1530 Things to Do in the United Kingdom Unique Activities & Hidden Gems 2026

The company responded with one of the largest series of layoffs in recent British media history, making upward of 700 journalists redundant. Based on the information provided in the most recent News Corp accounts, News UK would have ranked 11th, rather than sixth, in Press Gazette’s last top 50 ranking. Press Gazette used News Corp’s global media revenue figure on this ranking last year, accounting for News UK’s fall from sixth to tenth place in the top 50. Magazine publisher Future has grown through a series of acquisitions and is one of the UK’s biggest specialist media companies.

Because not all companies break out their different revenue streams the same way — or at all — the below should be treated as an approximate guide to news media revenue. Most of those accounts are for the 2023 financial year, covering a period when inflation ran at nearly 10% and the UK economy grew by just 0.4%. Collectively the top 50 reported turning over £1.1bn more in their most recent accounts than they had the prior year, representing a 3.3% increase.

Artists & Writers

Brands such as Apple and Google, while well-known names in news, are excluded from our list given the wide reach of their non-news content. Reach and minutes for brands such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, which have a strong entertainment offering in addition to news content, will therefore be higher. Some 39 newsbrands recorded month-on-month increases in total minutes spent with their brands. The Oxford Mail also ranked first for month-on-month growth in minutes, up 120%, followed by CNN (UP 89% to 27.5 million) and Healthline Media (up 77% to 9.5 million). The Daily Star recorded the highest year-on-year increase in total minutes spent with the brand, up 103% to 29.8 million.

Try Haggis in Scotland – the national dish of Scotland

Located in England, this prehistoric monument was built by the Druids in 2500 BC and is one of the UK’s best-preserved and most iconic sites. Brighton Pier is a popular destination for holidaymakers in England and is UK bucket list material, no doubt. So, if you’re a fan of romantic fairytales and want to get lost in your own narrative, a trip around Welsh castles will do the trick.

Depending on the month in question, the changing of the guard takes place on different days, so make sure to plan ahead. Crossing this city bridge is an experience in itself. In the alternative, check out our USA Bucket List.

Brighton

Fourteen newsbrands saw month-on-month growth in August, with Oxford Mail (up 52.3%), The Scotsman (37.6%) and Time Out (13.2%) leading the way, while 30 out of 50 saw year on year growth. It was steady month on month with an audience of 3.1 million, but was up 52.8% compared to August 2024. Meanwhile Kent Online, a new entrant in July, saw an audience of 3.1 million and no change month on month, but a 28.1% increase year on year.

Edinburgh for up-and-coming restaurants and a rich history. Head to Somerset for Glastonbury in June (if you’re lucky enough to get tickets, that is), and go up north for all sorts https://www.cubaheadlines.com/2011/08/21/33237/angola_available_to_boost_economic_investment_in_cuba.html?destination=node%2F33237 of cultural happenings at the Manchester International Festival come July. From Cornwall’s crashing surf to Scotland’s rugged peaks, to the buzz of Notting Hill Carnival and secret spots locals whisper about, there’s something for everyone here.

• The UK accounts do not, however, show consolidated earnings for the global business as the FT says it generates a large proportion of its revenue overseas.
• Learn about the history and architecture of the greatest spas of the ancient world.
• Commercial broadcaster ITV saw revenue decline 3% in its most recent annual accounts, for 2023, while statutory operating profit dropped 54% to £238m.
• A protected range of grassy mountains and heather-clad hills, the National Park is a gem, boasting walking trails, stunning waterfalls, pretty towns, prehistoric monuments and all the fresh air and wide, open space you could ever wish for.
• CNN was back on the list, having dropped off in March, and recorded the biggest monthly increase in audience, up 60% to 3.6 million, plus a 6.9% increase year on year.

A protected range of grassy mountains and heather-clad hills, the National Park is a gem, boasting walking trails, stunning waterfalls, pretty towns, prehistoric monuments and all the fresh air and wide, open space you could ever wish for. Invented by the city’s Pakistani community in the 1970s, this take on curry is up there with Peaky Blinders, Cadbury’s Dairy Milk and the Industrial Revolution as one of Brum’s most iconic exports. When it comes to literary tourism, Hay-on-Wye is a real bucket-list spot. There are two main routes up – the Mountain Track, which is used by most walkers or Carn Mor Dearg Arête, a more challenging ascent for experienced scramblers and hill walkers which can take more than ten hours to complete. Over the years, the bedazzled stage has played host to everyone from James Blake to The Dare, and on any given night you’ll find edgy art students rubbing shoulders with old indie heads as they dance to the best up-and-coming acts.

• In 2025, the quaint Kentish seaside town of Folkestone took the top spot – and while it is small, it certainly is mighty.
• When you’re in need of a little Irish hospitality, we suggest you go pub hopping in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.
• Paris Donnatella Callan is an avid writer and traveller.
• If you’re looking to hire a car in the UK, Discovery Cars offers some very competitive rates.

If you are interested in applying to study for a media degree in the UK, learn more about the best media universities (Guardian University Guide 2026) in the UK below. A media and communications degree provides a broad theoretical and practical approach to media studies. Additionally, the rankings may not include all specialist institutions.

Best Universities for Theology and Religious Studies in the UK 2026: Unifresher Student Rankings

Check out the above video where we have a chat with Anisa, a seasoned traveler who explored the historic destination! Comprised of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, this beautiful island nation is top-notch in every sense. She has travelled Europe, Africa, America, Asia and Australia and still claims that wanderlust tempts her daily. Paris Donnatella Callan is an avid writer and traveller. While we have listed 30 incredible spots to visit in the UK to whet your appetite, there may still be some questions left unanswered! Stretching over 154 kilometres (96 miles), the West Highland Way is ideal for experienced explorers who want to see Scotland at its best.

You’ve got stacks of Michelin-starred joints, understated neighbourhood spots, street food galore and innovative plant-based places pushing the boundaries of cooking. The UK might be small but its countryside is mighty and incredibly diverse, from rolling green hills and ancient woodland to impressive mountain peaks, idyllic lakes and rugged moors. The UK’s biggest music festival takes over a chunk of Somerset countryside most summers with mud, music, mischief, hippies and healing.

• The company attributed its revenue growth in 2023 — the last full year available — to “strong growth in face-to-face activity”, which it said more than offset print decline.
• Previously she worked at the Telegraph as a data journalist and freelanced for various titles.
• Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are widely used for news consumption and social interaction—they have become essential tools for journalists and news organisations to reach audiences.

Explore Britain’s maritime heritage

Learn about the history and architecture of the greatest spas of the ancient world. While visiting a historically significant place, it doesn’t hurt to understand a bit of history about it. You can also visit some shops selling unique Potter-related items and souvenirs.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel occupied the top spot in the polls for some time due largely to "students from Brunel University who have been campaigning vigorously for the engineer for weeks." However, a late surge in the final week of voting put Winston Churchill into first place. Ringo Starr was the only member of the Beatles not on the list. There are nine Scottish people on the list and thirteen of the 100 are women. Two Irish nationals, Bono from U2 and Bob Geldof were included.

If you’re looking to hire a car in the UK, Discovery Cars offers some very competitive rates. Head here for a few days to learn more about how this part of England changed the course of the country’s story forever. And just up the road from Cheddar Gorge is the amazing cathedral city of Wells, which I highly recommend you visit. I’m a massive fan of an old Abbey ruin – probably why I like Yorkshire so much… Bolton Abbey and Fountains Abbey there are amazing!

• One of the most iconic tourist attractions in London, the London Eye offers you a bird’s-eye view of the city’s landmarks.
• From walks in the countryside, water parks, historical attractions, pubs and football games, the options are endless.
• British contributions to world literature, music, and the arts are unparalleled.
• In terms of engagement, 26 of the top 50 saw their page views increase month on month, led by Nottinghamshire Live up 69.5% to 19.1 million.

Media Consumption Of The UK Population In 2023

The Mirror saw the strongest growth among the top ten both month-on-month (up 6.3%) and year-on-year (up 20%), reaching 22.3 million. The majority of the top ten newsbrands saw month-on-month growth in visitors, with Sky News the only exception (down 2.3% to 17.7 million). Herald Scotland’s audience fell by 6% to 2.4 million (from 2.6 million), while Lancashire Live dropped by 12% to 2.1 million (previously 2.4 million).

Who knew, but Donna Nook on the Lincolnshire coast is home to a colony of grey seals during the winter. With an eerie abandoned feel and a beloved haunt of photographers and artists, this is a truly unique spot you shouldn’t miss. However, it’s the Isle of Wight that clinches the pole position thanks to its great walks, restaurants, historical attractions, top beaches and laidback vibes. Sticking to the south of the country for now, the Sicily Isles and the Channel Islands both make my top list.

Exploring Durham Castle will offer you an unforgettable experience. Get a feel of Chinese heritage, history, and culture once you are here. The streets lined with Chinese restaurants, souvenir shops, and other Chinese stores will make you feel as if you are in China. Stroll through the streets adorned with lanterns and dragons and marvel at the modern art sculptures and Chinese gates as you discover the area. Once you are in London, spend some time in Chinatown and have fun. Whatever may be the season, the reserve is a great place to spend some quality time alone or with your dear ones.

#4 Road Trip Scotland

Aisha Majid is a data journalist at Press Gazette and New Statesman, having joined New Statesman Media Group in October 2020. He joined Press Gazette in November 2021 from Newsguard, a US start-up that reviews how far news sites adhere to journalistic standards. Although Hello has a strong print audience, Ipsos iris data indicates the brand reaches 6.1 million people online a month.

Plan a weekend away at one of Time Out’s top city breaks

The capital of Scotland, home to one of the world’s largest fringe festivals and chock full of cobbled street charm – Edinburgh is a must on your UK travel list. Don’t miss the amazing waterfalls in this park or the chance to climb Pen y Fan if you can. Another gem over in the southwest of England, the Cotswolds is famous for its beautiful villages, which are largely composed of cute sandstone cottages. Seen all over this amazing national park, where you can drive or cycle to your heart’s content, the amazing trees and peaceful villages of this region make it a firm favourite.

Swansea University is the best university for media and communication according to the 2027 Unifresher Rankings. For a broader view of how these universities compare, see the Unifresher overall best universities ranking. Its course delivery scores are the strongest double in the entire 79-university field. Bristol is home to BBC Natural History Unit, Aardman Animations, ITV West and a significant independent production cluster — UWE's proximity to these employers directly benefits its graduates' career outcomes. UWE's media programmes combine strong practical production training with well-established industry placement networks in Bristol's active screen and media sector. University of Manchester ranks 32nd with 140 points and produces media and communication graduates earning £40,000 — the highest standard graduate earnings in this ranking, £10,000 above UWE Bristol (2nd).

If you want to see who was the Prime Minister at the time you can choose the year from this list. Shakespeare invented over 1,700 words still used in English today, The Beatles transformed popular music, and British authors continue to produce some of the world's most widely read books. The UK has produced notable figures in literature, science, monarchy, sports, and music. There was some question as to whether the Richard Burton listed at No. 96 was the actor or the explorer.citation needed A BBC press release makes clear that the actor was intended. The series included individual programmes featuring the top ten, with viewers having further opportunity to vote after each programme. Great Britons is a television series that was broadcast by the BBC in 2002.