Embark on an exciting journey throughout Britain in 2024. From gastronomic adventures to eco-friendly stays, world-class sports, and brand-new cultural hubs, there has never been a more exciting time to discover Britain’s vibrant cities and lush countryside. With Britain’s hot new openings to fresh takes on traditional classics, there’s always more to explore on Britain’s shores. Here are our top recommendations to add to your travel bucketlist in 2024.
- Starring Great Britain – Britain on the Silver Screen: Step through cinematic landscapes and marvel at the magical realism found only in Britain on and off screen. Bath sets the stage for a regency era re-imagined in the new adaptation of Wonka on screen in December 2023. Steven Spielberg and Tom Hank’s Masters of the Air will be coming to theatres in 2024, bringing the bravery and courage of the US Eight Air-Force during World War II to life. Discover the beauty and history of the show’s backdrop of Oxford and the East of England. Fall in love with Birmingham’s street art and love for creative industrial innovation in preparation for the release of the new Peaky Blinders film in 2024. Take a trip to London to explore the regal settings of Bridgerton’s third season, coming to Netflix in May and June of 2024, including the Old Royal Naval College & its Chapel of St Peter and St Paul and The Ranger’s House. Or join the Camera. Action! tour at the stunning Blenheim Palace, visiting the top filming locations in Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, along with other memorable features such as Harry Potter.
- London’s Luxury Boom: London’s luxury hotel scene is expanding rapidly, with exciting additions on the horizon. In the winter of 2024, The Other House Covent Garden will introduce 200 Club flats, accompanied by a public restaurant and a rooftop bar offering breathtaking views. The Hyatt will open its new Park Hyatt London River Thames, within walking distance from London’s major tourist attractions in late 2024. Additionally, Six Senses, renowned worldwide for its authentic, personal, and sustainable five-star hotels, is scheduled to unveil a new property in London in 2024. Mandarin Oriental is set to open its second London property in Mayfair in the spring of 2024. Explore London’s newly opened Raffles at the OWO and The Peninsula London for even more high-end accommodations.
- Cheer on Exciting Sports Events: Enjoy Britain’s exciting sports scene in 2024. Big names in track and field will descend on Glasgow in March for the World Athletics Indoor Championships. Wembley hosts European football’s biggest showpiece, the UEFA Champions League final on June 1st, while there’s more exhilarating action from the Premier League, including experiences at your favorite clubs. Take in the pomp and pageantry of Royal Ascot in June, including a chance to get a glimpse of royalty. More than 300 boat races are packed into July’s Royal Henley Regatta, while the Tour of Britain cycling race kicks off in September, taking riders through eight locations in England and Wales. Or enjoy Britain’s classic sporting events such as Wimbledon in London and the British Open held at Scotland’s Royal Troon Old Course in July of 2024.
- Experience Britain’s LGBTQIA+ Festivities: Dive into the dynamic LGBTQIA+ celebrations across Britain. Wales’ annual Pride Cymru in Cardiff attracts over 50,000 people each year. Attend the vibrant four-day extravaganza Manchester Pride celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community in August. Discover Trans Pride Brighton & Hove, the first and largest Trans Pride event outside of the USA. Join the celebration in this lively city, embracing diversity, history, and a welcoming atmosphere. Pride Glasgow is a two-day spectacle held every summer, a rainbow parade runs through the city while people enjoy live music, bars and more at Glasgow Green. For film enthusiasts, the annual Iris Prize Festival in October is Cardiff’s queer alternative to Cannes showcasing LGBTQIA+ short films and panel discussions, filmmaker Q&A’s and legendary parties which are not to be missed. Take part in London Pride, the UK’s biggest and most diverse Pride. Join the Pride Parade through central London’s streets, live entertainment, and partying in Soho and much more. While in London, see a show at London’s Queer Comedy Club, dedicated to celebrating queer culture. The Hand in Hand Festival, The UK & Ireland’s LGBTQ+ biennial choral celebration, beckons visitors from the US and beyond to experience a captivating weekend of music in Bristol.
- New Stays Across Britain: Dive into the excitement of new accommodations beckoning across Britain! Along the scenic shores of northern Cornwall Una St Ives is set to greet guests in upscale villas complete with private hot tubs from late 2023. Inspired by the adventures and tales of Scottish explorers, 100 Princes Street, nestled in the cultural heart of Edinburgh, will offer deluxe comfort starting from November 2023. The first Soho House members club in the North of England is set to open in spring 2024 in the vibrant city of Manchester. Wildes Chester is planning to introduce an exquisite blend of a boutique hotel meeting a luxury spa and fine dining experience to the ancient city of Chester in England. For summer getaways, gear up for a dip in the sea at the newly opened No 124 King’s Road Brighton. Discover Wales’ new gem, Old College in Aberystwyth, opening in 2024, boasting a 4-star hotel with 31 rooms and a 200-capacity function space, elevating the charm of this coastal destination.
- Britain’s Newest Unique Foodie Offerings: In 2024 exciting new foodie delights await, from trendy modern markets to farm-to-table adventures and beyond – Britain has it all for your taste buds. Modern food hall, Boxhall, will open new venues in Bristol and London Liverpool Street with the similar venue, Boxpark opening in Liverpool. Bradford, England will see the opening of Darley Street Market, an art and cultural venue with an innovative food hall that will offer fresh and seasonal menus. Take a visit to Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm, and Grub Kitchen the UK’s first edible-insect café in St. Davids, Wales. Explore the essence of Balcaskie Estate in the heart of East Neuk of Fife in Scotland with monthly Grass to Grill events starting May 2024, offering guided tours, tractor-trailer rides, and a delectable BBQ-style dinner showcasing meats from its own Butchery and locally sourced ingredients. Embark on a culinary journey at The Cavendish Hotel’s newly opened Kitchen Table, where guests can enjoy a bespoke five-course tasting menu with a behind-the-scenes look at the working kitchen in Baslow, England. Bringing an essence of New York to the middle of Cardiff, visit Outpost, the city’s newly opened bar and restaurant, offering a blend of laid-back dining and New York City-inspired flavors in cool urban surroundings.
- See Our Museums Differently: 2024 will see new additions to Britain’s diverse museum scene. Opening early in the year, the English city of Blackpool’s Showtown celebrates entertainers and the city’s showbiz history. Perth Museum reopens in spring after a major re-development, highlighting artifacts and stories placing the cities of Perth and Kinross at the centre of Scotland’s story. Also in spring, the V&A East Storehouse at London’s Olympic Park will offer an immersive experience combining object storage, learning spaces, and galleries. In the Fall of 2024, Leicester’s Jewry Wall Museum will be transformed into an immersive hands-on experience using cutting-edge technology to tell visitors the Roman history of the city. Visit the newly opened Museum of Land Speed in Pendine, Wales and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of speed and sport. Celebrate 200 years of the National Gallery in May of 2024, as the gallery team is teaming up with 12 venues across Britain to showcase some of their key pieces for free. Celebrate ABBA’s legacy on the 50th anniversary since their Eurovision Song Contest victory, which skyrocketed the group to fame, with Brighton & Hove Museum’s ABBA: One Week in Brighton exhibit from March to August 2024. In celebration of Barbie’s 65th birthday, the Design Museum will debut a brand-new exhibit, running from 5th July until February 2025.Top of Form
- Sustainable Stays: More and more travellers are picking eco-friendly places to stay, and there are new options to try in Britain. The Treehousehotel chain is taking root in Manchester next spring re-purposing a former hotel. Nestled in the Pembrokeshire countryside of Wales, BlueStone National Park Resort introduced new platinum lodges in summer 2023. The resort is dedicated to benefiting the local community and protecting their unique environment. TreeDwellers in the Cotswolds which launched in early 2023. The hotel provides a nature-immersed experience with treehouses designed to blend into the forest, featuring natural interiors and comforting amenities including roll top bathtubs and wood-burning fires. Opening in 2024, Harestone Moss in Aberdeenshire, Scotland offers a unique eco-friendly getaway in 70 acres of rewilded paradise, featuring luxury self-catering accommodation, including underground burrow houses, converted grain silos, and a boutique treehouse, nestled amid wildlife, nature trails, and Aberdeenshire beaches.
- Dive into Britain’s theatrical scene: London’s West End is buzzing in 2024, with timeless classics returning to the stage and new and exciting shows making a debut. Catch the hilarious Sister Act musical returning to the West End in March 2024. Mean Girls, the smash-hit Broadway musical will be coming to London’s Savoy Theatre in June 2024 and The Devil Wears Prada will take the stage at London’s Dominion Theatre in October 2024. Hello, Dolly! will be coming to the London Palladium for a limited summer season in July 2024. Hairspray the Musical will be making a comeback in July 2024, with a tour throughout the UK. Beyond London, theatre is booming in 2024. Enjoy Birmingham Royal Ballet’s ‘The Sleeping Beauty‘ taking the stage in February or the hit musical Wicked coming to Sunderland in September. This summer, see Hamilton at the Birmingham Hippodrome, celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2024. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest arts festival in the world, including over 3,000 shows that span theatre, cabaret, and comedy shows, will be returning in August 2024. Have the ultimate Fringe experience with the Playbill Fringeship, the official ‘Floatel’ of the world’s largest arts festival in August 2024.
- Embark on a Gourmet Break – Restaurants with Rooms: Experience the essence of Britain’s local flavours while staying at one of the numerous hotels that boast award-winning restaurants. The Langdale Chasein Windermere, England opened in autumn 2023, delivers innovative British cuisine inspired by the Lake District at their 2 AA Rosettes rated restaurant. Aughton’s Moor Hall, just under an hour north of Liverpool by train, launches luxury lodges to provide the ultimate luxury foodie gateway from late 2023. Explore the Witchery, Scotland’s Restaurant with Rooms of 2023/24, a historic gem by Edinburgh Castle since 1595. Immerse in Scottish history, relish fine dining, award-winning wines, and atmospheric rooms. Gareth Ward’s Ynyshir in Eglwys Fach, Wales boasts two Michelin stars and has been designated as the best restaurant in the UK for two years in a row. The PIG hotels, with eight locations throughout England, offers a unique stay with a showcasing locally sourced ingredients grown in their kitchen garden or sourced from local suppliers. Each of the eight PIGs reflects the essence of its surroundings, providing guests with both comfortable accommodations and a taste of the vibrant community spirit.
- Move to the rhythm at Manchester’s newest entertainment venues: Witness the extraordinary new entertainment destinations that will redefine Manchester’s cultural landscape. Britain’s foremost pioneering, music-driven arena Co-op Live is set to open in April 2024 in the city. Partnering with Bruce Springsteen and Manchester-born Harry Styles the remarkable venue will have sustainability at its core and the venue will be fully accessible to be able welcome everyone to their events. The new flagship cultural centre, Aviva Studios – home of Factory International, fully opened in October 2023, emerged as the North’s beacon of creativity showcasing a symphony of arts from concerts and theatre to major exhibitions. Another noteworthy new opening in Manchester isDiecast. The venue blends food, culture, and community together in a former metals factory.
- Enjoy inclusive events celebrating Britain’s diversity: Embark on a culturally immersive journey in 2024 and discover Britain’s dynamic array of events and exhibitions demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. October marks Black History Month in Britain, dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of the Black community. At the Tate Britain, ‘Women in Revolt‘ (8 Nov 2023 – 7 Apr 2024) celebrates the inspiring work of women enabling change and inclusivity. Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Caribbean Carnival in Preston, in spring 2024, an extraordinary testament to the vibrant heritage that enriches Britain. Another exciting event with captivating rhythms is Notting Hill Carnival, occurring in August 2024. Celebrated in London every year during August, UK Black Pride is one of Europe’s largest events for the African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American and Caribbean-heritage LGBTQIA+ community.
- Live the Royal life at Britain’s Castles and Palaces: Step into a world of timeless elegance and captivating heritage as you explore Britain’s exceptional castles and palaces in 2024. Discover the regal side of Norwich in summer 2024 visiting the reopened Norwich Castle in the East of England after their major re-development. Cutting-edge projection and digital technology will immerse visitors in King Henry’s lavish Castle, revealing its untold stories and Norwich’s medieval importance. In late 2024 visitors will be able to explore Raby Castle‘s re-imagined gardens, stylish shops and local flavours quaintly housed inside the newly refurbished heritage buildings in Durham. Caernarfon Castle in Caernarfon, Wales recently reopened after a £5 million pound refurbishment to include rooftop deck, tower access and an elevator to allow visitors to reach parts of the gatehouse that have been inaccessible for centuries. Take a trip to Braemar Castle, a 17th-century gem currently undergoing a £1.6 million restoration, set to be completed by spring 2024, promising an enhanced experience for visitors in the heart of Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park. Blenheim Palace will host the biggest exhibition in its 300-year history when it launches Icons of British Fashion, running from 23rd March to 30th June.
- Find Serenity with Britain’s Wellness Experiences: Take a wellness break at Halen Mon Wild Seaweed Baths in Angelesey, Wales, where visitors can experience rejuvenating seaweed baths in recycled, insulated barrels. Meanwhile, on the breathtaking coastline of Gower, Caswell Bay Sauna & Plunge Barrels beckons with a “sauna escape,” providing a uniquely tranquil way to unwind amidst the beauty of the Gower landscape. In Perthshire, Scotland the UK’s first ever ‘bee therapy’ experience opened in Perthshire summer 2023 at boutique lakeside hotel, Monachyle Mhor. The experience offers customers a unique relaxation experience with working bee hives, providing deep relaxation and the scent of warm honey, facilitated by sleeping platforms during the spring and summer. Experience the transformative Rebalance Bath – Festival of Wellbeing from January 25 to February 2, 2024, immersing yourself in a holistic journey celebrating wellness through workshops in mindfulness, nutrition, and self-care, set in the serene and historic city of Bath known for its healing waters. Enjoy luxurious rejuvenation at The Peninsula London’s newly unveiled Spa and Wellness Centre, a lavish addition to its Belgravia outpost, offering bespoke services and amenities, dedicated to nurturing guests’ bodies, minds, and souls.
- Rock out at Britain’s Lesser-Known Music Festivals: Celebrate the best of British culture at these unforgettable music festivals. Wilderness in Oxfordshire offers four days of escapism with music, culinary delights, workshops, and more. Boardmasters in Cornwall combines five epic days of music with a beach lifestyle against the stunning Cornish coast. Focus Wales in Wrexham is an international showcase featuring 250+ emerging talents and arts events. Loosefest in Newcastle, the North East’s largest festival, returns after a weather-related cancellation, set in the expansive Town Moor. TRNSMT in Glasgow spans two weekends, showcasing up-and-coming names and hosting world-class talent. Camp Bestival, in Lulworth Castle and Shropshire, combines a music festival mixed with summer camp for both kids and adults, creating the ultimate family festival experience.
- Take a Sip at our Newest Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries: Embark on a spirited adventure across Britain! Visit Port of Leith Distillery, the first ever vertical distillery located in Edinburgh’s trendy neighborhood of Leith. Experience the magic of Amber Valley Vineyards with its scenic sunset tours and twilight tastings, offering local tapas paired with exquisite wines. Immerse yourself in the world of Whisky with Penderyn Distillery masterclasses and fully guided tours, with three locations throughout Wales. Visit Finch, opening in May of 2024, a new and unique wine bar located in the historic Brixton Market, specializing in English wine in other wonders. Experience the enchantment of East Yorkshire with Laurel Vines’ Herd it on the GrapeVine Highland Cow Safari and Vineyard tour. Embark on a journey to Tudor Peacock’s new Kent wine emporium in Chilham, England this November, where a Grade II listed building sets the stage for tastings, events, and a cozy wine bar.
- Britain Boasts Indoor and Outdoor Adventure: Experience adventure and natural beauty in Britain in 2024. Discover ‘The Edge’ in Whitehaven on the North West Coast of England near the Lake District National Park, an exciting coastal activity center opening in Spring, offering water sports, recreational activities, and more. The three-story building is designed to look like the sandstone pebbles washed up onto the harbourside during high seas. Cycling enthusiasts can pedal through the picturesque landscapes of Orkney, Scotland on the new Hoy on Hoy route, a 20-mile road cycle inspired by the legendary Sir Chris Hoy. If you’re seeking a challenge, brace yourself for Traws Eryri, a daring 122-mile off-road biking route in North Wales from Machynlleth to Conwy, not for the faint-hearted. In 2024, Wales will continue to celebrate, ‘ Wales, by Trails,‘ inviting visitors in the natural beauty and history with a peaceful hike on Glyndŵr’s Way in the north of Wales. Surf the largest inland waves in Europe at Lost Shore Surf Resort in Ratho, Scotland, opening in September 2024, featuring a state-of-the-art surf lake set within a 60-acre country park.
- See Britain at Night: If you love exploring our natural beauty by day, the fun doesn’t need to stop when the sun goes down. Celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Northumberland International Dark Skies Park with festive experiences and activities. The North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales International Dark Sky Reserves host annual Dark Skies Festivals (held in February). Festivals are held in other areas including Exmoor in October, and if you can’t get to an event, there are multiple dark sky parks around Britain you can visit most times of the year. With big open skies and low light pollution levels, find the most amazing dark skies above the protected areas.
- Accessible Travel: Explore the rugged beauty of the Peak District with all-terrain mobility vehicles and scenic “Miles without Stiles” routes. Take a serene journey along the newly opened West Windermere Way, an accessible trail on Windermere’s western shore. Try surfing at Swansea’s Caswell Bay Beach with Surfability UK, offering adapted lessons for all abilities, including seated tandem, prone surfing and more. The V&A Dundee offer an inclusive art experiences with lifts, assistance for dogs, wheelchairs, and the myEyes for those who are visually impaired. Soar over London in a wheelchair-accessible cable car that accommodates two wheelchairs or scooters, slowing for easy access.
- Explore the King Charles III England Coast Path: When it’s officially completed by the end of 2024 the King Charles III England Coast Path – tracing 2,795 miles along the entire coast of England – will be the longest coastal path in the world. Recently renamed after in recognition the Coronation of King Charles III, the path is expected to be completed in 2024. Most of the path is already open so, you can explore the breathtaking cliffs, sandy beaches, fresh sea-to-table cuisine, and charming coastal villages along England’s coast.
- Commemorate the 80thanniversary of D-Day: Embark on a historic journey in the UK as 2024 commemorates the 85th Anniversary of the beginning of WWII and the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Experience the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, standing over 300 feet high at the Gateway to England, symbolizing the UK’s rich history and serving as a frontline during World War II. Explore the top-secret corridors of Churchill War Rooms in London, England, and step back into the tense days and nights of the Second World War. Uncover the compelling story of D-Day at The D-Day Story in Portsmouth, where personal accounts, captivating audio-visual presentations, and iconic artifacts bring to life the challenges of getting an army across the English Channel into France during World War II. Immerse yourself in 20th-century history at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, featuring iconic aircraft, historic artifacts, and personal stories from the early days of flight to the Cold War.
- Britain’s Newest Tours and Trails: Embark on an exciting journey through Britain’s diverse tours and trails, revealing the charm of its vibrant cities and scenic landscapes. Join Farmer Gareth Wyn Jones on RhiGar Farm Tours for a unique small-group experience, including a sheepdog training demo and a visit to the historic Dinas Celtic fortress or the Carneddau mountains. Explore beautiful landscapes and attractions with Transport for Wales’ Rail to Trail adventures, allowing you to travel by rail and explore attractions and highlighted trails. Freedom Tours comes to Newcastle in 2024, delivering self-guided smartphone tours by local actors, providing flexibility and subtitles in multiple languages. Dive into the vibrant scene of Glasgow with the Experience Glasgow Trails, curated to let you savor your favorite drink while discovering the city’s best spots, meeting local producers, chefs, and business owners. Experience the best of Britain’s landscapes, history, and culture through these exciting tours and trails.
- Live Your Chocoholic Dreams in Brimingham: 2024 marks a momentous milestone for Cadbury, commemorating 200 years since the first ever Cadbury Shop opened in Birmingham. Join the celebration at Cadbury World in the historic Bournville Village—the birthplace of the first factory—with a series of festivities and tastings to honor the anniversary. Explore other immersive chocolate themed experiences throughout Britain. Explore immersive chocolate experiences in Britain, from The Chocolate House in Trehafod, Wales, offering artisanal chocolates and tempting treats, to The Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow, Scotland, for a Chocolate and Whisky Tour featuring expertly paired single malt whiskies and local chocolates. London Chocolate’s Bean to Bar Factory offers a hands-on tour showcasing the journey from cocoa beans to delicious chocolate bars.
- More Ways to Get There: Airlines continue to restore international capacity, and we’re thrilled to see new routes launching to make it even easier for US travellers to get to Britain. JetBlue launched a seasonal service from New York-JFK to Edinburgh Airport. Norse Atlantic Airways has initiated flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Boston to London’s Gatwick Airport. British Airways has inaugurated a direct flight from Cincinnati to London Heathrow.
