Transformational moments in Great Britain happen in a flash when flying over the epic London skyline or exploring the landscape of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. With these unique pursuits, travelers of all types will be entertained ‘round the clock on this fantastical island.
In a year that marks the 150th anniversary of the famous Royal Albert Hall and 15 years of the spell-binding “Wicked the Musical,” 2021 also celebrates “Monopoly,” an immersive production based on the classic board game, as well as “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” a jukebox production slated for fall 2021.
Image: ©VisitBritain/Jason Hawkes
With more than 130 museums, spend the day immersed in the work of local and international artists. “The Art of Banksy” offers the world’s largest Banksy collection, while “Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace” at the Queen’s Gallery celebrates royal culture. Fashionistas head to the Fashion & Textile Museum for “Beautiful People: The Boutique in 1960s Counterculture,” which explores how Chelsea’s boutiques sparked one of the world’s biggest fashion revolutions.
There’s no myth debunked more than the notion that Britain’s culinary scene is subpar. Renowned international chefs have been calling London home for years and continue to bring global flavors and innovative dishes to tables across the city. This year, new dining options include the Japanese-inspired rooftop restaurant Bisushima; Taiwanese eatery MR JI, Leicester Square’s The Bosporus, house-made pasta at Ombra, and plenty more.
The 870-mile Wales coastal path, striking countryside, and castles are staying in the limelight this year, as the country continues to celebrate its Year of Outdoors throughout 2021. With three National Parks, 600 castles, Dark Sky Reserves, and chances for foraging, surfing, and glamping, 2021 celebrates how the outdoors have shaped Welsh culture and identity.
Image: ©VisitBritain/Kris Williams
Great Britain will celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (June 2-5, 2022). In London, the historic milestone will kick off with special events including Trooping the Color, a live concert ‘Platinum Party at the Palace’, the Platinum Jubilee Pageant and more. Events continue throughout the year in the UK as communities come together to honor the Queen’s historic reign of seventy years of service.
Image: ©VisitBritain/Tom Weightman
Plan your dream walking holiday along the brand new England Coast Path, due to fully open in 2022, with celebrations scheduled into 2023. From striking cliffs to sandy coves and quaint fishing villages, England’s coastline offers a tranquil escape when you’re longing for the great outdoors. When complete, it will be the longest signposted trail in the world at nearly 3,000 miles, full of stunning views and wonderful people and places to discover. One such place is Bamburgh Castle which stands proudly overlooking the northern coast, spying rare puffins and seals from the Farne Islands and exploring the historic Holy Island of Lindisfarne when the tide is low.
Image: ©VisitBritain/ Chris Ceasar
Flower lovers and conservation fans alike will revel in the newly opened RHS Garden Bridgewater near Manchester in northern England. Four years in the making, it is the fifth garden from the renowned Royal Horticultural Society. A 156-acre heritage landscape has been transformed into a world-class horticultural site, representing Europe’s largest gardening project. Themed spaces include a colorful Paradise Garden, a Kitchen Garden housing 29,000 plants dedicated to food and sustainable produce, and areas focused on learning and wellbeing.
Image: ©RHS/Neil Hepworth
Visit Hambledon Vineyard’s new visitor center and tasting room! If you’re looking to get a sparkling taste of Britain, enjoy the South Downs’ finest tipples in 2021 at the Hambledon Vineyard. Located in 200 acres of lush countryside, the vineyard features a brand new tasting room and visitor center.
Image: ©Hambledon Vineyard