Home #WHERETONEXT UK 24 Ways to Explore Britain in 2024

24 Ways to Explore Britain in 2024

  1. 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.
  2. 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. The Salt Path will be coming to theatres in 2024. Discover the poignant beauty of a story brought to life against the stunning backdrop of the Cornish coast. 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 late 2025. Or, join the Lights. 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.
  3. 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. In spring, the Hyatt will open its new Park Hyatt London River Thames, walking distance from London’s major tourist attractions. 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.
  4. Indulge in Pure luxury throughout the UK: 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Experience Britain’s Pride: Wales’ annual Pride Cymru (22-23 Jun 2024) event in Cardiff attracts over 50,000 people each year. 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. Attend the vibrant four-day extravaganza Manchester Pride celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community from 23 – 26 August. 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.
  7. Embark on a Gourmet Break: 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, reopening in autumn 2023, will deliver 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. Gareth Ward’s Ynyshir in Eglwys Fach boasts two Michelin stars and has been designated as the best restaurant in the UK for two years in a row.
  8. Find Flavor with Britain’s Unique Food & Beverage Offerings: In 2024, the modern dining concept, Boxhall, will open new venues in Bristol and London Liverpool Street. A similar venue, Boxpark will also open its doors in Liverpool, while the city of  Bradford sees the opening of Darley Street Market. In Scotland, Fodder + Farm, nestled at the edge of the Trossachs, offers a tranquil retreat with sustainable experiences such as Wild Pizza Nights, Long Table Feasts, Farm Tours, and workshops celebrating traditional skills for modern living. Wales’ Caerphilly Castle will be opening a new restaurant for visitors in the summer of 2024.
  9. See Our Museums Differently: 2024 will see new additions to Britain’s diverse museum scene. Opening early in the year, Blackpool’s Showtown museum will be full of fun and entertainment while celebrating the entertainers who turned Blackpool into the home of show business. Perth Museum reopens in spring after a major re-development, highlighting artifacts and stories placing 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. 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 arriving by autumn 2024.
  10. Visit Eco-conscious Accommodation: 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.
  11. Dive into Britain’s theatrical scene: British theatre is booming in 2024 with Birmingham Royal Ballet’s ’The Sleeping Beauty’; (21 Feb – 2 Mar 2024) or Hamilton (25 June – 31 August 2024) at the The Birmingham Hippodrome, celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2024. Watch the hit musical Wicked in Sunderland (24 Sept – 20 Oct 2024) or catch the hilarious Sister Act musical returning to the West End in March 2024.
  12. Move to the rhythm at Manchester’s newest entertainment venues: Witness the extraordinary new entertainment destinations that will redefine Britain’s cultural landscape. The new flagship cultural centre, Aviva Studios – home of Factory International, fully opening in October 2023, emerges 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 is Diecast. The venue blends food, culture, and community together in a former metals factory. Britain’s foremost pioneering, purpose-driven arena Co-op Live is set to open in April 2024 in the city. Partnering with 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.
  13. 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 commitment to inclusivity and diversity. At the Tate London’s, ‘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
  14. 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 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.
  15. See Britain Sustainably: Britain offers a wide range of attractions for visitors looking to travel more sustainably. From eco-friendly accommodations to dark sky reserves, locally sourced and vegan-friendly cuisine and cycling routes, visitors will find everything they need to enjoy a responsible stay in Britain at any time of year. Wales, recognized by Lonely Planet’s best in Sustainable travel, boasts a plethora of sustainable experiences such as, hikes on Glyndŵr’s Way, and Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm, and Grub Kitchen—the UK’s first edible-insect café.
  16. Rock out at Britain’s 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.
  17. Take a Sip at our Newest Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries: Embark on a spirited adventure across the UK! 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.
  18. Britain During the Holidays: The fall and winter are a fantastic time to discover a new side of Britain. From exploring haunted castles in England or learning about witch history in Scotland with a witch history tour, there are plenty of experiences that will immerse visitors our spooky history. As fall transitions to winter, don’t miss the Bonfire night (Nov 5) where locations all around Britain light up, and make sure to check out our fall foliage destinations to see the changing colors. Britain is one of the most special places in December, and from Bath to Manchester, see the colorful Christmas lights, holiday markets, and fun festive experiences.
  19. Outdoor Adventure: Experience adventure and natural beauty in Britain in 2024. Discover ‘The Edge’ in Whitehaven, an exciting coastal activity center opening in Spring, offering water sports, recreational activities, and more. Cycling enthusiasts can pedal through the picturesque landscapes of Orkney 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 from Machynlleth to Conwy, not for the faint-hearted.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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. 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.
  23. Travel the UK by Train – Experience the best of Britain in 2024 with scenic train travel. Be transported on to the Hogwarts Express and take the Jacobite across the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Enjoy a relaxing journey up Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Go for an overnight train journey and take a ride of the Night Rivera Sleeper train to get from London to Cornwall or travel in comfort from London to Scotland on the Caledonian Sleeper. Or take control of the train your self – fire up a steam engine at Foxfield Railway,  one of Britain’s Oldest Steam Railways.
  24. Explore unique destinations beyond London: Embark on a captivating journey beyond London in 2024, exploring numerous locations within a two-hour radius. Cardiff is a dynamic hub offering 2,000 years of history and is the perfect starting point to explore iconic Welsh cities. Kent, the ‘Garden of England,’ unveils historic sites, sea food festivals and coastal retreats. Bristol is a city brimming with art and adventure, exciting new openings, and events. Bath, known for its wellness retreats, Roman and Georgian architecture, and gastronomic delights. Brighton offers a blend of vintage shops, diverse cuisine, and a rich seaside history. Oxford boasts an 800-year-old university and serves as a gateway to scenic landscapes.