How to see things differently in Britain in 2024
VisitBritain/Daniel Struthers
Introduction
From gastronomic adventures to eco-friendly stays, world-class sports, and brand-new cultural hubs, 2024 is packed with opportunities to see things differently in Britain. Here’s why you should grab your bags and get a taste for the latest flavours while seeking out adventure and a slice of the unknown. From hot new openings to fresh takes on British classics, there’s always more to explore on Britain’s shores. Here’s what to look forward to in 2024.
Dive into innovative tastes
West Midlands Growth Company
The award-winning Boxhall is upping the ante with two new premium food and beverage venues in Bristol and London’s Liverpool Street in 2024. Boxpark is also opening its food hall doors in Liverpool, bringing big flavours to the city’s Baltic Triangle District. Norwich Wine Week also returns with a bang, celebrating producers and merchants from across the East of England.
Michelin will crown Britain’s top restaurants and eco-friendly eats in March, while the two Michelin star-winning restaurant at Aughton’s Moor Hall is opening luxury lodges for the ultimate foodie gateway. For something sweeter, chocolatier Cadbury celebrates its 200-year anniversary – head to Cadbury World in Birmingham to discover its history and sample the goods.
Immerse yourself in the arts
VisitBritain/Eric Nathan
The National Gallery, London
It’s party time as the National Gallery celebrates its 200-year anniversary – and you’re invited. From May 2024, an ambitious programme of events showcasing Britain as a cultural powerhouse includes an exclusive Vincent Van Gogh exhibition. Illuminate the senses at the Bristol Light Festival in February, while Baylight Morecombe will light up the Lancashire seafront the same month, featuring artists from around the world.
In addition to walking tours and innovative new exhibitions, stage shows are aplenty in 2024, with the Royal Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty and Hamilton coming to The Birmingham Hippodrome. Wicked hits the stage in Sunderland during September and October, while Sister Act returns to the West End in March. For award-winning British comedy, don’t miss The Late Shows in Newcastle and Gateshead too.
Get involved in the action
VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett
From land to sea, 2024 is a year to get stuck into Britain’s sporting action. Big names in track and field will descend on Glasgow in March for the World Athletics Indoor Championships, while Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre hosts the Cazoo World Snooker Championship in April.
The Gold Cup Centenary will round off the Cheltenham Festival in March, while the iconic Randox Grand National in Liverpool will thunder along in April. Wembley hosts European football’s biggest showpiece, the UEFA Champions League final, on 1 June, while there’s more exhilarating action from the Premier League, including a raft of experiences at your favourite 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 crammed 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.
Boost your Zen and heighten your senses
Start 2024 as you mean to go on at Rebalance Bath – The Festival of Wellbeing, taking place from late January to early February. Or relax as the Feel Good Festival brings wellbeing activities to the Lake District in Cumbria in June. Chill out under starry skies as part of the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival in February, and look out for events as part of Welsh Dark Skies Week in the same month.
Escape the city during the summer with the Wellnergy Festival in London – with music, meditation, and nutritious food to feed the soul. For an eco-friendly stay, TreeDwellers treehouses in the Cotswolds blend into the surrounding forest, with comforting amenities including roll top bathtubs and wood-burning fires.
Experience Britain through its music and festivals
Getty Images/Digital Vision/Flashpop
From live music to great food and everything in between, Brits love festival season. Kicking off in February is the Bath Bach Festival celebrating the work of the German composer. March sees big names from the worlds of journalism and literature giving their takes at the Oxford Literary Festival, while the cutting-edge Co-op Live music arena opens in Manchester in April.
Brit Fest celebrates all things British in July, while the free-to-attend Bristol Harbour festival hosts an eclectic mix of music, circus performers, art, and street food in the city’s harbourside. The Gone Wild Festival with Bear Grylls kicks off in August at Powderham Castle, Devon, while the Cheltenham Literature Festival marks its 75-year anniversary in the autumn.
Step into British history and heritage
Britain is bursting at the seams when it comes to history and heritage, with 2024 welcoming a wealth of new interactive experiences. Look out for the new Blackpool’s Showtown, while the Perth Museum reopens after extensive re-development. Leicester’s Jewry Wall Museum is also reopening with cutting-edge technology to bring Roman Britain alive. Medieval Britain will boom at Norwich Castle via projections and digital technology, while for petrol heads, Concours on Savile Row in London looks to combine fine cars and tailoring in May. Buckingham Palace’s captivating State Rooms reopen for the summer too, giving visitors a taste of royal life between mid-July and the end of September.
Celebrate Britain's diversity
Manchester Pride/Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography
From now until April 2024, ‘Women in Revolt’ at Tate London looks at the inspiring work of women enabling change from 1970 to 1990. Film enthusiasts can head to the London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival BFI Flare 2024 in March, and book mark the Iris Prize Festival in October, Cardiff’s queer alternative to Cannes.
The 50-year anniversary of Caribbean Carnival in Preston kicks off in spring, while Liverpool celebrates African culture and music at Africa Oyé during the summer. Notting Hill Carnival returns in August too. Pride events take place throughout the year. Check out Cardiff’s Pride Cymru and Pride Edinburgh in June, Pride in London in July, Manchester Pride in August, and UK Black Pride in London during October. For a full rundown of Pride events explore our LGBTQIA+ guide to Britain.
Head into the great outdoors
Often the star of the big screen, Britain’s rolling countryside, cities and miles of coastline will once again provide the backdrop for movies and television shows in 2024. Raynor Winn’s inspiring memoir, The Salt Path, will come to life on screen – discover the filming locations along the South West Coast path. This is just one section of the King Charles III England Coast Path, offering trails and adventure at every turn.
Or head to Bath for filming locations from the new Wonka movie. The steps of Parade Gardens, The Colonnades by Pulteney Weir, Bath Street and Kingston Parade – the alleyway by Bath Abbey all feature as Timothee Chalamet steps into the protagonist’s larger-than-life shoes.
Come see things differently
You must accept "Targeting" cookies from in order to watch this video, as YouTube automatically sets cookies of this type.
Top experiences in Britain
Choosing an option from the dropdown will automatically update the map listing results to filter by your selection.
Britain's top destinations
Planning a trip? We're here to help
Your trip to England is just around the corner
Discover the land of Big Ben, Banksy and bangers and mash. From its bustling cities to its blooming beautiful gardens, it doesn’t disappoint.
Discover Great Britain's northern reaches
Imagine a country where ancient castles guard mysterious lochs and emerald glens, and where the local spirit is a warm as the welcome.
Discover a land of adventure and mythical creatures
Delve into a world of dragons, renowned choirs, championship rugby, and some of the most spellbinding scenery Britain has to offer.
Your trip to Northern Ireland has never looked more magical
Get swept up in a world of ancient myths and modern-day legends, from the Giant’s Causeway and Game or Thrones to the vibrant buzz of Belfast.
VisitBritain Shop
For a range of destination activities and experiences, check out the VisitBritain Shop.