Harrogate named among world's most welcoming places by booking.com - only UK destination on the list

The accolade comes from Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards, which are based on over 370 million verified traveller reviews.

The awards celebrate destinations where visitors feel genuinely welcomed, valued, and cared for – and Harrogate has clearly impressed.

The website says: “Situated in the heart of North Yorkshire, Harrogate is an elegant English spa town full of historic charm.

"Quaint boulevards and ornate Victorian façades frame a town filled with modern and contemporary cafés, indie shops and scenic garden paths perfect for leisurely strolls.

"Valley Gardens burst with colour, while the Montpellier Quarter delights with independent shops and lively wine bars tucked between historic terraces.

"Harrogate is also famed for its Turkish Baths, offering a quintessential spa experience that reflects the town’s long-standing wellness heritage.

"Captivating with its harmonious mix of culture and greenery, Harrogate invites travelers to unwind while discovering the quieter corner of northern England.”

The Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) has hailed it as a ‘well-deserved achievement’ for the town on the world stage.

A spokesperson said: “This international recognition is a fantastic endorsement of Harrogate’s visitor economy and the hard work of local businesses who help make the town such a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.”

The full list of the Top 10 Most Welcoming Cities for 2026:

1. Montepulciano (Italy)

2. Magong (Taiwan)

3. San Martín de los Andes (Argentina)

4. Harrogate (United Kingdom)

5. Fredericksburg (United States of America)

6. Pirenópolis (Brazil)

7. Swakopmund (Namibia)

8. Takayama (Japan)

9. Noosa Heads (Australia)

10. Klaipėda (Lithuania)

For more information, visit https://news.booking.com/bookingcom-announces-the-worlds-most-welcoming-cities-for-2026/