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Rock cities: discover Britain’s iconic music destinations

Britain has a long and proud musical history – from its pop pioneers the Beatles, to Britpop legends Oasis and Blur, right up to its diverse music industry today. The nation’s dynamic music scene resounds all over the country – meaning you can have a rocking time wherever you are. Relive the Beatles’ experience in Liverpool, go to the heart of “Madchester”, or get Ziggy with it at some of David Bowie’s London landmarks. Watch world-class acts play in some of the best stadiums on the planet, or enjoy an unforgettable gig at one of Britain’s historic and quirky small venues.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Man and woman toasting with white wine and beer

Top music experiences

Musical sights and sounds

Liverpool, England

See where it all began for the Beatles in the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Mendips (Lennon’s home) and 20 Forthlin Road (McCartney’s house) in Liverpool.

Photo by: National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Paul McCartney's bedroom at 20 Forthlin Road, Beatles Childhood Homes, Liverpool
London, England

Venture to a place of pilgrimage for fans of legendary artist David Bowie.

Photo by: theliterarywayfarer

View of 23 Heddon Street, London, showing Ziggy Stardust plaque
Cardiff, Wales

The world’s oldest record shop dates back to 1894 – and specialises in jazz, rock and indie vinyl and CDs.

Photo by: Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Location: Cardiff, Wales

A man looks through records at Spillers Records in Cardiff
Belfast, Northern Ireland

From the Oh Yeah music hub in the heart of Belfast, journey through the UNESCO City of Music.

Photo by: Creative Tours Belfast

Location: Stub

Group of people on street taking part in Belfast Music Tours
Cardiff, Wales

In Cardiff Bay, the Wales Millennium Centre hosts top-class live music and theatre shows from all over the world.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Person looking up at the front of a bronze building at night

Brilliantly British music venues

It’s not all about mega-stadiums, these historic and quirky British music venues will be music to your ears.

An intimate venue renowned for attracting the biggest names in music.

Discover more about the 100 Club

Photo by: gelatoray

A jazz performer on stage at the 100 Club, an intimate and historic venue in the heart of London's Soho district
The 100 Club

The Barrowland Ballroom is a former dance hall and its excellent acoustics have resounded to everyone from The Clash to the Foo Fighters.

Head to The Barrowland Ballroom

Photo by: murrants

Two musicians on stage looking out to a large crowd of people dancing to the music and under bright lights and discoballs at Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow
The Barrowland Ballroom

One of the most famous music venues in the UK, The Cavern Club helped launch the career of The Beatles.

Visit The Cavern Club

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Location: Liverpool

Inside club showing arched ceilings, coloured lights and stage
The Cavern Club

Home of the world-famous Proms, the Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington is affectionately known as “the nation’s village hall”.

Discover the Royal Albert Hall

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jason Hawkes

Royal Albert Hall, London
The Royal Albert Hall

For a truly unforgettable experience, head to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall, an outdoor theatre hewn out of a cliff-top.

Marvel at the Minack Theatre

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sarah McNally

View from the top of the Minack Theatre
Minack Theatre

Snape Maltings is a fabulous arts and concert hall in a converted Victorian malthouse.

Visit Snape Maltings

Photo by: brittenpearsarts

Snape Maltings
Snape Maltings

Uncover up-and-coming musical talent in this intimate Glaswegian venue.

Discover more about King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
King Tut's Wah Wah Hut
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut

From gospel singers to famous rock legends, this magnificent venue hosts live music of all descriptions.

What’s on at Symphony Hall

Photo by: VisitBritain/Motionhouse Iain_Jamieson

Location: Birmingham

A crowd of people at a festival watching acrobats performing in the air in front of Symphony Hall, Birmingham at sunset
Symphony Hall

This art gallery, music venue and events space celebrates the vibrant cultures of Central and Eastern Europe.

Get to know Centrala

Photo by: Centrala

Location: Birmingham

Groups of people attending art show at Centrala in Birmingham
Centrala

An icon of Cardiff Bay, this historic church hosts art exhibitions, live music and stand-up comedy.

Visit Norwegian Church Arts Centre

Photo by: Norwegian Church Arts Centre

Exterior view of the Norwegian Church Arts Centre in Cardiff, Wales
Norwegian Church Arts Centre

There’s always something fresh to discover here, from stand-up comedy to arthouse cinema.

Explore Chapter Arts Centre

Photo by: Chapter Arts Centre

A performer on stage at Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, Wales
Chapter Arts Centre

From outdoor movie screenings to vibrant art exhibitions, Somerset House is packed with fun things to do.

Be inspired by Somerset House

Photo by: Kevin Meredith

The Edmond J Safra Fountain Court in the centre of Somerset House, London
Somerset House

Catch everything from classical concerts and famous operas to legends of pop, folk and musicals.

See a show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Photo by: Photo by John Slavin @ Designfolk Ltd

Piping band with drums play for the crowds outside The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Immerse yourself in film screenings, dance workshops and candlelit concerts at this vibrant creative hub.

What’s on at Nottingham Contemporary

Photo by: VisitNottingham/Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery

A group of children attaching drawings to a wall at the Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery
Nottingham Contemporary

Once a super-cinema, now a live events venue, catch some of the biggest names in comedy, live music, dance and more.

Find out what’s on at The Forum

Photo by: The Forum

Location: Bath

A band performing on stage at the Forum in Bath
The Forum

From drag cabaret and glittering musicals, to famous ballets and operas: you’ll find it all right here.

See what’s on at the Manchester Opera House

Photo by: AKA/Palace Theatre and Opera House

An exterior shot of Manchester's Opera House
Manchester Opera House

Enjoy live gigs, club nights and more, at one of Manchester’s leading music and cultural venues.

Enjoy live music and more at Band on the Wall

Photo by: Jody Hartley

Location: Manchester, England

A live performance on stage at Band on the Wall in Manchester
Band on the Wall

See what’s on at the largest entertainment venue in the East Midlands.

What’s on at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham

Photo by: Jack Kimber Photography

Location: Notts

Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
Motorpoint Arena Nottingham

From rock gigs and pop tribute acts, to Hollywood movies and stand-up comedy shows.

Step inside Tavistock Wharf

Photo by: Getty Images/Hup

Location: Dartmoor and Exmoor

Crowd at music show
Tavistock Wharf

Your one-stop shop for all things creative arts, catch live music to films, comedy shows and on-stage performances.

Feel creative at Exeter Phoenix

Photo by: Exeter City Council

A band performing on stage at Exeter Phoenix
Exeter Phoenix

The Norwich Arts Centre is in a 14th-century church, which came back to life as a music venue in the 1980s.

Explore Norwich Arts Centre

Photo by: Adni Sapey

Norwich Arts Centre
Norwich Arts Centre

Glyndebourne

16th May - 24th August 2025

This stately home hosts the annual Glyndebourne Festival, where you get to dress up and picnic in the beautiful grounds.

Visit Glyndebourne

Photo by: McCoy Wynne

Crowd of people at Glyndebourne
Glyndebourne

Raves, festivals, club nights, gigs: there’s something amazing on the agenda almost every night of the week.

What’s on at SWG3

Photo by: SWG3 Glasgow

A DJ performing on stage at SWG3 Stage Warehouse in Glasgow
SWG3

It is the world’s oldest surviving music hall: Wilton’s Music Hall in Wapping is one of London’s best-kept secrets.

Discover Wilton’s Music Hall

Photo by: missjonesrb/ian9972

Wilton's Music Hall
Wilton’s Music Hall

The city’s premier entertainment stadium hosts live music, sport, exhibitions and tournaments galore.

What’s on at Coventry Building Society Arena

Photo by: Coventry Building Society Arena

Location: Coventry

Coventry Building Society Arena, Bruce Springsteen on stage
Coventry Building Society Arena

An intimate venue renowned for attracting the biggest names in music.

Discover more about the 100 Club

Photo by: gelatoray

A jazz performer on stage at the 100 Club, an intimate and historic venue in the heart of London's Soho district
The 100 Club

The Barrowland Ballroom is a former dance hall and its excellent acoustics have resounded to everyone from The Clash to the Foo Fighters.

Head to The Barrowland Ballroom

Photo by: murrants

Two musicians on stage looking out to a large crowd of people dancing to the music and under bright lights and discoballs at Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow
The Barrowland Ballroom

One of the most famous music venues in the UK, The Cavern Club helped launch the career of The Beatles.

Visit The Cavern Club

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Location: Liverpool

Inside club showing arched ceilings, coloured lights and stage
The Cavern Club

Home of the world-famous Proms, the Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington is affectionately known as “the nation’s village hall”.

Discover the Royal Albert Hall

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jason Hawkes

Royal Albert Hall, London
The Royal Albert Hall

For a truly unforgettable experience, head to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall, an outdoor theatre hewn out of a cliff-top.

Marvel at the Minack Theatre

Photo by: VisitBritain/Sarah McNally

View from the top of the Minack Theatre
Minack Theatre

Snape Maltings is a fabulous arts and concert hall in a converted Victorian malthouse.

Visit Snape Maltings

Photo by: brittenpearsarts

Snape Maltings
Snape Maltings

Uncover up-and-coming musical talent in this intimate Glaswegian venue.

Discover more about King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
King Tut's Wah Wah Hut
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut

From gospel singers to famous rock legends, this magnificent venue hosts live music of all descriptions.

What’s on at Symphony Hall

Photo by: VisitBritain/Motionhouse Iain_Jamieson

Location: Birmingham

A crowd of people at a festival watching acrobats performing in the air in front of Symphony Hall, Birmingham at sunset
Symphony Hall

This art gallery, music venue and events space celebrates the vibrant cultures of Central and Eastern Europe.

Get to know Centrala

Photo by: Centrala

Location: Birmingham

Groups of people attending art show at Centrala in Birmingham
Centrala

An icon of Cardiff Bay, this historic church hosts art exhibitions, live music and stand-up comedy.

Visit Norwegian Church Arts Centre

Photo by: Norwegian Church Arts Centre

Exterior view of the Norwegian Church Arts Centre in Cardiff, Wales
Norwegian Church Arts Centre

There’s always something fresh to discover here, from stand-up comedy to arthouse cinema.

Explore Chapter Arts Centre

Photo by: Chapter Arts Centre

A performer on stage at Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, Wales
Chapter Arts Centre

From outdoor movie screenings to vibrant art exhibitions, Somerset House is packed with fun things to do.

Be inspired by Somerset House

Photo by: Kevin Meredith

The Edmond J Safra Fountain Court in the centre of Somerset House, London
Somerset House

Catch everything from classical concerts and famous operas to legends of pop, folk and musicals.

See a show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Photo by: Photo by John Slavin @ Designfolk Ltd

Piping band with drums play for the crowds outside The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Immerse yourself in film screenings, dance workshops and candlelit concerts at this vibrant creative hub.

What’s on at Nottingham Contemporary

Photo by: VisitNottingham/Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery

A group of children attaching drawings to a wall at the Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery
Nottingham Contemporary

Once a super-cinema, now a live events venue, catch some of the biggest names in comedy, live music, dance and more.

Find out what’s on at The Forum

Photo by: The Forum

Location: Bath

A band performing on stage at the Forum in Bath
The Forum

From drag cabaret and glittering musicals, to famous ballets and operas: you’ll find it all right here.

See what’s on at the Manchester Opera House

Photo by: AKA/Palace Theatre and Opera House

An exterior shot of Manchester's Opera House
Manchester Opera House

Enjoy live gigs, club nights and more, at one of Manchester’s leading music and cultural venues.

Enjoy live music and more at Band on the Wall

Photo by: Jody Hartley

Location: Manchester, England

A live performance on stage at Band on the Wall in Manchester
Band on the Wall

See what’s on at the largest entertainment venue in the East Midlands.

What’s on at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham

Photo by: Jack Kimber Photography

Location: Notts

Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
Motorpoint Arena Nottingham

From rock gigs and pop tribute acts, to Hollywood movies and stand-up comedy shows.

Step inside Tavistock Wharf

Photo by: Getty Images/Hup

Location: Dartmoor and Exmoor

Crowd at music show
Tavistock Wharf

Your one-stop shop for all things creative arts, catch live music to films, comedy shows and on-stage performances.

Feel creative at Exeter Phoenix

Photo by: Exeter City Council

A band performing on stage at Exeter Phoenix
Exeter Phoenix

The Norwich Arts Centre is in a 14th-century church, which came back to life as a music venue in the 1980s.

Explore Norwich Arts Centre

Photo by: Adni Sapey

Norwich Arts Centre
Norwich Arts Centre

Glyndebourne

16th May - 24th August 2025

This stately home hosts the annual Glyndebourne Festival, where you get to dress up and picnic in the beautiful grounds.

Visit Glyndebourne

Photo by: McCoy Wynne

Crowd of people at Glyndebourne
Glyndebourne

Raves, festivals, club nights, gigs: there’s something amazing on the agenda almost every night of the week.

What’s on at SWG3

Photo by: SWG3 Glasgow

A DJ performing on stage at SWG3 Stage Warehouse in Glasgow
SWG3

It is the world’s oldest surviving music hall: Wilton’s Music Hall in Wapping is one of London’s best-kept secrets.

Discover Wilton’s Music Hall

Photo by: missjonesrb/ian9972

Wilton's Music Hall
Wilton’s Music Hall

The city’s premier entertainment stadium hosts live music, sport, exhibitions and tournaments galore.

What’s on at Coventry Building Society Arena

Photo by: Coventry Building Society Arena

Location: Coventry

Coventry Building Society Arena, Bruce Springsteen on stage
Coventry Building Society Arena

Experience music and festivals in Britain

From its pop pioneers the Beatles, to the diverse sounds of today, Britain has a long and dynamic musical legacy just waiting to be discovered.

Photo by: Nici Eberl

Crowd at the Green Man Festival in front of the stage

Love Me Do in Liverpool, the birthplace of the Beatles, as you follow in the footsteps of the Fab Four.

Photo by: Oh Me Oh My

Rooftop of Oh me oh my restaurant in Liverpool

Discover the spots that inspired artists from The Clash and the Sex Pistols, to Queen and David Bowie.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Chris Orange

Interior view of the Sky Garden

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