Arts and culture
Photo by: Visit Hertfordshire/ Rebecca Douglas
Location: Hertfordshire, England

Bowie, Beatles, Burns, Brontë and Bush — just five of thousands of cultural icons heralding from Britain. But it’s not only homegrown talent that makes Britain a beacon of culture. From the galleries and museums of Glasgow, to clifftop theatres in Cornwall, we’re famous for showcasing emerging artists from across the globe.
Our cultural icons shine on the silver screen, too. Fancy getting on the set of Peaky Blinders? Head to the Black Country Living Museum. Love high-octane thrills? Tour Scotland’s National Museum, backdrop to Fast and the Furious 9. The arts run through our veins.
An arts and culture showcase
Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu Films/Ula Blocksage

The World of Beatrix Potter, Lake District
Step into Beatrix Potter’s enchanting stories, with a chance to meet Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and friends. Maybe you’ll explore Mr McGregor’s garden, catch a live storytelling show, or enjoy a fairytale-themed afternoon tea? A magical day out for all ages.
Photo by: ©VisitBritain/Nemorin

Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Discover the childhood home of Britain’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare. Tour this fascinating home in the heart of town and discover the place that shaped the young bard – the third of eight children belonging to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. Inspiration to countless silver screen hits based on his work, listen to family stories and learn how Shakespeare’s legacy continues to shape Britain today.
Photo by: Gift of Glass
Location: Pembrokeshire

Glassblowing with Gift of Glass
Create a magnificent keepsake at this expert-led glassblowing workshop, hosted by Pembrokeshire glass specialists Gift of Glass. You’ll get hands-on with cutting, colouring, sculpting and blowing, with the chance to make your own unique pieces – such as Christmas baubles, drink-stirrers, necklace pendants and more. All equipment is provided – just bring your imagination! Gift of Glass also sells artworks and gifts in its Tenby shop.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
Location: Glasgow

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
As well as live concerts and spectacular Baroque architecture, Kelvingrove is home to 8,000 treasured exhibits too. Think ancient Egyptian mummies, world-class artworks, and original pieces by Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Time travelling drama Outlander (2014 –) filmed within the grounds of Kelvingrove Park in season three when it stood in for a park in Boston.
Photo by: Rob Battersby Photography
Location: Liverpool, England

Open Eye Gallery
One of the Britain’s leading photography spaces, presenting an international programme at their Liverpool waterfront gallery and in the city region. Expect exhibitions exploring climate change, queer culture, local history and other topics, from both local emerging artists and international photographers. They also host photography workshops, poetry readings and book presentations, and have an independent bookshop with a carefully curated collection.
Photo by: Wake The Tiger

Wake the Tiger
Step into ‘the world’s first amazement park’: part theatre production, part immersive art show, it’s unlike anything you have ever seen before. You’ll discover the world of Merida, a time capsule of ancient forests, hidden passageways, secret messages and curious wild experiments. Expect incredible artwork and magnificent scenery at every turn, and a multisensory experience that will give you goosebumps…
Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

The Fitzwilliam Museum
Featuring over 500,000 objects from around the world, this university museum is a joy to explore – and hosts talks and workshops too. Its collections include everything from ancient Egyptian sarcophagi to Impressionist masterpieces; modern art to Renaissance sculptures; rare coins to Asian arts.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Storyman

See Britain differently
From innovative hands-on exhibitions to eye-catching street art tours, discover our art and culture today. Welcome to Britain. Where there’s always more to explore.
Why Britain's best for arts and culture
We’ve not even mentioned our jam-packed festival season, countless special events, and free cultural activities found in unexpected spaces. Where else can you see an island ablaze with a Viking fire festival (Lerwick’s Up Helly Aa), or spot some of Banksy’s earliest and most famous artworks for free? We’ve got a feeling you’ll be coming back for your Great British culture fix again and again once you’ve discovered some of our top recommendations.
Where to find the best arts and culture experiences
Top arts and culture experiences
Featured things to do
Photo by: @visit_brighton/@boundarybtn

Brighton Festivals
Kick off the festival season with not one but three festivals in May. Opt for Brighton Festival for all things highbrow, Brighton Fringe for cabaret and comedy, or The Great Escape for bands on the cusp of stardom.
Plan a party by the sea in BrightonPhoto by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Be wowed by Europe’s largest hot air balloon festival and see 100 colourful balloons ascend into the skies of Bristol every August at this free event. Fancy a ride? Flights are available throughout the festival for a fee.
Find out more about the Bristol International Balloon FiestaPhoto by: elainelivphoto/innescamcomms/royalnationalmod

Royal National Mòd
Enjoy all things Gaelic at a festival that celebrates an eclectic range of traditions, including live music, Highland dancing and shinty – a traditional Scottish sport similar to hockey.
Photo by: Jorvik Viking Festival, York

Jorvik Viking Festival
Celebrate ‘Jolabot’ at the largest Viking festival in Europe with battle re-enactments, combat performances, walking tours and even a Viking market held in locations across the city.






































































