive campaign ever – netting more finishes across all competitions in 2025/26 than in any of his previous professional calendar performances – fans will no doubt be wanting him to return up top as soon as possible, but for now, Challinor is taking the gamble.
There is the possibility of January signing from Bolton, Josh Dacres-Cogley, taking up the mantle when he returns from injury, and County have since recalled youth product Christy Grogan from his loan, but for now, the 6’3″ centre-forward may have just discovered another option for the future of his career.
Nevertheless, despite the 29-year-old striker expressing some of his own concerns about playing such a crucial role at the other end of the pitch, his gaffer has already said he’s happy to flak should anything go awry in the coming weeks.
However, although County were unable to win the EFL Vertu Trophy Final against Luton earlier this month, where Wootton first had to drop back into defence, he met the assignment when making his maiden defensive appearance on Wednesday night.
While obviously not ideal, the travelling Stockport supporters were left pretty impressed, too.
"Kyle Wootton's magic, he wears a magic hat…" coming from the 700 travelling #StockportCounty.
Commenting on ‘Woots’ even showing a willingness to take on the task in the first place, his head coach labelled him “the most selfless player I’ve worked with in terms of doing jobs for the team.”
A glowing review, indeed, and that’s beyond the huge impact he’s already had in attack over the year.
Speaking to County TV, he went on to say: “We’ve probably extended his career by five years, haven’t we? […] When he gets tired of sticking the ball in the net, he can stop people at the other end.”
Noting that his side currently possesses “more fit forwards than defenders, he added: “It becomes about finding a way. I didn’t think that way would be having our leading goalscorer at centre-back, but it’s worked for us on the night, and we’ll see what Saturday [at Exeter City] looks like.”
You can hear Dave Challinor’s post-match interview in full right HERE and see the highlights from an important win over Wimbledon down below.
Greater Manchester’s World Cup warm-up – how to get ready for the 2026 tournament this year
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Are you getting your practice in, too? It’s a team effort.
With the World Cup fast approaching, we thought we’d share some exciting footy and other sports-related activities available across Greater Manchester this Spring, to help get your heads in the game.
Now that this lovely sunshine has arrived, it’s time to start getting excited for a summer filled with football, barbecues and crowding around a big screen. Don’t know what to do with yourself until 11 June? Don’t panic, we’ve done the work for you.
Here’s a list of both free and paid activities for you to do with friends or family.
Check out the fixture list this spring…
1. ‘LOWRY 360’: Going to the Match – The Lowry Theatre, Salford
The UK’s first free and permanent immersive experience, which allows fans to transport themselves inside the art of LS Lowry.
Get lost within his famous painting ‘Going to the Match,’ in collaboration with Immersive Studio, to completely transport you to matchday, using sound and super-high resolution imagery.
It is a multi-sensory experience covering the experience and excitement of preparing for a game – it’s not one to be missed. Described as one of their most ambitious projects yet, expect to feel like you’re inside a booming Wembley on matchday.
2. The ‘Best Team On Paper’ Footy Quiz – The Loft Social, Stockport
Wednesday, 8 April
How’s your ball knowledge? Let’s find out at the ‘Best Team on Paper’ quiz in Stockport. Head down to Loft Social; at just £2.25 a ticket, it’s a great way to spend a midweek evening, consisting of footy trivia, catching up with friends and hopefully some winning. There’s a £75 bar tab, mystery shirts, special prizes and more to be won.
While you’re there, why not wander down to Little Underbank before kick-off at 7:30pm and try out one of their new bars or dinner spots? Our recommendations would be The Good Rebel for their outdoor seating or The Underbank for an unreal slice of Gatto sourdough pizza and some drinks.
Hurry, tickets were completely sold out last time. Find out more and see if you can grab yourself some sought-after tickets HERE. If you’ve not seen much about the venue before, look no further:
3. Girls’ Football Festival – Broadhurst Park, Moston
Wed, 15 April
Feeling inspired after the Lionesses brought home gold last year? Us too, here’s a great opportunity for 10-14-year-old footy-mad girls in Manchester.
Hosted by FC United of Manchester at their home ground, it’s going to be a day full of fun, meeting new people and learning some skills from expert coaches. The festival is open to all abilities, so whether you’re a pro like viral sensation Anna Panna or you’re looking to try something new, everyone’s welcome.
Come on, girls – let’s show ’em how it’s done. Find out more and sign up HERE.
4. Head Shoulders Knees & Goals – National Football Museum, Cathedral Gardens
Friday, 27 March – Sunday, 1 November
This is an exciting, full sensory experience for the whole family, in the Score Gallery at the National Football Museum (NFM).
Whether you’re into science or just have a love for the game, this is a great day out for both children and adults. Learn about the connection between the body and football, with attention to sport science, clothing, exercise and nutrition through an interactive experience.
This exhibition also delves into stories of identity, the matchday experience and the joy that football brings, through different sensory activities. Click HERE to find out more.
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5. ‘The Price of Passion’ – Football Museum, Cathedral Gardens
Thursday, 15 May 2025 – Wednesday, 30 September 2026
Might as well make a day of it.
While you’re at the National Football Museum, why not go and see the Price of Passion display in the Play Gallery? It was designed in collaboration with their new partnered Youth Advisory Group to explore financial barriers to football accessibility through the voice of the next generation.
The exhibition highlights the injustices some of our community face, regarding increasing matchday ticket prices and the consequent protests.
We don’t think anybody should be excluded from the football community, and this expertly highlights real issues faced by Mancunians. Let’s educate ourselves to better understand and support our community. Tickets are available now.
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Planning your Easter holidays? Make sure we're top of your list to experience why Football Matters.💚⚽
— Nat. Football Museum (@FootballMuseum) March 6, 2026
6. The Beautiful Game – NFM, Cathedral Gardens
Friday, 24 April
While you’re at it, here’s one for you music lovers: the National Football Museum is hosting a concert to celebrate music surrounding ‘the beautiful game’.
This concert draws the parallels between football, music and wider culture. While it presents the power behind the musical elements within a matchday experience, it also explores how identity and culture shine through music, from each of the wonderful cities across the country.
It’s set to be one to remember with familiar chants, anthems and music, both local and international, inspired by football. This celebration of culture and music is not one to miss, and it is guaranteed to get you in the spirit for the World Cup. Find out more down below.
Tameside Central Library (Wed, 1 April) and Denton West End Community Library (Sat, 18 April)
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The totally free theatre show ‘Footy Fairy Tales’ has come to Manchester and will be showing in libraries across Greater Manchester this April.
While designed for children ages 5 -11, this experience is fun for the whole family, whether you’re training your child up like Project Mbappe or if they just love theatre, this would be a great day trip for the Easter Holidays.
It combines storytelling and football to welcome those new to the game, as well as you experts. Everyone deserves to get involved in the World Cup, so go on down. Get your tickets HERE.
Let’s dress like winners. Why not head on over to the self-proclaimed ‘home of football shirts’ in the heart of our very own Northern Quarter? Check out their huge range of current and retro kits available for the whole family.
If you’re into modern streetwear or the history of football, this is the place for you. Established in 2006, with over 500,000 expertly selected, authentic vintage items, there is something for everyone.
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Don’t forget to check out their new adidas World Cup range of shirts to get you in the spirit. Nothing quite like a bit of retail therapy to get you in the mood for winning.
We still even reminisce about their old shop, and the operation has only grown since then.
9. West Didsbury and Chorlton AFC – Chorlton, Brookburn Park
Men’s at Home: Saturday, 11 April vs Prestwich Heys | Monday, 13 April v Cheadle Town | Wednesday, 15 April v Ramsbottom United
Women’s at home – Sunday, 19 Fleetwood Town
Come on down to support local grassroots football with West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC male and female teams down at Brookburn Road. With everything from a drummer at the shed end, dog-friendly fan hill, food, drink and more, it’s a class day out for all ages and people from all walks of life.
With three home games left for the men’s team and one for the women’s this April, come and support a local team that pride themselves on inclusivity and being an accessible local football club. The energy is electric, with a close-knit community feel that challenges prejudices in football.
Not to mention some sensational food, including burritos from WrapScallion, cakes from Sweet Talk and lovely pints from Monica’s Bar inside the clubhouse; at £8 a ticket on the gate, it’s a no-brainer.
10. Yard Ball – NFM, Cathedral Gardens
Last but not least, have you heard that the increasingly popular Yard Ball has popped up over at the NFM for the Easter bank holiday (and hopefully beyond)?
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Built around skills sessions, street football, and the backyard classic ‘bin game’, this increasingly popular activity is coming to Manchester city centre as the perfect distraction for your footy-mad little ones.
Having just opened up their latest full venue over in Sheffield, we know all too well how much time we could spend just playing this.
Honourable mention…
The University of Salford have joined up with Kick It Out, a charity on a mission to tackle all forms of discrimination. So, if you’re a University of Salford student, don’t miss out on access to multiple events and joining Kick It Out’s digital learning platform.
As a timely reminder that the people’s game is truly for everyone, there’s not much else left to say other than roll on this summer’s tournament, best of luck to England and… Oh, yeah: IT’S COMING HOME.
Daisy Jackson -
15th January 2026 
