Museums, galleries and libraries
Immerse yourself in other worlds and cultures, become an expert for a day on the Egyptians or vintage aeroplanes, and stare amazed at art exhibitions the world comes to see. Museums and art galleries in England take you to faraway places. You get to peek into distant lives by travelling just a few footsteps. At the last count there were around 1,600 museums in England, catering to almost every interest you can imagine. Many of them are housed in buildings as impressive as the collections within.
Be inspired with a visit to Tudor House
Tudor House is one of the most prominent buildings in Broadway which houses objects and artefacts on loan from the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
Location: Broadway, Worcestershire
Delve into the life and loves of Sir Edward Elgar
Worcestershire really is 'Land of Hope and Glory' with the music and talent of Sir Edward Elgar engrained into the county's cultural heritage.
Location: Worcester, Worcestershire
Encounter wildlife on the UK's first boating ring
Set sail on a narrow boat trip on the historic Droitwich Canals to the River Severn and beyond, the Mid Worcestershire boating ring now offers a perfect weekend getaway.
Location: Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire
Discover Jane Austen’s legacy in Hampshire
Celebrate Jane Austen at the Jane Austen Regency Festival in June and visit her much loved home in Hampshire and the countryside that inspired her.
Location: Alton, Hampshire
See living history at Bosworth battlefield
See a history lesson come to life at the Battle of Bosworth Field in Leicestershire, where King Richard III fought for his crown and lost his life.
Location: Near Market Bosworth, Leicestershire
Rainy Day Activities: Explore history at Winchester’s Military Museums
Broaden your knowledge of the British Army and the various battles fought throughout history at Winchester’s six Military Museums.
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Uncover the secrets of the last British WW2 submarine
Be prepared for the horrors of the deep, as you discover what life on board wartime submarines at the Submarine Museum.
Location: Gosport, Hampshire
Walk in Roman footsteps at Arbeia Roman Fort
Britain’s biggest and best reconstruction of a Roman fort is the perfect place to immerse yourself in an ancient way of life.
Location: South Shields, South Tyneside
Visit England’s highest, longest and deepest canal tunnel
All aboard! Take a seat on the glass topped boat and take a journey into the highest, longest and deepest canal tunnel in the country.
Location: Marsden, West Yorkshire
Rainy Day Activities: Sunderland Museum
Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens is a great place for the whole family to spend the day – and it’s free.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Go Walrus hunting at Sunderland Museum
Discover the inspirational statue behind the Lewis Carroll poem Walrus and the Carpenter.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Fly high at RAF Museum Cosford
Here you can experience aviation life in wartime including the chance to see the world's oldest Spitfire.
Location: Cosford, Shropshire
Industry meets art at Salts Mill
Packed to its Victorian rafters with independent traders and the largest collection of David Hockney’s work.
Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire
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
Follow in the footsteps of William Wilberforce
The Wilberforce Trail explores the politician’s fascinating past, from his early life and politics to his passionate campaign against the slave trade.
Location: Hull, East Yorkshire
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
Be captivated by charming Port Sunlight village
Created as a perfect model village, Port Sunlight is the ideal destination for a day out. Relax in peaceful surroundings and see outstanding art.
Location: Wirral, Merseyside
Follow the Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle trail
Celebrate 200 of the world's greatest artists at four leading cultural venues in Yorkshire.
Location: Wakefield and Leeds, West Yorkshire
Discover England’s home of football in Manchester
Experience the history and drama of the nation’s favourite sport on a Manchester United Museum and Stadium tour, and at the National Football Museum.
Location: Trafford, Greater Manchester
Rainy Day Activities: Discover Sheffield’s story at Kelham Island Museum
The ‘Steel City’s’ unique industrial story is brought to life through interactive galleries at this captivating indoor museum.
Location: Kelham Island, South Yorkshire
Explore Liverpool’s buzzing waterfront
Be entertained, amused, informed, inspired – and well fed – in one of the city’s most lively and interesting quarters.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
