LNER Shines Spotlight On UK's Best Summer Travel Spots

With summer fast approaching, many people are planning UK breaks that offer more than just a change of scenery, whether that’s a family getaway, a cultural escape or an adventure in the great outdoors.

The research, commissioned by LNER, analysed 71 towns and cities across England and Scotland to uncover the most inspiring destinations for every kind of traveller. Using data from trusted sources including the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Companies House, the Michelin Guide, UK Air and VisitScotland, each city was scored across various factors, from the number of green spaces and walking trails, to family-friendly attractions, vegan restaurants and food markets. The scores were adjusted for population size, giving every city a fair chance, and weighted to create a final ranking out of 100.

Several cities along the LNER route feature prominently across multiple categories. York performed especially well. It is named the best city in England for family-friendly travel and outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its wealth of things to do with children, access to nature, and walking trails.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne was named the best English city for sustainable travel, with low air pollution levels, plenty of green space and a thriving eco-conscious food scene. Aberdeen took the top spot in Scotland in the same category, with the lowest air pollution levels of all cities analysed and one of the highest numbers of second-hand stores per capita. With its walkable centre, independent shops and easy access to coastal paths, Aberdeen is proving that a greener city break doesn’t mean compromising on experience.

In the food category, Edinburgh took the top spot in Scotland, thanks to its high number of Michelin-rated restaurants and a vibrant, ever-evolving food scene. From elegant dining rooms to casual brunch spots and street food favourites, the capital caters to every taste and was recently named the Good Food Guide’s Most Exciting Food Destination of 2025, cementing its reputation as a must-visit for food lovers.

Other top scorers include Stirling (Scotland’s best for culture), Falkirk (Scotland’s best for families), and Inverness (Scotland’s best for outdoor enthusiasts).

David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER said: “When you’re choosing where to go, it’s not always easy to know what a city is really best at—especially if you're trying to plan something special. This research helps take out the guesswork and shows what different places have to offer.”

“We hope this guide helps people make more informed choices, whether they’re planning a day trip or a longer summer break. There are so many brilliant destinations on our route, and this is just one more way to celebrate them.”