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The Liverpool Arena took centre stage as it hosted Eurovision in 2023. Check out Britain’s other top music landmarks and discover the birthplaces of legendary rock stars, locations which inspired great music and unforgettable live music venues across the country.

VisitBritain

Man and woman toasting with white wine and beer

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.

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.

National Trust Images/Paul Harris

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

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

theliterarywayfarer

View of 23 Heddon Street, London, showing Ziggy Stardust plaque
Spillers Record Shop

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

Tom Martin/WALES NEWS SERVICE

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.

Creative Tours Belfast

Stub

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

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

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 attraction the biggest names in music.

Discover more about the 100 Club

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.

The Barrowland Ballroom

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.

The Cavern Club

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

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”.

The Royal Albert Hall

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.

Minack Theatre

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.

Snape Maltings

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

VisitBritain/Motionhouse Iain_Jamieson

Birmingham

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

The only castle in Britain to be built over a natural cavern.

Explore Pembroke Castle

Peter Morgan

A long range shot of Pembroke Castle at night
Pembroke Castle

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

Get to know Centrala

Centrala

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

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

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

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.

Book tickets at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

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

VisitNottingham/Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery

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

Don’t miss the UK-exclusive last ever shows from The Eagles at Manchester’s vibrant new venue, Co-op Live.

Get your concert tickets

Manchester Co-Op Live

Promotional artwork for the final Eagles show at Manchester Co-Op Live
The Eagles – The Long Goodbye Final Tour

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

Discover more about the 100 Club

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.

The Barrowland Ballroom

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.

The Cavern Club

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

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”.

The Royal Albert Hall

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.

Minack Theatre

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.

Snape Maltings

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

VisitBritain/Motionhouse Iain_Jamieson

Birmingham

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

The only castle in Britain to be built over a natural cavern.

Explore Pembroke Castle

Peter Morgan

A long range shot of Pembroke Castle at night
Pembroke Castle

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

Get to know Centrala

Centrala

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

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

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

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.

Book tickets at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

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

VisitNottingham/Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery

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

Don’t miss the UK-exclusive last ever shows from The Eagles at Manchester’s vibrant new venue, Co-op Live.

Get your concert tickets

Manchester Co-Op Live

Promotional artwork for the final Eagles show at Manchester Co-Op Live
The Eagles – The Long Goodbye Final Tour

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.

Nici Eberl

Crowd at the Green Man Festival in front of the stage

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