2010 Highlights

England is a great destination all-year around, with thousands of events taking place every day. The choice can therefore be a bit overwhelming, so we’ve selected a highlight of what is not to be missed this year from across the country. This includes London’s hottest new exhibitions, the UK’s largest visual arts festival to the worlds best mountain bikers and the pure bizarre, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.

1. Van Gogh – the hottest ticket in town

Van Gogh: the artist and his letters opens at the Royal Academy of Arts, London on 23 January and runs until 18 April 2010. This exciting exhibition focuses primarily on Van Gogh’s correspondence and includes over 35 letters, 60 paintings and numerous drawings. This is the first major Van Gogh exhibition to visit the capital for over 40 years.

Buy tickets now (www.visitbritaindirect.com/en-GB/detail.aspx?ProductCode=RA2&refer=EE)

2. Visit the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon

The new theatre is scheduled to open in the autumn of 2010. This major transformation of the existing theatre provides a new stage for the company, as well as re-creating a modern ‘courtyard style’ theatre with a thrust stage increasing the intimacy between the actors and the audience.

Find out more (www.rsc.org.uk/content/7528.aspx)

3. Illuminating Hadrian’s Wall

The 84-mile length of Hadrian’s Wall will be lit up spectacularly in a once in a lifetime extravaganza on 13th March 2010. Starting at Wallsend in the North east, the lights (fire braziers) will be set 250 metres apart all the way along the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail to Bowness-on Solway.

Find out more (www.hadrians-wall.org/page.aspx/Illuminating-Hadrian%27s-Wall)

4. Explore Robin Hood’s East Midlands

Nottingham’s most famous outlaw returns to the big screen this year in Robin Hood. Ridley Scott’s adaptation of the famous archer who stole from the rich to give to the poor stars Russell Crowe as Robin Hood and Cate Blanchett as Maid Marion. Follow in Robin Hood’s footsteps in and around Sherwood Forest and the city of Nottingham.

Find out more (www.visitnottingham.com/exec/103562/4844/)

5. Tall Ships, Hartlepool

The prestigious Tall Ships race will finish their second and final race in the port of Hartlepool. Over 100 tall ships from around the World race from Kristiansand in Norway to the Victoria harbour in Hartlepool. A programme of events will also take place throughout the weekend to make sure visitors are entertained.

Find out more (www.hartlepooltallships2010.com/)

6. Cheese Rolling, Gloucestershire

The English are well known for their quirky ways and celebrate some weird and wonderful events throughout the year. The Coopers Hill cheese rolling competition is just one of these. A passion for cheese is a must for this event, which involves daredevils hurling themselves down the steep, grassy slopes in pursuit of Double Gloucester cheeses. Dozens of competitors run, roll and somersault down the hill after it. A great spectator event.

Find out more (www.soglos.com/sport-outdoor/27837/Gloucestershire-Cheese-Rolling-2009)

7. Liverpool Biennial

Liverpool Biennial presents Touched, the International 10 exhibition. The UK’s largest festival of contemporary visual art by leading and emerging international artists is held every 2 years in Liverpool. Works are displayed throughout the city including the Tate Liverpool, FACT, the Bluecoat, Open Eye Gallery and within the actual city. The festival runs from 18th September – 28th November 2010.

Find out more (www.biennial.com/)

8. The World Mountain Bike Championships

Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire will be home to the worlds best mountain bikers this April. The 2010 series kicks off at Dalby with a cross-country round with over 500 bikers racing through the 8,600 acre site.

Find out more (www.yorkshireevents.com/2009/07/mountain-biking-success-dalby-forest-hosts-2010-world-cup/)

9. Celebrate the Duchess of Devonshire’s 90th Birthday

The 90th birthday of the Duchess of Devonshire, star of hit film The Duchess s celebrated at Chatsworth House in 2010. A special exhibition, launching on her actual birthday celebrates the nine eventful decades illustrating her many interests and achievements.  Fascinating personal material and images, much never seen before, will offer a unique insight into the Dowager Duchess's life and work, from her childhood in Oxfordshire and marriage, her friendships, her many years of public service, and current well-earned status as a best-selling author and national treasure.

Find out more (www.chatsworth.org/chatsworth-revealed-in-2010)

10. Visit the newly appointed South Downs National Park

The latest addition to England’s already spectacular national parks will come into being on 31st March 2010. Stretching 90 miles (140km) from St Catherine’s Hill in Hampshire to Beach Head in East Sussex, this new national park will offer miles of spectacular walking, cycling and adventure for locals and visitors alike.

Find out more (www.visitsouthdowns.com/)