How to see things differently in Britain in 2026
Introduction
Lights, camera, adventure! Britain is back in the spotlight in 2026 with an all-star line-up of new openings and anniversaries, and you’ve got a front-row seat. Think long-distance hikes with the royal seal of approval, or Europe’s largest immersive art experience – even a honey-loving bear celebrating a bumper birthday.
Fresh life is being breathed into our centuries-old castles and museums, while British artists are back in the frame in our galleries. And whether you’re happiest on the pitch or cheering on from the sidelines, we’re putting you at the heart of the sporting action this year with top events on our shores.
If you’re crazy about costume dramas, Britain’s scenery is stealing the scene (and hearts) in Wuthering Heights, The Immortal Man, Outlander and Bridgerton in 2026. There are some cinematic landmarks to celebrate too, from boy wizards to Scottish warriors.
Here’s how to see Britain differently in 2026 – bring the popcorn.
Celebrate culture and creativity
Wrexham has scored with its new Football Museum Wales, sure to become a place of pilgrimage for Welcome to Wrexham fans. Petrolheads – start your engines for the Mullin Motor Museum in Oxfordshire, showcasing the treasures of American car collector, Peter Mullin.
Help the Royal Scottish Academy blow out its 200 candles at its bicentenary celebration, shining a new light on its vibrant collection with the help of 70 partners. Look out for exhibitions, talks, performances and special events across Scotland.
In London, head back to the 16th century at the Museum of Shakespeare in Shoreditch, explore the London Museum’s new home at Smithfield, and admire Europe’s largest immersive art experience at Wake the Tiger, in Westfield London. And if the V&A East Storehouse, which opened in 2025, whet your appetite, the main attraction – the V&A East itself – is set to arrive on the scene in spring 2026.
Also in the capital, catch Lucian Freud’s works on paper at the National Portrait Gallery, or reflect on 40 years of Tracey Emin’s art – including that bed – at the Tate Modern. And dare to watch breathtaking stunts from the Cirque du Soleil as they relocate to a new home at the The Saville Theatre.
Get the blood pumping
The hottest tickets in Britain in 2026 include the Women’s T20 World Cup, which brings cricket’s global stars to England. The European Athletics Championships comes to Britain for the first time, with events in Birmingham all about speed, strength and stamina, while Glasgow welcomes the 2026 Commonwealth Games for 11 days of all-out competition including swimming, judo and netball.
The King Charles III England Coast Path is set to be completed in 2026, looping the entire English coast at a whopping 2,795 miles (4,500km). Boot up to explore the North East section, seen in 28 Years Later, or the South West, star of The Salt Path. For even more epic views in this corner of Britain, take on the Walk Scilly Festival (10 – 19 April 2026) to uncover the Isles of Scilly’s hidden corners.
Our National Parks’ stunning skies are the stars of the show at our nationwide Dark Skies Festivals: there’s the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales in spring, andthe Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and Cumbria in autumn. From moonlit kayaking to stargazing, there are plenty of opportunities for all to get starry-eyed.
Step into stories
Move over, Paddington – another iconic British bear is stealing the spotlight in 2026, except his vice is honey instead of marmalade. Celebrate Winnie The Pooh’s 100th birthday with a trip to East Sussex’s Ashdown Forest, the real-life inspiration for Hundred Acre Wood and home of author A.A. Milne.
It’s been 25 years since Britain first cast its spell over audiences in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, but the film’s magic lives on at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. And 30 years since Braveheart put Scotland centre stage, follow in William Wallace’s footsteps to Stirling to discover its epic castle and the National Wallace Monument.
Costume drama fans, you’re in for a treat this year: look out for Scotland’s swoon-worthy scenery in the final series of Outlander and see Regency England shine in Bridgerton series four. Explore the Yorkshire Dales by foot, bike or – more fittingly – horseback for a snapshot of Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights adaptation. Or, make for trendy Digbeth for a peek into the Peaky Blinders universe ahead of The Immortal Man’s release. Look out for Britain in Ted Lasso series four and Netflix’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew in 2026.
Lose yourself in the past
Our castles are anything but stuck in the past. Soak up the spirit of the Highlands at the brand-new Inverness Castle Experience, telling the story of the region’s people and places. In south Wales, Caerphilly Castle’s Great Hall has been given a medieval makeover, presenting a new, immersive digital exhibition.
Durham’s new theme park Kynren: The Storied Lands swaps rollercoasters for immersive experiences and performances. From Vikings to Victorians, British history is brought to life before your eyes with stunts, storytelling and a touch of technological magic.
Or, step into 5,000 years of history at the Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis, which will unveil a new-and-improved visitor centre at the end of 2026. Outlander fans: did you know the stones are the rumoured inspiration for Craigh Na Dun in the show?
Feast on flavour
May is Whisky Month in Scotland, so what better time to savour the flavours of Speyside’s 51 working distilleries at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (29 April – 4 May 2026)? Or, toast the best of Islay’s whisky at the island’s Fèis Ìle festival (22 – 31 May 2026). In St Andrews, Eden Mill Distillery has reopened after 150 years and is now crafting gin alongside its single malt whisky. Head to the top-floor cocktail bar for a dram with a view.
Bring your appetite to Abergavenny Food Festival (September 2026), where Welsh grub takes pride of plate: think 200 exhibitors plus top chef demonstrations, talks and a foodie party. Room for more? Loving Welsh Food’s cooking workshops with TV chef Nerys Howell will have you cooking up and devouring your own Welsh cakes.
Relax and recharge
One for our football fans: Manchester’s 401-room The Medlock hotel will be connected directly to the Etihad Stadium, with access to a museum experience and roof walk. If golf is more your thing, then St Andrews’ Ardgowan Hotel is being rebranded as The Kithmore, a luxury 44-bed property that’s ideally positioned for St Andrew’s Links and its renowned Old Course.
A city oasis, Hotel Gotham will transform Bristol’s Guildhall into a five-star hotel complete with rooftop terrace and swanky spa. For country comforts, there’s THE PIG at Groombridge on the Kent and East Sussex border, whose rooms will offer picturesque views of its moat, vineyard or gardens. Or soak up the sea-breezy air at Abersoch’s Ty Gwyn on the Llŷn Peninsula in north Wales, with 46 boutique bedrooms.
Get into the groove
Newport will make history as the city hosts UK Pride in Wales, welcoming the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies to the town in September 2026. Expect parades, parties and most importantly solidarity.
Further west you’ll find Europe’s largest cultural festival, the National Eisteddfod, which celebrates its 850th anniversary. Held in Pembrokeshire from 1 to 8 August 2026, it’s a smorgasbord of Welsh arts and culture and alternates between north and south Wales each year.
The Edinburgh Festival (August 2026) and its world-famous Edinburgh Fringe (7 – 31 August 2026) remain a highlight of our festival calendar, but why not head to the Durham Fringe Festival (July 2026) or Bath Fringe Festival (spring 2026), too? If rock music is your jam, make for Reading & Leeds Festival (27 – 30 August 2026), or embrace all things dance music at Cheshire’s Creamfields (27 – 30 August 2026). How about bagpiping? We even have a festival for that too: Glasgow’s Piping Live.
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 of Thrones to the vibrant buzz of Belfast.
VisitBritain Shop
For a range of destination activities and experiences, check out the VisitBritain Shop.