Why Britain should be your cup of tea
Why Britain should be your cup of tea
We’re spilling the tea on the hottest experiences in Britain – and it’s not just a good old brew that we’re mad about. From a natter over a lovely cuppa to alternative afternoon teas with bubbling beverages and thematic cakes, you’ll find locals with a drop of the good stuff in hand and a smile on their faces.
But beyond the brew, discover a nation of party goers, experience seekers and culture buffs who love to get involved – not just pose for a picture. Wherever the journey takes you, now’s the time to experience Britain differently and discover which adventures are your cup of tea.
Top British experiences
London Rooftop Film Club
A social cinematic experience with unmissable skyline views. Expect popcorn, deck chairs and movie favourites at London Rooftop Film Club, located in Peckham and Stratford.
Graft Bristol
Show off your creative flair, grab a spray can and give graffiti a go with Graft. From its roots in the USA, to the world stage and Britain’s very own Banksy, create your own tag and try your hand at a stencil art workshop.
Science Afternoon Tea, The Ampersand Hotel, London
If it’s crafty concoctions and exciting experiments you’re after, then look no further than a Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel in London. Delve into the world of alchemy and tuck into unique sweet treats served in petri dishes.
One Spa Edinburgh
Immerse your senses in an indulgent spa break at Edinburgh’s One Spa. Take a dip in rooftop pool, relax in the scented Aroma Grotto and chill out like the ancient Celts and Romans did.
Great British adventures
Ride the waves of the vast coastline in Wales, get creative with a hands-on street art workshop in Banksy’s backyard, or hit the dance floor at Glasgow’s funky venue for emerging artists. Britain has adventures to suit every cup of tea, including our own tea plantation, Tregothnan, offering tours, masterclasses and workshops.
2023 marks a new era for Britain’s royalty with the crowning of a King and the creative pulse booms in Liverpool for Eurovision. Here’s our low-down on how to see things from a fresh perspective in the coming months.
Which part of Britain is your cup of tea?
#nofilter Tea
Alongside a decent cuppa, Britain is home to some pretty decent photo ops too. From iconic skylines to jaw-dropping coastlines…
Camera’s at the ready! Get a thrill for Scotland on a motorbike Trike Tour through Stirling and the Trossachs, with ample photo opportunities along the way. For an unmissable visual feast, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta sees the sky filled with hot air balloons. While in the area, head to the Clifton Suspension Bridge for that Insta-worthy shot of the Avon Gorge. Or for a morning bite to eat with a difference, head to Duck and Waffle, London for expansive city-wide views and colourful sunrise skies from 40 floors up.
His Majestea
Some things never change, like Britain’s love of tea. But it’s all change at Buckingham Palace. So join us as we celebrate royalty and the crowning of our new king…
All eyes are on Britain for 2023, with May’s coronation of King Charles III, so a visit to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle never go amiss. But look beyond these icons and discover a royally diverse Britain with a favourite pastime – afternoon tea. Tuck into Birmingham’s Indian inspired afternoon tea at Praza by Pushkar. Or soar above Manchester with an afternoon tea at 20 Stories, filled with canapes and cocktail pairings. Alternatively, pop the tea to one side and explore the streets of London on a Secret Royals tour. Wander past Parliament Square, St James’ Park and more as you unearth stories and weird and wonderful facts about Britain’s monarchy.
Surf Tea
Everyone knows Brits love a cuppa. But we’re big on outdoor excitement too. From riding giant waves to ziplining through ancient forests…
There are unmissable moments all across Britain’s coastline. Surf the waves at Sandhaven Beach in northern England, or hop aboard the ride of your life on a jet ski safari across Brighton’s waters. Don’t miss a chance to soar above the city at its iconic tower, the Brighton i360. Bristol boasts an inland ocean, The Wave. Poised with your board, take to the water for top surf tips. For wet and wild activities galore, head to the Welsh island of Anglesey to scramble, traverse and paddle your way round coasteering with Anglesey Adventures.
Monster Hunting Tea
While Brits love a cuppa, we’re big on monsters too. From dinos the size of buses to haunted streets and The Loch Ness Monster…
Britain brings some big monsters. Uncover Edinburgh’s hidden secrets of murders and hauntings at Real Mary King’s Close. Go ghost busting in Liverpool and get to know its poltergeists and most haunted places. Or head to Dracula’s playground, the seaside town of Whitby, for a fully immersive introduction to the bloodthirsty character at the Dracula Experience. From Spring, seek out Nessie at Loch Ness in Scotland, or measure up next to one of nature’s oldest giants, as a titanosaur comes roaring into life at London’s Natural History Museum.
Festival Tea
Sure, us Brits love a cuppa. But we love a party too and whatever your scene, we’ve got it. From DJs spinning beats over breakfast to world-famous festivals…
Rock out at Britain’s many festivals. Shoreside, Boardmasters is Cornwall’s funky festival that combines surfing, wellbeing and music. Or hit up England’s southern isle at the Isle of Wight Festival for rave tents and comedy. Enchanted woodlands await at Lincolnshire’s Lost Village festival, complete with workshops and funky beats. The party never stops at Glasgow’s King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, a hotspot for party-goers since the 90s. Or for burlesque, drag acts and theatrics, head to Proud Cabaret in Brighton or London.
Graffi-tea
Brits make a great cuppa. But our art is pretty spectacular too. From tours of iconic street art to collections of crazy neon signs…
Grab your cup of graffi-tea and embark on a creative exploration of Britain’s art-drenched streets. For a crash course in stencil art – made famous by Bristolian artist Banksy – experience a spray session at Where the Wall. In London, a two-wheeled Tally Ho’s Landmarks and Gems tour leads you to Leake Street Tunnel, a kaleidoscopic canvas of bold designs where you can add to the art yourself. Digbeth, Birmingham’s hip neighbourhood, is a creative’s paradise with quirky street art and indie shops. Alternatively head to Glasgow to embark on the Mural Trail, packed with colourfully transformed spaces.
Weird and Wonderful Tea
Alongside a love for a good brew, Brits are into some weird and wonderful stuff too. From creepy witches’ caves to outdoor adventure and cocktail bars in ball pits…
Britain’s sense of adventure is limitless. See things from unique perspectives in Wales at ZipWorld located on the fringes of Snowdonia (Eryri National Park). Fly high on the world’s fastest zip wire or delve beneath the surface for a subterranean bounce. Or, glide across water on a guided stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) tour in Bath or Glasgow. Dive deep into a pit of a million balls at London’s playground, Ballie Ballerson. Feel the real glow at its Full Moon Party or look to a Bottomless Brunch for fizz, pizza and hit tunes.
Lovers Tea
Brits are suckers for romance too. From star-lit cinemas on castle grounds to relaxing in romantic log cabins. There’s plenty of opportunities to see things differently…
Escape into indulgence at Bath’s rooftop pool, choose to dip into a twilight session or treat yourself to a relaxing massage. Catch a flick under the stars with Luna Cinema, from a screening within the historic walls of Cardiff Castle, to cinematic moments in the shadow of Westminster Abbey. Or, cosy up stargazing in Britain’s most remote locations for magical cosmic displays. Festivals of astronomical proportions run in Exmoor National Park, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales. While in the Isle of Skye, seek out colourful displays of the Northern Lights.
Eurovision Tea
Brits are big tea fans. But we’re big music fans too. So, join us for a sing-along as we host Europe’s biggest pop party…
Britain’s music pulse never misses a beat. All eyes are on Liverpool as Eurovision takes to the stage but delve deeper to uncover its rich musical heritage. Bop to live music at the legendary Cavern Club, or get hands on at the British Music Experience with its immersive musical rooms. From the Stone Roses to Oasis, feel Manchester’s rhythm on a Manchester Music Tour and get to know the cultural scene that is Madchester. Cardiff holds a real gem – the world’s oldest record store, while a snap at London’s iconic Abbey Road crossing, made famous by The Beatles, is a must.
