Destination news and inspiration

After dark, Britain’s moors, forests and mountain valleys take on a different character. From Northumberland's vast dark-sky park to Yorkshire’s open uplands and the forests of southwest Scotland, there are many ways to explore after sunset. Join an astronomer at a telescope, follow a moonlit trail or venture into the woods on a mountain bike.

From the first-ever Tour de France Grand Départ in Scotland and a year-long celebration of Norman heritage to major art exhibitions, new cultural attractions, screen-inspired journeys and a new generation of regional chefs, 2027 offers plenty of reasons to discover Britain differently.

Winter in Britain lends itself to taking things a little more slowly, whether unwinding in the city or heading into the countryside. With fewer visitors around, there’s more time to explore at a relaxed pace, from historic waterfronts and thermal baths to woodland paths and lakes.

With Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew arriving in cinemas on 12 February 2027, the new Harry Potter TV series premiering on 25 December 2026 and Star Wars celebrating its 50th anniversary in February 2027, now is a good time to step into Britain’s enchanted landscapes and discover the real-life filming locations behind some of Britain’s most magical stories.

Just a short journey from Glasgow and close to the English border, Dumfries & Galloway offers a Scotland break away from the beaten track, with storybook castles, rugged coastlines, some of Britain’s darkest skies and Gretna Green, the famous home of runaway weddings.

From centuries-old inns to modern gastropubs, pubs remain spaces for conversation, community and real connection across England, Scotland and Wales. They offer visitors a chance to meet locals, tuck into regional food, enjoy local brews, and experience an integral part of British culture.

Scotland will host its inaugural Tour de France Grand Départ in July 2027, as the 114th edition of the race returns to Britain for the first time in over a decade. For visitors, the route offers the chance to discover ancient castles, grand country estates offering whisky tastings and spa retreats, cosy eco-cabins with hot tubs, and a wealth of outdoor adventures.

Seven British restaurants – four in England, three in Scotland – have been honoured with a prestigious Michelin green star for their commitment to sustainable dining in 2026.

Britain has welcomed a raft of new Michelin starred restaurants following the unveiling of The Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2026.

As distilleries and vineyards open their doors for the spring, visitors can explore coastal sites, countryside vineyards and rural estates accompanied by nature in full bloom.

When it comes to costume dramas, Britain often steals the show. But the country is not all about grand manor houses, cosy cottages and windswept moors. In 2026, a new wave of film and TV productions invite audiences to see historic Britain through a fresh lens

From Tate Modern’s largest-ever Tracey Emin retrospective to immersive fashion at V&A Dundee, Britain’s exhibition calendar has plenty to entice visitors in 2026.