VisitEngland’s Reasons to Explore
English Tourism Week 2024
15 – 24 March 2024
Once again English Tourism Week brings the opportunity to celebrate the amazing contribution tourism makes to the economy, in particular the people and businesses who are also being championed via the 2024 Tourism Superstar Award which is now open to the public vote. Destinations, businesses and attractions are encouraged to get involved in English Tourism Week so watch out for special offers, discounts and events such as free chips as part of the Anniversaries Tour (22 March) in Norwich and the Discover Lincolnshire Weekend (16 & 17 March) highlighting the area’s top attractions.
The National Lottery Open Week
Now – 17 March 2024
Perfectly timed for some springtime savings, The National Lottery Open Week returns this year offering free entry, discounts and special offers at National Lottery Funded venues. As a way to say thanks for the £30 million raised for good causes every week, hundreds of venues across the country are opening their doors at a discount or free of charge including National Trust and English Heritage properties. National Lottery ticket holders can take a tour of Wembley Stadium, go behind the scenes at the Royal Shakespeare Company or get back to nature at the Eden Project in Cornwall and even access free child places for the Tower of London. From historical sites and wildlife attractions to iconic stadiums and galleries, simply use a National Lottery ticket, scratch card or Instant Win Game to redeem. Search the offers to plan a special day out this National Lottery Open Week. Full T&Cs apply.
Give the Gift of Britain
Just in time to enjoy some of England’s most iconic spring attractions, the new digital VisitBritain Gift Card gives access to over 300 experiences. From a River Explorer Cruise across the Mersey in Liverpool, to tickets to RHS Garden Wisley or a rotation round the London Eye, the new card offers the opportunity to treat loved ones to the gift of an unforgettable English experience. The card can be purchased via the VisitBritain Shop with values starting at £10 and experiences available to suit all budgets.
New Attractions & Experiences
New: Biofluorescent night walks Norfolk, Suffolk, Cornwall and Cumbria
From March 2024 onwards
This spring an illuminating, nature-based experience is launching nationwide as nightfall descends with Reveal Nature expanding its biofluorescence guided night walks beyond England’s east coast. Through the use of specialised UV torches, small groups will witness the landscape undergo a mesmerising transformation, such as spiders radiating in brilliant blue hues, leaves ablaze in vibrant red, fungi emitting a neon green glow and flowers metamorphosing into an array of colours. As pioneers in offering biofluorescent night walks in the country and among the first worldwide, Reveal Nature will treat walkers in England with the opportunity to experience temperate rainforests, private gardens and royal estates as they’ve never seen them before.
New: Showtown, Blackpool, Lancashire
Opening 15 March 2024
There’s no business like Blackpool’s show business – and its razzle-dazzle heritage will soon take centre stage at Showtown, a new museum in the fresh-faced Sands Venue Resort Hotel & Spa. This immersive attraction will celebrate the comedians, dancers, acrobats and characters who’ve brought showbiz to this seaside town over the decades – featuring interactive singing and dancing exhibits, archive photography and films, and memorabilia and costumes from a glittering array of stars. Whether you’re a Strictly Come Dancing super-fan, or simply love the cabaret and comedy of the Blackpool Piers, you’ll find it all right here.
New: Co-op Live, Manchester
Opening April 2024
Set to be Britain’s largest new music arena, Co-op Live will have capacity for 23,500 fans, featuring 32 bars, restaurants and VIP lounges. Pop star Harry Styles made the headlines last year as a key investor in this £365m arena with a ‘bowl-shaped’ structure, designed to give each seat an amazing view and make even the biggest gigs feel intimate. And with a stellar line-up confirmed for its opening year, there are already plenty of performances to look forward to – including Take That, Liam Gallagher, the Jonas Brothers, Eric Clapton and Niall Horan.
New: The Paddington Bear™ Experience, London
Opening 31 May 2024
Visitors are invited to step into Paddington’s world and embark on an exciting immersive adventure through some of the most memorable locations from the Paddington stories. With numerous themed rooms to explore, interactive games, character interactions and lots of surprises along the way, the adventure will culminate in a very special Windsor Garden Street party where visitors will have the chance to enjoy a Marmalade Day festival.
New: Ride Launching for Cadbury’s 200th Anniversary Year, West Midlands
Spring 2024
Cadbury World in Bournville, Birmingham will unveil a brand-new immersive chocolatey ride called Cadbury Chocolate Quest. Set to open at the family-fun attraction in spring 2024, guests will be set a choc-tastic mission by the iconic Cadbury character Freddo before they jump aboard a Cadbury car and complete an entertaining quest to collect all the ingredients to make a bar of Cadbury Dairy Milk. Cadbury celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2024 – John Cadbury opened his first shop in 1824 in Birmingham city centre.
Great Outdoors Outings
Re-opening: Farne Islands, Northumberland
25 March 2024
Visitors to The Farne Islands, just off the coast of Northumberland, will be able to land on Inner Farne again this spring after a two-year closure. VisitEngland Awards for Excellence winners Serenity Farne Island Tours offer a variety of boat trips and tours including an Inner Farne trip. Setting sail from Seahouses, nature lovers will be able to spot seabirds, including puffins, Arctic terns, kittiwakes and razorbills. The Farnes are also a hotspot for grey seal pupping.
Blossom Trail, Worcestershire
March – May 2024
For four decades Worcestershire’s Blossom Trail has been recognised as one of the top ‘wonders of spring’ and can be experienced on foot, by bike, car or coach in the Vale of Evesham. The signposted trail route takes in large areas of the Vale of Evesham, with visits to towns, villages and hamlets along the way. For a few weeks between mid-March and mid-May the roadsides along the 50-mile AA signposted Blossom Trail are ablaze with colour.
Festival of the Outdoors in Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Throughout March 2024
Festival of the Outdoors has evolved into a vibrant celebration of Sheffield’s outdoor communities, featuring a diverse range of events and activities, such as a Skateboard Jam and the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival. New for 2024, the RAB Climbing Works International Festival is set to be a highlight with climbers descending upon Sheffield from Japan, the US and parts of Europe. Large scale international sporting events, small community gatherings, guided walks, a half marathon and outdoor markets are just some of the outdoor activities to enjoy in Sheffield this spring.
25th Anniversary of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival
11 – 19 May and October 2024
Featuring walks and outdoor events led by experienced local hikers, this active festival has grown every year for the past quarter-century. It’s a friendly, informal way to explore the Isle of Wight’s beautiful coastal and countryside trails, which total 500 miles (804km). From history-themed strolls and dinosaur ‘hunting’ in the island’s south-west, to hiking in the footsteps of Jimi Hendrix, it includes a variety of tours for every ability. There are two instalments of the festival each year, in May and October.
New: The Edge Adventure Hub in Whitehaven, Cumbria
Spring 2024
Calling all walkers, cyclists and watersports lovers! The Edge will be Cumbria’s new outdoor adventures hub – situated at the start of the C2C (Coast to Coast) cycle route, in the pretty coastal town of Whitehaven. The £4.7m development will feature changing facilities for watersports participants, an art studio and café for the wider community and overnight accommodation for visitors.
New: Stargazing Guide, Herefordshire
Spring 2024
Having one of the UK’s lowest levels of light pollution has inspired Visit Herefordshire to launch a dedicated Stargazing Guide. The new guide reveals the best Herefordshire locations for dark skies nighttime walks, including a planned route for a starlit walk in the Wye Valley, and the best stargazing spots which can be coupled with dinner at one of the county’s recommendations of cosy pubs. For added night sky drama, visitors can time their trip to catch one of many spectacular meteor showers happening this year including the Lyrid in mid-April, the Perseids in mid- July and August, Orionid in October and Leonid in November.
Events, Exhibitions and Festivals
New: ‘Icons of British Fashion’ exhibition – Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire
23 March – 30 June 2024
Open to visitors in March, this will be Blenheim Palace’s biggest exhibition in its 300-year history – spotlighting the works of world-famous designers throughout its opulent Grand Hall. From archive drawings, patterns and prototypes, to glittering couture and catwalk pieces, this will be an astounding collection that celebrates fashion in all its forms – as well as its powerful intersections with culture, politics and royalty. The programme of featured designers includes icons Vivienne Westwood, Barbour, Temperley London, Lulu Guinness and Stella McCartney.
Lambing at Cotswold Farm Park, Gloucestershire
Until 14 April 2024
Home of Adam Henson, BBC Countryfile presenter, Cotswolds Farm Park is offering the opportunity for animal-loving visitors to witness live lambing with over 800 lambs expected to be born, making it one of the largest lambing events in the country.
New: RHS Urban Show – Depot Mayfield, Manchester
18 – 21 April 2024
This isn’t your average RHS Flower Show: Manchester’s new horticulture festival is all about gardening in the city – making the most of every balcony, backyard and bathroom shelf. The line-up will feature work-of-art garden designs, expert-led masterclasses, Q&A sessions and gardening workshops to help you develop your green fingers – and the opportunity to buy plants from the country’s finest growers. A must-visit for every budding urban gardener.
New: 200-year anniversary of Lord Byron’s Death, Nottinghamshire
19 April 2024
2024 marks the 200th anniversary of Lord Byron’s death, an infamous English poet and pioneer, famed as being one of the leading figures in the Romantic movement of 1798 – 1837, who was driven from England due to scandal and rumour. In commemoration, Nottinghamshire, the home county of the Byron family, will be hosting events throughout 2024 including exhibitions, literary talks, guided tours of significant locations associated with Byron’s life, poetry readings and academic conferences discussing his works and legacy.
New: Lincoln Festival of History, Lincolnshire
4 – 6 May 2024
The first citywide history festival is coming to Lincoln this spring taking visitors on a journey through the ages to pivotal moments in the city’s past. Among experiences will be the chance to step back in time to explore Roman times with living history displays, traditional crafts and pop-up performances – including gladiator battles.
New: 200 years of the National Gallery, Nationwide
From 10 May 2024
One of London’s premier art institutions, the National Gallery will celebrate its 200th birthday by loaning key pieces to 12 venues throughout the UK, so that more than half the population will be within an hour’s journey of a National Gallery painting. The free exhibitions, which will all open on 10 May 2024, will include pieces by Rembrandt, John Constable, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Sandro Botticelli at locations such as Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum, Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery and Brighton Museum and Art Gallery.
The Late Shows 2024, Newcastle & Gateshead
17 & 18 May 2024
Join the culture crawl this spring as part of one of the biggest events in Newcastle and Gateshead’s cultural calendars. The Late Shows– an award-winning free late-night event series featuring open art studios, music, performance, galleries, museums and a host of the most bizarre and intriguing interactive events. The line-up of venues taking part will be announced in spring 2024.
Birmingham Pride Weekend, West Midlands
25 – 26 May 2024
Birmingham Pride has become one of the most important LGBTQ+ festivals in the UK attracting in excess of 40,000 people over the course of the weekend to the festival site in the heart of the LGBTQ+ village and over 75,000 participating in or watching the annual free carnival Pride parade through the streets of Birmingham. Whilst some Birmingham Pride Weekend elements are paid (with low-income ticket options introduced for 2024), there will also be a free community event featuring some amazing local LGBTQ+ talent, choirs, keynote speakers, drag performers and a candlelit vigil.
New: 50th anniversary of Preston Caribbean Carnival, Lancashire
26 May 2024
A kaleidoscope of food, music and dance, Preston Caribbean Carnival is a celebration of the region’s extraordinary diaspora and culture – and 2024 marks its 50th anniversary. Expect this year’s carnival to be its biggest yet, featuring bombastic parades, sizzling street food, irrepressible rhythms and outlandish costumes. It’s open to everyone and is one of the city’s largest and longest-running community celebrations – bursting with free entertainment and tropical vibes.
A Taste of Spring
New: Bath & West Food & Drink Festival 2024, Shepton Mallet, Somerset
22 – 24 March 2024
Artisan chocolate, creamy gelato, locally brewed cider and award-winning cheese; it’s all on the menu at the inaugural Bath & West Food & Drink Festival. Showcasing the very best produce from the Somerset area, this new event will feature chef demonstrations, food stalls and tasting sessions galore – alongside the British Cheese Awards, a convivial beer hall and a kids zone to keep little ones entertained. It will be held at the Bath & West Showground in Shepton Mallet.
New: The Great Bristol Wine Fest, Bristol
27 April 2024
Join TV wine experts Oz Clarke and Tom Surgey as they introduce a stellar line up of international wine producers at the first Great Bristol Wine Fest at Paintworks. There will be hundreds of wines to taste including red, white, fortified, rose and sparkling, and many exhibitors and producers on hand to discuss all the stories behind the wine.
New: Cookery School at Kirkgate Market in Leeds, West Yorkshire
Spring 2024
This newly launched purpose-built kitchen of Leeds Cookery School is designed with community at its very core. Located in the heritage part of Leeds Kirkgate market, surrounded by wonderfully fresh and diverse ingredients, new classes include ‘Flavours of Thailand’, ‘Hands on Sushi Making’ and ‘Parent and Kids Indian Takeaways’.
New: BOXPARK Liverpool, Merseyside
Spring 2024
Opening this spring, BOXPARK’s new Liverpool venue will be its first outside London, breathing new life into the Cains Brewery Village in the Baltic Triangle. Years in the making, it’s a hotly anticipated new launch – combining buzzing food stalls, lively bars, friendly communal areas and events that put local talent and entertainment in the spotlight.
New: Fresh dining at the new Cambridge Street Collective in Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Spring 2024
Cambridge Street Collective will be a brand-new trailblazing food hall and cookery class space, located in the heart of Sheffield. Located over three floors, the culturally diverse food destination will have space for 1,000 diners featuring 20 kitchens, stalls, as well as four cookery school kitchens, bakery, co-working spaces, rooftop bar and potentially even a microbrewery. It’s all part of Sheffield’s exciting £470m Heart of the City II project, and will appeal to families, workers, students and visitors alike.
New: The Rising at Raby Castle in Darlington, County Durham
Spring 2024
Visitors to Raby Castle will be able to explore wild gardens, artisan shops and independent restaurants in its newly refurbished heritage buildings. Known as The Rising, the project is due to complete this spring, just in time for a glorious summer season. Enjoy fine dining at the Vinery Café Restaurant, stock up at farmers’ markets in the Dutch Barn, shop for fashion and homewares at the Coach House and Stables and explore The Rising’s magnificent Walled Garden – replete with English blooms, yew hedges and the iconic Raby fig trees.
New Accommodation
New: Glamping at Himley Hall & Park, Staffordshire
Opening April 2024
A new style of camping experience is launching in South Staffordshire in April. Set within the walls of the original kitchen garden, Himley Glamping sits within the grounds of Himley Hall & Park. It will feature a variety of accommodation along with private bathrooms and stylish communal areas, with up to 14 people able to stay on the site at any time, including in a two-bedroom apartment overlooking the park.
New: art’otel London Hoxton, London
Opening April 2024
True to Hoxton’s thriving arts scene, the new art’otel London Hoxton will feature bespoke, statement sculptures and paintings throughout – an eye-catching gateway to Hoxton and Shoreditch. Its 27 floors will be filled with 343 guest rooms and suites, along with bars, restaurants, a lounge, cinema and a wellness centre featuring a gym, spa and pool. The brand’s signature artwork collection will also be on display – including some believed to be original Banksy pieces, which were part of the site and incorporated into the unusual design.
New: LEGOLAND Windsor Woodland Village, Berkshire
Opening 24 May 2024
LEGOLAND Windsor theme park is set to open a new LEGO-inspired village, featuring 150 lodges and a clubhouse with a restaurant, bar and entertainment venue. Every building in the village will appear as if it was built from the bricks themselves, and the development will feature immersive play areas, nature trails and the chance to become a LEGOLAND Ranger. Located on the outskirts of the theme park, this will be a great new accommodation option for visitors.
New: The Store in Oxford, Oxfordshire
Opening May 2024
Located on Broad Street in the historic Boswells department store, The Store will feature 101 bedrooms inspired by the building’s former life: think king size beds, plush velvet furnishings, spacious bathrooms and bespoke artworks. Its restaurant, Treadwell, will champion local and sustainably sourced produce, infused with the UK’s multicultural influences. As well as a stylish ground-floor bar and fireside snug, the hotel will also feature The Roof – an intimate rooftop bar and outdoor terrace, overlooking Oxford’s famous ‘dreaming spires’.
New: Soho House, Manchester, Greater Manchester
Spring 2024
Soho House is set to open its first property in the north of England, encompassing the upper three floors of Manchester’s former Granada Studios building – located within the emerging St John’s neighbourhood. The building, which is also home to Aviva Studios, is both one of Manchester’s most iconic locations and an exciting up-and-coming destination. There will be a rooftop pool, workspaces that transform into a club as night falls, dining rooms and lounge areas – all with Soho House’s signature creative vibe.
