England has plenty to offer, and to help we have split the main destinations into areas. Find what works for you.
South West England is a beautiful coastal region that has some unique attractions, stunning places to visit and family days out. Immerse yourself in the mystery of Stonehenge, explore two National Parks and have a culinary experience with exceptional seafood, cream teas and ciders. The attraction of South West England for many is the beaches of Cornwall, Dorset and Devon. We have collected some of the best experiences in South West England below. With so many events happening all year round, suitable for everyone in the family, the South West has more to offer than just coastline.
Visit South East England for royal castles and flowing countryside teeming with wildlife and unbroken rivers, rolling manor houses and exciting African safari parks. There are many things to do in South East England. Step back in time in medieval villages and quintessential coastal towns, explore history in armour filled museums and palatial architectural gems. Enjoy magical festivals, top sporting events, celebrity ran restaurants and award winning theatrical performances.
There are so many magical places to visit in North West England. Take in the serenity of Cumbria’s Lake District and scale the heights of England’s only mountain range. Experience the untamed ruggedness of Lancashire’s Trough of Bowland; perfect hiking, cycling and motoring territory. See where many of England’s greatest pop groups formed with a city break in Liverpool or Manchester, and treat yourself to a shopping spree whilst there. Being the home of the industrial revolution, housing the Roman City of Chester and boasting a rich sporting pedigree, this region is steeped in history and intrigue – the only question is where to visit first.
Visit North East England to discover some of our country’s real gems – both hidden and sparkling in the spotlight. The counties of South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire all have their own delights to offer, including Leeds, York, Scarborough and Beverley. As you travel further north, you can discover majestic Durham and its famous Durham Cathedral, cosmopolitan yet historic Tyne and Wear with Newcastle and Gateshead, and picture-perfect Northumberland with its castle-lined coastline. Read all about the best things to do in North East England, no matter what type of visit you’re looking for.
Visit the East of England for royal estates, historical architecture, expansive wetlands, and a vast network of lakes and rivers. Home to many of England’s swanky coastal towns, African safari parks, and some of the most impressive country manor estates, there’s plenty to do in the East of England. Travel through England’s history with some of the country’s best-preserved Roman remains, Normal motte-and-bailey castles, and Tudor keeps. For those who aren’t history buffs, there’s also relaxing spa breaks, live music festivals, diverse wildlife and great shopping trips to enjoy.
Visit Central England to see areas of outstanding natural beauty, the home of William Shakespeare, and England’s second city, Birmingham. Central England is a place steeped in art, history, and culture. See one of Britain’s architectural jewels, Lincoln Cathedral, or visit the hometown of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon. You can also see the inspirations for one of his most beloved plays, the battlefields and tomb of Richard III in Leicestershire. It’s not all history though, with the Peak District, cosmopolitan Birmingham, and the traditional seaside resort of Skegness there’s guaranteed to be plenty going on when you visit.
What’s happening around England – Your chance to explore new events and activities around the country (Updated Oct 2023)
Turner Prize 2023, Towner Eastbourne, East Sussex
28 September 2023 – 14 April 2024
As the centrepiece of its centenary celebrations in 2023, the Towner Eastbourne gallery will host the Turner Prize 2023 with an exhibition of the four shortlisted British contemporary artists presented from 28 September 2023 to 14 April 2024. The winner will be announced on 5 December 2023 at an award ceremony in Eastbourne’s Winter Gardens. Turner Prize 2023 is part of ‘Towner 100’ – the gallery’s year-long centenary celebration of arts and culture across Eastbourne.
www.townereastbourne.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/turner-prize-2023
Terror Island, Isle of Wight
27 – 29 October & 3 – 4 November 2023
Terror Island offers a complete Halloween experience with four scare mazes, thrilling rides, street food, live music, roaming characters entertainment and games. New this year is the addition of ‘Extinction’, an attraction in which riders are launched 360 degrees into the air, experiencing total darkness. Tickets start from £15.00.
Canterbury Ghost Tours, Kent
Groups will be led on a 90-minute tour by award-winning ghost hunter, author and local historian, John Hippisley who will reveal Canterbury’s darker side with an entertaining blend of history and humour. The city of Canterbury dates to the pre-Roman era and is the location of the infamous murder of Thomas Becket on 29 December 1170. The tours are available every night of the week and start from £12.00.
Shrewsbury Prison Ghost Tours, Shropshire
Every Wednesday
Tours at the Victorian Shrewsbury Prisonbegin by taking visitors back to the late 18th Century, to a time where public executions were commonplace and attitudes towards guards were fickle. Guests will learn about the treatment of prisoners during this time and the ghostly encounters that have occurred over the past 200 years. The tour explores various locations on the grounds including the original Georgian prison beneath the current building. 90-minute tours run every Wednesday, from £25.00.
www.shrewsburyprison.com/prison-tours/ghost-tours
Supernatural Tours, Southern England
5 September 2023– 29 November 2024 (Selected Dates)
Supernatural Tours, an award-winning theatrical ghost tour company, uses live actors to retell the gruesome tales and ghostly goings-on in Southampton, Winchester, Portsmouth and The New Forest. The outdoors tours run for 60 to 75 minutes and prices start from £8.00.
www.supernaturaltoursandevents.com
Aviva Studios, Manchester
Opening October 2023
Manchester’s Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International, is a hotly anticipated cultural space opening on the old Granada Studios site which aims to capture the depth and creativity of the city. Representing the largest investment in a national cultural project since the Tate Modern, Aviva Studios will host everything from concerts, theatre, music and opera to major exhibitions. The opening production will be Free Your Mind, a large-scale immersive performance directed by Danny Boyle, based on The Matrix films, and presented across the huge building’s ultra-flexible spaces (18 October – 5 November 2023).
The Faith Museum, Auckland Castle, County Durham
Opening 7 October 2023
Auckland Castle’s Faith Museum will be the first museum in England to explore the story of faith in the British Isles, its implications and its meaning for us today. Featuring 10 new gallery spaces across two floors, the museum is housed in the historic Scotland Wing of Auckland Castle and a custom-built new extension designed by Nìall McLaughlin Architects. It’s the latest development by The Auckland Project.
www.aucklandproject.org/venues/faith-museum
Disney100: The Exhibition, London
13 October 2023 – 2024
Celebrating 100 years of The Walt Disney Company, a ‘once in a lifetime event’ will be hosted in London filled with iconic characters and stories that have captured the hearts of millions both young and old. Disney 100: The Exhibition is the largest showcase from The Walt Disney Archives ever created and will go on tour around Europe, hitting England’s capital at ExCel London. Fans will be able to wander 20,000 square feet of Disney memorabilia across ten imaginatively themed galleries that will take them on a journey through 100 years of Disney history.
www.disney100exhibit.com/london
Drawn to Water at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire
Autumn 2023
Established in 1946, Slimbridge was the first of nine Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) Wetland Centres across the UK – and recently it was named as a VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023 finalist in the ‘Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award’ category. The centre aims to provide nature connection for all visitors with each season bringing star species and spectacles to life. For autumn, this is the Bewick’s swans return at the end of October and beginning of November after their long migration from Arctic Russia. Slimbridge has accessible paths, hides and exhibits along with wheelchairs and mobility scooters available for loan / hire and a Changing Places facility. This year, WWT launched a partnership with renowned illustrator Sir Quentin Blake to develop new seasonal trails at its 10 UK wetlands sites. Running from 11 September, Slimbridge’s autumn Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake trail is mostly accessible and focusses on the differing nature that flourishes in the wetland, Various accompanying activities, challenges and workshops will take place at Slimbridge Art Hub which offers height adjustable sinks, armchairs available on request, magnifying lamps and art supplies suitable for people with limited fine motor skills.
www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge
Homotopia, Liverpool
10 November – 1 December 2023
As one of the UK’s most renowned and longest running LGBTQ+ arts and culture festivals, Homotopia promises an extraordinary experience that transcends boundaries and ignites the spirit. From captivating performances and thought-provoking exhibitions to engaging workshops and enlightening discussions, the festival’s line-up is a true testament to the diverse talents and voices within the LGBTQ+ community. Homotopia offers a rich events programme for festival goers who are passionate advocates, lovers of the arts or simply seeking an inclusive space to connect and celebrate.
Food and Drink Experiences
The Cider Cycle Circuit and Cider Sleepovers, Herefordshire
Autumn 2023
Experience the ultimate cider adventure in Herefordshire with Cider Sleepovers and the Cider Circuit – Visit Herefordshire’s latest cycle trail. Cider enthusiasts will be able to immerse themselves in the heart of cider country, indulging in autumnal exploration and apple-infused delights. During Cider Sleepovers, guests can expect charming orchard accommodation for a peaceful night’s sleep in the country followed by a hearty breakfast to kick start the day. For adventurous spirits, the new cider circuit offers scenic cycle routes which wind through orchards, cider houses and quaint villages. Along the way, cyclists can enjoy tastings of scrumptious cider, offering a glimpse into the region’s apple growing heritage.
www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/inspiration/cider-sleepovers-cycle-circuits-big-apple-fun
Outdoor Adventures
The National Trust launch Brownsea Island Sensory Backpacks, Dorset
Eight sensory backpacks are now available for visitors with special educational needs and disabilities on Brownsea Island in Dorset’s Poole Harbour. The National Trust has developed the free-to-hire packs with the support of charity Diverse Abilities and SEND in Museums. The packs, which have two themes – woodland and beach, have been designed to enhance the island experience with sensory activities and fidget elements that can be useful resources for self-led visits.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island/accessibility-on-brownsea-island
The Season of Dark Skies Festivals, Nationwide
Autumn 2023
As the nights draw in, autumn is a prime time to embrace the dark evenings and gaze up to the stars at one of England’s many dark skies festivals. The Scilly Dark Skies Week (30 September to 6 October) will celebrate the grassroots of astronomy with talks from world-class astrophotography practitioners and astronomers. On the mainland, Exmoor’s Dark Skies Festival 2023 (13 to 29 October) will offer festival goers star-themed events across the National Park including dusk wildlife safaris, yoga under the stars and e-bike night rides. In the northeast, the North York Moors National Park will host a number of activities for the Dark Skies Fringe Festival (27 October to 5 November), details are yet to be announced but the festival is sure to delight as the location is recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Further north in Durham, the North Pennines Stargazing Festival (20 October – 5 November) will host stargazing suppers, talks, tours and wildlife spotting.
Autumn Walks and Workshops at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire
Autumn 2023
As autumn unfolds at the award-winning Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, the landscape comes alive with auburn colours and late blooms, setting the stage for a series of captivating workshops and events that celebrate the wonders of nature, creativity and learning. Visitors can embark on a journey of discovery with an expert guide on the Autumn Foraging Walk (13 September) as they explore edible plants and herbs, or perhaps take part in the Gardening for Wildlife Workshop (22 November) to discover the art of creating a wildlife-friendly garden. The Wooden Spoon Carving Workshop (16 September) offers participants the chance to unleash their creativity through the art of whittling, or experience mindfulness in nature at the Garden’s Forest Bathing Experience (ongoing).
www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/hilliergardens
Route YC Introduces Autumn and Winter Road Trips, Yorkshire
Autumn and Winter 2023
From driving, sailing and wildlife-spotting to bikes, hikes and walks, the team at Route YC is encouraging visitors to create their own outdoor adventure around the Yorkshire coast and countryside this autumn. Route YC has created a series of suggested themed itineraries and a choice of three-, five- and seven-night stays to help explore the coastal region off-season. Visitors can look forward to a range of special retreats on the coast or in the countryside with itineraries that feature local food and drink, cosy log fires and breath-taking views.
Raithwaite Sandsend, near Whitby; Apartments @52 in Bridlington; and The Bike & Boot Inn, Scarborough are amongst the top accommodation providers included alongside Yorkshire Coast outdoor activity options, including North Yorkshire Water Park, Scarborough Surf School and Sewerby Hall.