Culture
English culture encompasses everything from vintage fashion to futuristic architecture crowned with swish rooftop restaurants and bars. Culture old and new fuses effortlessly in our big cities, where Victorian museums host cutting-edge modern artists. And you’ll find hoards of cultural activities in the countryside and along the coast too. Follow sculpture trails hidden in woodlands, walk in the footsteps of your favourite fictional characters on a film or literature tour, catch a film screening in the grounds of a Tudor mansion and stop by one of numerous art galleries popping up in seaside resorts on your cultural holidays.
Get on board at the National Railway Museum
The world's largest railway museum is home to a staggering collection of restored locomotives, including the fastest steam engine of all time.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Murder in the cathedral
Visit one of England's most beautiful cities - and the site of one of its most famous murders
Location: Canterbury, Kent
Indulge with Champagne on the London Eye
Whisk someone special away on a sunset 'flight' on board the London Eye, gazing at the cityscape below as you sip Champagne.
Location: Waterloo, Greater London
Discover the home of Banksy on a Bristol Street Art Tour
Street art tours are a ‘must do’ cultural experience in the city, thanks to Bristol-born Banksy and many other famous artists
Location: Bristol
Experience life at sea aboard Brunel’s ss Great Britain
One of the world's most important ships brought to life for modern-day visitors.
Location: Bristol
May events: The Norfolk & Norwich Festival
Norwich becomes a hotbed of international art and performance every May.
Location: Norwich, Norfolk
Go to the movies 1930s style at Tyneside Cinema
Live the glamour of 1930s cinema-going at this restored movie theatre, with free newsreel screenings, guided tours, a stylish bar and recent releases.
Location: NewcastleGateshead, Tyne and Wear
Enjoy a romantic escape in Shakespeare’s England
Shakespeare’s England, home to Romeo and Juliet - the greatest love story of all time, is the perfect place for a romantic escape.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Free fun for the family at Monkwearmouth Station Museum
Monkwearmouth Station Museum has received national commendations for work with young children and provides fun and education for the whole family.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Investigate the origins of Sherlock Holmes at Portsmouth Museum
Discover more about the creator of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes at Portsmouth Museum.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
A shopping weekend in Birmingham
Enjoy great shopping and cutting edge art on a break to this buzzing city.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands
Take your pick from Liverpool’s rich cultural gems
Liverpool is a thriving capital of culture with museums and galleries for every taste, many of which are free to explore. Dip in and emerge inspired.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
Go to Liverpool Sound City, an innovative music, film and art festival
Get a ticket for one of the UK’s largest international music, digital and film festivals.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
Explore the magnificent ruins of Kirkstall Abbey
This atmospheric 12th-century abbey is one of the most complete Cistercian monasteries in Britain, surrounded by tranquil tree-filled parkland.
Location: Leeds, Yorkshire
Experience York's Literature Festival
Rub shoulders with best-selling authors as York gets all bookish.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Rainy Day Activities: Beware the animal mummies at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
From Egyptian relics and biplanes, to works of art and stuffed deer, there’s something to excite everyone at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.
Location: Bristol
Step into the St Mary Redcliffe
Standing for over 800 years , St Mary Redcliffe Church was described Queen Elizabeth I as 'The goodliest, fairest and most famous parish church in England'.
Location: Bristol
From Alice to Potter, scout out Gloucester's famous film locations
Seek out Gloucester’s cathedral and docks to see why the city is becoming such a firm favourite with film and TV producers in Hollywood and the UK.
Location: Gloucester, Gloucestershire
Rainy Day Activities: Discover Bath’s 13 marvellous museums
Discover the incredible and diverse collection of museums, galleries and exhibitions, all within a short stroll of one another, on a rainy day in Bath.
Location: Bath, Somerset
Explore the historic and lively city of Lancaster
Uncover Lancaster’s ancient and haunting history at its hilltop castle and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in one of England’s Heritage Cities.
Location: Lancaster, Lancashire
Experience an on-stage extravaganza at the Birmingham Hippodrome
Plan a theatre trip to Birmingham and enjoy classic performances by the famous Birmingham Royal Ballet, comedy, drama, opera and fun-filled musicals.
Location: Birmingham, West Midlands