As travel continues to make its return, Booking.com has uncovered the most welcoming destinations in the UK for 2023 — and the results provide even the most seasoned traveller with staycation inspiration.

According to the Traveller Reviews Awards 2023, Kirkwall in Scotland is the most welcoming spot, thanks to its outstanding hospitality. The former site of an ancient Norse town, it's the perfect place for soaking up Viking history, wallowing in stunning natural beauty, and roaming beautiful beaches.

Newcastle and Newry, both nestled in County Down, came in second and third place, respectively. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's Enniskillen took the third spot, praised for its picturesque scenery, vast lakes and natural beauty. Pitlochry in Perthshire, and Ballycastle, County Antrim, also made the top 10.

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    Newcastle, County Down

    The research was based on a pool of over 240 million customer reviews on Booking.com, across 220 countries and territories.

    As part of the study, Booking.com uncovered the most budget-friendly places to stay in each area. If you're planning a visit to Kirkwall, the travel experts recommend Highland Park House, meanwhile Willowbank House — complete with 15 fishing piers within 350 yards — is Booking.com's top place to holiday in Enniskillen.

    "Travel is bouncing back in 2023, and research from Booking.com shows we are keen to get back out there, uncover new destinations and make memories with friends old and new as 66% of Brits report that travelling will always be worth it," the team at Booking.com say.

    Take a look at the full list below:

    10 most welcoming destinations in the UK

    1. Kirkwall, Scotland
    2. Newcastle, County Down
    3. Newry, County Down
    4. Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
    5. Pitlochry, Perthshire
    6. Ballycastle, County Antrim
    7. Glastonbury, Somerset
    8. Stamford, Lincolnshire
    9. Frome, Somerset
    10. Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire
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    Lisa Joyner
    Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

     Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.