We are the national tourism agency, a non-departmental public body funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). We were established by the Development of Tourism Act 1969 and we undertake Britain-wide and England-specific activity respectively under the brands “VisitBritain” and “VisitEngland”. This is in accordance with the 2015 Spending Review which brought VisitBritain and VisitEngland structurally closer together, with accountability for delivery of England and Britain into the remit of a single body under the BTA.
About us

Supporting England’s tourism industry, driving inbound visitor spend, providing expert advice to industry and to Government. We are the national tourism agency, a non-departmental public body funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). We were established by the Development of Tourism Act 1969 and we undertake Britain-wide and England-specific activity respectively under the brands “VisitBritain” and “VisitEngland”. This is in accordance with the 2015 Spending Review which brought VisitBritain and VisitEngland structurally closer together, with accountability for delivery of England and Britain into the remit of a single body under the BTA....Read more
Visit Britain - About Us
Supporting England’s tourism industry, driving inbound visitor spend, providing expert advice to industry and to Government.
Company Name : VisitBritain
News & announcements
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09 Jun 22
Partner News
VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022 puts tourism industry winners centre stageVisitEngland has announced the winners of its annual Awards for Excellence 2022, celebrating the ...Read moreVisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022 puts tourism industry winners centre stage - News & announcementsVisitEngland has announced the winners of its annual Awards for Excellence 2022, celebrating the best of the country’s tourism industry. The 19 Gold Award winners were announced at an evening ceremony on 8 June hosted by broadcaster and author Clare Balding at the Library of Birmingham, in categories ranging from New Tourism Business of the Year to the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award from the Resilience and Innovation Award to the Unsung Hero Award. Gold, Silver and Bronze winners were selected from hundreds of tourism businesses across England including hotels, self-catering accommodation, B&Bs, glamping operators, attractions, restaurants, pubs and museums. The prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, running for more than 30 years, celebrate and champion innovation, quality and best practice across the industry recognising businesses and individuals who raise the bar of England’s tourism offer. Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston said: "Our superb tourism businesses offer something for everyone and the sector is one we can be proud of. It is fantastic to see so many hardworking businesses of all sizes recognised for their gold-standard contribution to English tourism and I congratulate all the winners." VisitEngland Advisory Board Chair Nick de Bois said: “It is wonderful to see the Awards event back in-person, giving us the opportunity to come together, celebrate and congratulate the best-of-the-best across England’s world-class tourism industry. “From an accessible and inclusive sailing school to a family run rural glamping site and an immersive living museum, these awards highlight the outstanding quality, the innovation and the customer service excellence across our industry. All these businesses are winners in every sense. “Millions of jobs and local economies depend on tourism and this year’s awards also highlight the dedication of tourism businesses as they rebuild, championing best practice and providing visitors with first-class experiences.” Winners were announced in the Awards’ 15 ‘core’ categories as well as for four special awards, including ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award’, ‘Travel Content Award’, ‘TXGB Trailblazer Award’ and the ‘Tourism Superstar Award’. The Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award went to ‘The English Period Drama’ and the film locations used in these shows, in recognition of its valuable role in boosting domestic and inbound tourism to England. The Tourism Superstar Award, run with the Daily Mirror, was awarded to George Finlay of Matlock Farm Park following a public vote and competition earlier this year. The Travel Content Award, recognising the media’s important contribution in championing domestic tourism, was won by Ben Lerwill of National Geographic Traveller with his story ‘Pirates and prehistory on Devon’s southeast coast’. The TXGB Trail Blazer Award went to the Rugby League World Cup 2021, in recognition of the event’s success in driving inbound bookings through the business-to-business platform, also benefitting the domestic market. The Caravan and Motorhome Club was the headline sponsor of this year’s Awards, also sponsoring the ‘Experience of the Year’ category. Barclays sponsored the ‘Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award’ and Sykes Holiday Cottages the ‘Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year’ category. The Family Holiday Charity was the chosen charity for this year’s Awards event. Tourism is one of England’s largest and most valuable industries, supporting hundreds of thousands of businesses, employing about 2.6 million people and, in 2019, generating £76 billion in domestic visitor spending. VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022 Winners: Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award - sponsored by Barclays- Gold - Mylor Sailing & Powerboat School, Cornwall
- Silver - Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire
- Bronze - Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs, Lancashire
- Gold - The 25 Boutique B&B, Devon
- Silver - Horseshoe Cottage Farm, Leicestershire
- Bronze - Brightham House Boutique Bed and Breakfast, Devon
- Gold - Secret Meadows, Suffolk
- Silver - Brook Meadow, Leicestershire
- Bronze - Landal Sandybrook, Derbyshire
- Gold - Chichester Festival Theatre, West Sussex
- Silver - Pure Outdoor, Derbyshire
- Bronze - West Bay Discovery Centre, Dorset
- Gold - Mylor Sailing & Powerboat School, Cornwall
- Silver - Pure Outdoor, Derbyshire
- Bronze - All Hallows' Farmhouse Cookery School, Dorset
- Gold - The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath
- Silver - Hotel Indigo Durham, County Durham
- Bronze - The Langham, London
- Gold - Seaham Hall, County Durham
- Joint Silver - No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath
- Joint Silver - The Idle Rocks, Cornwall
- Gold - Three Mile Beach, Cornwall
- Silver - Triple A Food Tours, Tyne & Wear
- Bronze - Rowley Farm Holidays, Worcestershire
- Gold - The Cotley Inn, Somerset
- Silver - The Acorn Inn, Dorset
- Bronze - The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley, Derbyshire
- Gold - Black Country Living Museum, West Midlands
- Silver - Chester Zoo, Cheshire
- Bronze - Severn Valley Railway, Worcestershire
- Gold - Treeopia, Worcestershire
- Silver - Glynn Barton, Cornwall
- Bronze - Pitt Farm Holiday Cottages, Devon
- Gold - Lu Ban Restaurant, Merseyside
- Silver - Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms, Lancashire
- Bronze - Fischer's Baslow Hall, Derbyshire
- Gold - Adam Wardale, Middletons Hotel, North Yorkshire
- Silver - Neeshal Jeewon, Hilton London Metropole, London
- Bronze - Clive Goodwin, Ouseburn Trust, Tyne & Wear
- Gold - Chester Zoo, Cheshire
- Silver - Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire
- Bronze - Pensthorpe, Norfolk
- Gold - Nothe Fort, Dorset
- Silver - Royal Liver Building 360, Merseyside
- Bronze - British Music Experience, Merseyside
- Gold - Ben Lerwill, National Geographic Traveller: ‘Pirates and prehistory on Devon’s southeast coast’
- Silver - Cathy Toogood, The Telegraph: ‘Forget the countryside – this Northern powerhouse is the perfect place for summer staycations’
- Bronze - Lauren Jarvis, LoveExploring: ‘Explore the New Forest’
- Gold – Rugby League World Cup 2021
- Silver – Visit Gloucester
- Bronze – Mike James, Savouring Bath
- Winner - George Finlay, Matlock Farm Park
- Winner - The English Period Drama
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27 May 22
NEWS
VisitEngland: Five million Brits planning domestic Platinum Jubilee tripsA VisitEngland survey says 5.3 million Brits are definitely planning an overnight holiday break in ...Read moreVisitEngland: Five million Brits planning domestic Platinum Jubilee trips - News & announcementsA VisitEngland survey says 5.3 million Brits are definitely planning an overnight holiday break in the UK during the extended Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend. It will hand an estimated £1.2 billion boost to the economy. VisitEngland’s ‘Platinum Jubilee Weekend Trip Tracker’ survey also showed that well over a third, or 19 million, are planning to take part in activities to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. In addition, almost a quarter of those surveyed are still yet to decide. VisitEngland Chief Executive Patricia Yates said:” The long weekend is set to bring a much-needed boost to the industry and destinations as the summer season gets underway.” For overnight domestic breaks, the top destination type is ‘city or large town’ followed by ‘coastal town’. The survey also showed that a further 2.6 million people were undecided about whether to take an overnight trip in the UK during the long weekend. The top reasons were ‘waiting to see what the weather is like,’ ‘waiting to see if I can afford it’ and ‘not sure where I’d like to go.’Related News Stories : Visit Long Beach rolls out summer travel campaign Barbados lifts testing for vaccinated travellers Tahiti Tourisme unveils new corporate website Belgium lifts Covid entry restrictions Experience Montgomery appoints destination and community development chief New York’s city tour meets Broadway experience reopens
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26 May 22
Partner News
5.3 million Brits plan domestic break for Platinum Jubilee weekend, bringing an £1.2 billion economic boostA VisitEngland survey out today shows that 5.3 million Brits are definitely planning an ...Read more5.3 million Brits plan domestic break for Platinum Jubilee weekend, bringing an £1.2 billion economic boost - News & announcementsA VisitEngland survey out today shows that 5.3 million Brits are definitely planning an overnight holiday break in the UK during the extended Bank Holiday weekend for the Platinum Jubilee, bringing an estimated £1.2 billion boost to the economy. VisitEngland’s ‘Platinum Jubilee Weekend Trip Tracker’ survey also showed that well over a third, 19 million, are planning to take part in activities to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, from attending a ‘Big Jubilee Lunch’ street party to lunch in a pub, restaurant or café, to watching events on an outdoor screen or attending official celebrations. In addition, almost a quarter of those surveyed were still to decide. VisitEngland Chief Executive Patricia Yates said: “The upcoming Bank Holiday is a fantastic opportunity for an extra special short-break at home or a day-out, enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime celebrations and show-stopping events for the historic Platinum Jubilee. From afternoon teas and street parties to beacon lighting ceremonies, pageants and parades, people are set to celebrate with friends and neighbours in royal style. “The long weekend is also set to bring a much-needed boost to the industry and destinations as the summer season gets underway and our outstanding tourism businesses will be very pleased to welcome you back.” Looking at those intending to take an overnight domestic break in the UK for the extended Bank Holiday weekend, the top destination type is ‘city or large town’ followed by ‘coastal town’. The survey also showed that a further 2.6 million people were undecided about whether to take an overnight holiday trip in the UK during the long weekend. The top reasons were ‘waiting to see what the weather is like,’ ‘waiting to see if I can afford it’ and ‘not sure where I’d like to go.’ VisitBritain’s full Platinum Jubilee Trip Tracker survey can be accessed here: https://www.visitbritain.org/sites/default/files/vb-corporate/trip_tracker_platinum_jubilee_2022_final_2022-05-25.pdf <http://link.visitengland.com/ ...>. For information about events and celebrations across England during spring and summer to mark HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee including official events during the extended Bank Holiday weekend, please see: https://www.visitengland.com/queens-platinum-jubilee-spring-and-summer-celebrations-across-england-1 Notes to editors:- VisitBritain has estimated the loss to the economy in domestic tourism spending in Britain, in 2020 and 2021 combined, to be £97.1 billion. It estimates the loss from inbound tourism to the UK to be £50 billion.
- In May, VisitEngland announced the successful recipients of its Destination Management Organisation Marketing Recovery Fund <http://link.visitengland.com/ ...> to support tourism’s recovery in England. Running from mid-March to the end of June, the £1 million fund enables DMOs to tailor and align VisitEngland’s national ‘Escape the Everyday’ campaign <http://link.visitengland.com/ ...> to drive bookings of local tourism products.
- VisitEngland commissions online omnibus surveys periodically in order to collect data on the number of GB consumers who plan to take an overnight trip at key times throughout the year.
- In this Platinum Jubilee edition, the survey was carried out in an online survey by Kantar TNS with a representative sample size of 1255 adults over the age of 16 years old in Great Britain.
- The fieldwork took place between 19th –23rd May 2022.
- Trip volumes are based on an adult (16+) population of 52.9 Million in GB (Office of National Statistics)
- For the full report visit our Bank Holiday Trip-Tracker page <http://link.visitengland.com/ ...>
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26 May 22
NEWS
London City gets Deauville air linkFrom July 1 2022, L’Odyssey will operate a twice weekly service to the Normandy seaside town ...Read moreLondon City gets Deauville air link - News & announcementsFrom July 1 2022, L’Odyssey will operate a twice weekly service to the Normandy seaside town of Deauville. The flights depart London City Airport every Friday, with the return flight landing in the heart of London every Sunday – convenient for a weekend stay. This will be the only direct flight to Deauville from the UK. Deauville is a hugely popular domestic holiday spot in France. L’Odyssey will operate a full-service flight on a SAAB 340B, which has been reconfigured with 27 seats. Passengers will receive up to 30 kg baggage allowance as well as an in-flight snack. London City’s Head of Aviation, Anne Doyere said: “Deauville is an undiscovered gem for British holidaymakers and it has never been so easy to get there thanks to this new service from L’Odyssey.”Related News Stories : Condor launching LA flights Virgin Atlantic returning to Cape Town United Airlines worker fired for wild brawl with passenger Virgin Australia expands Sabre partnership Qantas takes majority stake in TripADeal Jet2 expands again for summer 2023
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08 Apr 22
NEWS
VisitEngland: 7.4 million planning Easter weekend staycationAbout 7.4 million Britons are set to enjoy a staycation for the Easter weekend, according ...Read moreVisitEngland: 7.4 million planning Easter weekend staycation - News & announcementsAbout 7.4 million Britons are set to enjoy a staycation for the Easter weekend, according to VisitEngland’s Easter Trip-Tracker survey. It results in an estimated £1.8 billion boost to the economy, it says. This is on par with the pre-Civid Trip-Tracker figures for Easter 2019, which were the highest since the survey began. It’s a significant increase on 2018 when 4.8 million Brits were planning an overnight holiday trip for the long weekend. VisitBritain/VisitEngland Deputy Chief Executive Patricia Yates said: “It is great to see so many people are planning a holiday at home for the Easter weekend, getting out and exploring here on our doorstep.” “This is the first Easter since 2019, pre-pandemic, that the industry has been able to fully trade and the long weekend will be critical in providing businesses and destinations with much needed cash-flow.” Of those definitely planning an overnight trip in England during Easter, the majority were planning a short-break of one-to-three nights. The survey also showed that a further 3.4 million people were undecided about whether to take an overnight holiday trip in the UK during the Easter weekend. The top reasons were ‘waiting to see if I can afford it’ followed by ‘waiting to see what the weather is like’ and ‘not sure where I’d like to go.’ Looking at day-trips in England, almost of a quarter of those surveyed were definitely planning one during the Easter weekend. VisitEngland ramped up its domestic marketing last month, launching the next phase of its ‘Escape the Everyday’ campaign, to encourage short-breaks to English cities this spring and early summer. VisitBritain has estimated the loss to the economy in domestic tourism spending in 2020 and 2021 combined, to be more than £97 billion. -
30 Mar 22
NEWS
Winners announced at TravelMole UK Web AwardsThe waiting is over. The winners of the 16th TravelMole UK Web Awards have been ...Read moreWinners announced at TravelMole UK Web Awards - News & announcementsThe waiting is over. The winners of the 16th TravelMole UK Web Awards have been unveiled. At a ceremony held at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden on Tuesday 29 March, we welcomed over 150 members of the UK travel industry to celebrate achievements in innovation, design and technology within the UK travel and tourism over the past two years. The Awards are especially meaningful this year as the industry has had to rely heavily on digital talent and innovation to stay relevant throughout the pandemic. Communication with staff, customers, suppliers and partners has been cornerstones of success. The TravelMole Awards have recognised and rewarded those who have shown the highest level of commitment and innovation. Congratulations to all the winners.View the winners list Best Attraction Website sponsored by Guanxi Tiqets Best Cruise Website sponsored by British Columbia Royal Caribbean International Best Digital Campaign for Food and Drink Tourism sponsored by babble VisitBritain Best Hotel Website sponsored by American Tours International AMR Collection Best Industry Professional Services Website sponsored by Gemini Print Group UKinbound Best Influencer Campaign sponsored by Alabama Visit Jersey Best Sports Tourism Website sponsored by the British Travel Awards Sportsbreaks.com Best Tour Operator Website sponsored by Traveltrex Intrepid Group Best Tourist Board Website sponsored by Travel Connection Group VisitMalta Best Transportation Website sponsored by London Transport Museum LNER Best Travel Agency Website sponsored by Jamaica Hays Travel Best Travel Deals and Comparison Site sponsored by Casa de Campo Travelzoo Best Use of Digital to Support Diversity in Travel and Tourism sponsored,by age UK The Treadright Foundation Best use of Digital to Support Sustainability in Travel and Tourism sponsored by LNER VisitScotland Best Use of Social Media sponsored by City Experiences Wizz Air Best Use of Video sponsored by Aviatrix Lake District Country Hotels Best Webinar Series sponsored by Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership UKinbound Best Wholesale Booking Website sponsored by Polish Tourism Organisation Stuba Digital Campaign of the Year sponsored by Atlantic Canada Visit Northumberland With special thanks to our awards host and after party sponsors
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11 Mar 22
NEWS
VisitBritain to host international travel trade buyersVisitBritain will welcome 50 international travel trade buyers for a series of educational visits across ...Read moreVisitBritain to host international travel trade buyers - News & announcementsVisitBritain will welcome 50 international travel trade buyers for a series of educational visits across Britain. The trade visits, starting Monday 14 March, are a mix of three to five day itineraries to destinations across England, Wales and Scotland. They give international buyers the chance to experience the latest tourism products. Buyers from the UK’s three largest inbound tourism markets, the US, France and Germany, are attending as well as from Canada, the Netherlands, the Nordics, Italy and Spain. VisitBritain Deputy CEO Patrica Yates said:“We are delighted to be reconnecting international travel buyers with local destinations, highlighting the tourism products on offer.” “Working with the international trade, ensuring they are ready to sell Britain, is crucial to driving back bookings and spending. We also want to broaden travel itineraries, encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore further.” Buyers will learn about VisitBritain’s £10 million GREAT Britain marketing campaign ‘Welcome to Another Side of Britain,’ with a spotlight on cities, hit hard by the absence of international visitors and their spending. There will also be an overview on this year’s landmark events including HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the ‘Unboxed’ events across the UK. All itineraries include London with 11 buyers from the US heading to Devon and Cornwall and nine Canadian buyers to the West Midlands, as the region prepares to host the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Six buyers from France will visit Kent and six German buyers will visit The Cotswolds. Four buyers from the Nordics will travel to Northern England and the Scottish Borders, four from the Netherlands will go to Wales and 10 buyers from Italy and Spain will visit Scotland. The educational visits come as VisitBritain also gears up to host its flagship global trade event ExploreGB Virtual from 21 to 25 March. VisitBritain’s latest forecast for 2022 estimates 21.1 million inbound visits to the UK, which is 52% of 2019 levels. Inbound tourism was worth more than £28 billion to the UK economy in 2019, its third largest service export. -
11 Mar 22
Partner News
Curtains Up for Bridgerton Season 2 – VisitBritain2022 is an exciting year for film releases produced in Britain - set in ...Read moreCurtains Up for Bridgerton Season 2 – VisitBritain - News & announcements2022 is an exciting year for film releases produced in Britain - set in both gritty urban settings and stunning rural landscapes. One of the highlights of the year is the long-awaited season two of Bridgerton. This modern take on life in Regency England has turned out to be a huge success after the launch of the first season in December 2020 and has made audiences around the world dream of a life like that of the powerful, and glamourous, Bridgerton family. With the easing of restrictions, visitors can finally visit Britain again and discover the real-life filming locations for themselves. A wide variety of Bridgerton inspired experiences are being offered this spring and summer of which Lady Whistledown would undoubtedly approve.An evening in Regency England
Secret Cinema, and promoters of immersive experiences Fever, are inviting visitors to step into the world of Bridgerton until the end of March. At a secret location in London, which has been dressed up to the nines, visitors to the Bridgerton Ball are being transported back to 1813. Each guest will be given a character, along with a storyline and a quest to fulfil over the course of the evening. During the three-hour experience, there is plenty of time to dance, enjoy canapés, and mingle with members of the upper classes (fellow revellers!).Bridgerton themed experiences in Bath
The UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, a 90-minute train ride from London, is truly a Regency city and the location for much of the series, making it a dream destination for Bridgerton fans. Since the release of the first season, many tailor-made experiences have popped up in this picturesque city. Themed walking tours include a bespoke Photo Tour and a Bridgerton Sights and Music Tour with welcoming and fun guides and a Bath Regency Walking Tour which explores locations including Pulteney Bridge, the Pump Room and Queen Square. Brit Movie Tours offer a two-hour Bridgerton Tour through Bath’s historic streets, with some unmissable photo stops and numerous filming locations, including Madame Delacroix’s dress shop, Modiste. To celebrate the release of the new season, four hotels in Bath have created new experiences for guests to fully immerse themselves in the world of Lady Danbury and the Featheringtons. The boutique Abbey Hotel is offering a lavish Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea. Guests can Step into Bridgerton at the Francis Hotel in Bath, which includes an overnight stay, a tour of the filming sites and a Bridgerton-themed afternoon tea. Basking in Bridgerton is GuestHouse’s latest offer with an immersive behind-the-scenes tour of Bath and a two-night stay at the hotel. Guests can Promenade like a Bridgerton at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa with an afternoon tea in the English country garden and a private Bridgerton-themed tour of Bath.Bridgerton inspired tours and experiences from London
Leaving from London, Go Tours Bridgerton Locations Tour takes visitors on an adventure through some of the key filming locations and Britain’s best-loved Regency city of Bath. Rabbies have created private day tours full of Bridgerton-themed magic, with an excursion including Bath and London, taking in highlights such as Syon House, historic Greenwich and Cobham’s Painshill Park, the settings to several scenes in the show. Brit Movie Tours offer a tour in Britain’s modern-day carriage, a black taxi, leaving from central London, including Wilton House and Buckingham Palace in London as well as Gunter’s Tea Shop, Lady Dee’s Hat Emporium and Lady Danbury’s grand residence in Bath. The highlights of the Bridgerton themed tour offered by Luxury Vacations UK are an afternoon tea at the Royal Crescent Hotel, a visit to the Jane Austen Centre and a trip to the Fashion Museum while the five-star Lanesborough Hotel welcomes guests to Live Like a Bridgerton. Guests can sleep like a member of the Georgian high society, waking up to a leisurely breakfast in bed served by a personal butler. A Bridgerton-inspired Afternoon Tea for two or a picnic in Hyde Park, a visit to filming locations with a private chauffeur and a walking tour map of London’s finest regency landmarks round up the offer.A list of other movies and series being released in the upcoming months include:
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
8 April 2022 The third fantastical instalment of the Fantastic Beasts franchise will see the creative filmmaker team from the previous films returning with filming in locations across London (including Kings Cross), Windsor and at the Levesden studios. The giant Warner Brothers Studios’s brand new offering is Magical Mischief in which filmmaking trickery behind the Harry Potter film series will be revealed (runs until 1st of May). Themes experiences include: The Cauldron’s themed events and immersive cocktail making classes. Visitors to Edinburgh can dine at the atmospheric Witchery, take a tour of locations which inspired the wizarding world or discover Fantastic Creatures during a treasure hunt.Downton Abbey: A New Era
29 April 2022 Highclere Castle and Lady Carnarvon, the real-life Chatelaine, hosted the filming and crew of ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’. The castle hosts regular entertaining themed tours. The engaging Lady Carnarvon has her own Highclere Gin and features recipes and themed cocktail classes on her blog and podcast. A newly revamped themed tour visits the castle and locations travelling from London in spring and summer 2022.Cottontail
Spring 2022 From the producers of ‘Philomena’ and ‘The Duchess’, ‘Cottontail’ is a universal tale of love, loss, acceptance and joy starring Oscar nominee Lily Franky (Shoplifters, 2018 Palme d’Or), Ciarán Hinds (Oscar Nominee for Belfast) and his daughter Aoife Hinds (who has featured in ‘Normal People’, ‘Derry Girls’ and ‘Anne Boleyn’). The movie was filmed in Japan and England and features stunning locations and scenes in London and the Lake District (Windermere and Tarn Hows).Persuasion
Spring 2022 A new Netflix adaptation of Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’ with Dakota Johnson launches in the Spring with the backdrop of the historic city of Bath. Filming locations include Brock Street, Upper Church Street, Bath Street, Royal Crescent, Brock Street, Gravel Walk and Hot Bath Street. Visitors can learn more about Jane Austen’s Bath at the Jane Austen Centre, during a Jane Austen Tour or by visiting the immersive Jane Austen Festival in September. Alexandra Palace’s newest, oldest theatre is hosting a new version of Persuasion (until 30 April) in a bold and brilliant adaptation bringing the sharp observation and quick wit of Jane Austen’s novel to the stage, without a bonnet in sight.Enola Holmes 2
Summer 2022 Enola is the younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes was filmed at locations across Britain, including the Greenwich Old Royal Naval College, Ashridge Forest and on the Severn Valley Railway. Stately homes in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Surrey and Shropshire also appear in the Netflix adventure. When visiting London, visitors can join a Sherlock Holmes themed tour or a tour of filming locations in Greenwich. One can step into Sherlocks shoes at the Sherlock Holmes Escape Room, learn more about his story at the Sherlock Holmes Museum or drink a pint at the Sherlock Holmes Pub. -
09 Mar 22
Partner News
‘Very Peri’: New Colour of the Year inspires things to do in Britain in 2022For the first time for its Pantone Colour of the Year selection Pantone has ...Read more‘Very Peri’: New Colour of the Year inspires things to do in Britain in 2022 - News & announcementsFor the first time for its Pantone Colour of the Year selection Pantone has created a new colour 17-3938 Very Peri to reflect the innovation and transformation taking place all over the world. The new shade of blue with violet-red undertone is described as ‘displaying a carefree and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit, inquisitive and intriguing’ and helping us to embrace ‘altered landscape of possibilities, opening us up to a new vision as we rewrite our lives.' Ahead of the International Colour Day celebration on 21 March we rounded-up a selection of exhibitions and festivals from across Britain where the power of colour and creativity take the spotlight.Pip & Pop at Kew Gardens
21 May 2022 – 5 Mar 2023 Award-winning artist Pip & Pop presents a new exhibition at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, Kew Gardens. The immersive installation is created from a mixture of materials such as sugar, modelling clay, beads and sweets, and objects sourced on artist’s travels all over the world. Using eye-popping candy colours and playful sense of perspective Pip & Pop explores subjects of consumption, wish-fulfilment, and seemingly endless abundance.Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear, V&A
19 Mar – 6 Nov 2022 In partnership with Gucci, ‘Fashioning Masculinities’ will be the first major V&A exhibition to celebrate the power, artistry and diversity of masculine attire and appearance, at a time of unprecedented creativity and exploration in men’s fashion and gender. The exhibition will showcase around 100 looks and 100 artworks, and feature some of fashion’s most exciting designers and brands – including Harris Reed and Gucci, as well as iconic looks worn by celebrities such as David Bowie, Harry Styles and Sam Smith.Birmingham 2022 Festival
Mar – Sep 2022 A six-month festival shining a global spotlight on creativity in the West Midlands. Running from March through to September 2022, the festival will feature hundreds of creative commissions across the region including art, photography, dance, theatre, digital art and more.In Paint We Trust, Coventry
May 2021 - May 2022 Until May 2022, the city of Coventry will be home to an outdoor gallery during the ‘In Paint We Trust’ project. New artworks are appearing in spaces across the city centre and neighbourhoods across Coventry and Warwickshire. The project gives local artists opportunity to tell stories that are important to the city through art in everyday spaces. Young people, local artists and facilitators are invited to be part of the experience by providing managed legal walls, workshops and opportunities to paint in the programme.Yinka Ilori display, Design Museum
Summer 2022 London-based artist and designer Yinka Ilori is known for creating colourful installations and murals with his joyful and playful way of mixing different patterns and graphics. Yinka’s new display is said to ‘bring to the museum his distinctive aesthetic, inspired by the African fabrics of his childhood and capturing the colourful geometric patterns that feature in Nigerian design and British postmodernism.’Superbloom at the Tower of London
Jun – Sep 2022 A spectacular field of flowers will surround the Tower of London this summer. Twenty million carefully selected seeds will be sown in the Tower’s famous moat to create a blooming oasis in the heart of the city. The sea of flowers will evolve throughout the year as different colours and patterns emerge. The planting scheme is designed to attract bees, pollinators and seed-eating birds, and provide a biodiverse space for wildlife. Superbloom is the first stage of the transformation of the moat into a new natural landscape in the heart of the City of London, and it will become a permanent legacy of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
4 – 9 July 2022 The world’s largest annual flower show brings colours, inspiration and good times in the setting of one of London’s most historic royal palaces, Hampton Court Palace. Visitors can experience award winning exhibitions, learn about gardening trends, admire the floral sanctuaries, and leave with inspiration for their own garden. There will also be plenty of shopping opportunities, food and drink, and live music to top the summer’s day off.River of Light Trail, Liverpool
21 Oct – 6 Nov 2022 Liverpool’s much-loved light trail, River of Light, will return to the city’s waterfront in October for another celebration of light, sound and art. Showcasing installations from local and international artists, the concept for 2022, whilst largely under wraps, will link into the World Gymnastics Championships that will take place at the same time at the M&S Bank Area. Creative installations will create an iconic trail through city locations, with examples of previous years now available online, building anticipation for 2022’s fantastic trail. -
09 Mar 22
Expert Hub
Urban Greening – VisitBritainThe appreciation of local green and natural spaces has increased significantly particularly during lockdown ...Read moreUrban Greening – VisitBritain - News & announcementsThe appreciation of local green and natural spaces has increased significantly particularly during lockdown as there is a scientifically proven benefit on well-being when time is spent in more natural environments. Cities all over the world are creating green spaces for their residents* by making space for micro forests and planting in city centres. Even the smallest urban green space can be an essential habitat for local species and increase biodiversity. We’ve rounded up British destinations that are bringing nature back into the urban environment across the nation.London
London’s highest public green space, the Sky Garden welcomes visitors to 360-degree views of the city’s skyline from the verdant landscaped terraces on the 35th floor of the building, also called the ‘Walkie Talkie’ due to the distinctive shape on the skyline. From Tuesday to Saturday DJ nights fill up the gardens with sound and light while visitors can enjoy sundowner cocktails with views over the city to the horizon. St. Ermin's Hotel in Westminster welcomes more than just its regular hotel guests as the roof of the hotel has beehives and nest boxes which attract a wide variety of bees in addition to lacewings, ladybirds, earwigs, woodlice and spiders. Hotel guests can watch them from behind glass on the third floor of the hotel and engaging introduction courses to beekeeping are offered to learn more about apiculture.Manchester
Kampus is a lush and wild green space in the heart of the city of Manchester, a must visit garden neighbourhood with its own secret streets, gardens and terraces, housing some of the city’s best independent food and drink. Two of the highlights are Bread Flower, a bakery and florist in one, known for their delicious bagels and the family run business Nell’s bakes NYC inspired pizza out of local ingredients. The beautiful Ivy Roof Garden in Manchester is a real hidden gem and the perfect spot to enjoy some delicious seasonal dishes and an array of great cocktails. Covered by a glass roof, the plants, flowers, foliage and colourful fabrics create an all-year-round green space with cosy atmosphere.Liverpool
The contemporary arts centre Bluecoat is not only worth a visit for its dynamic exhibition program, but also for their beautiful communal garden courtyard, a peaceful haven offering the perfect spot to relax under the trees or soak up the sun. Bluecoat’s gardeners have created a diverse eco garden by planting a wide variety of plants. Sefton park, in the South East of the city is a 200-acre natural landscaped park within easy reach of the city centre. Visit in the springtime to see a host of golden daffodils and spring blossom or throughout the year. The Palm House glasshouse has a collection of plants from all over the world and hosts events including magical concerts, club nights and yoga sessions.Bristol
Ten minutes from the city centre, visitors can find the Ashton Court Estate, an 850 acre park with trails for mountain biking, disco golf and a wide range of activities. The Estate also has a large herd of deer which roam in full view to create a magical backdrop at twilight. Every August, the iconic Bristol Balloon Fiesta takes place in the park attracting visitors from all around the world. For those looking for a real adventure, hot air balloon experiences are offered all year round to see another side of the city and the South West from above.Brighton
One Garden Brighton was designed by the landscape architect Dominic Cole who also designed the Eden Project and combines heritage sites with modern landscape innovation. Traditional fruit and vegetable crops as well as contemporary flower gardens have been planted and the venue hosts a diverse range of events including live music, markets and workshops. The onsite restaurant’s seasonal menu is inspired and supplied by the garden’s produce. The garden of the Royal Pavilion is a wonderful public green space in the centre of Brighton. Organic principles were followed when it was created with native plants included to nourish biodiversity in the heart of the city and offer a haven for wildlife full with butterflies, bees and many different types of birds. It is the perfect spot for a picnic and people watching in the grounds of the unique and ornate Royal Pavilion.Birmingham
PoliNations is one of the 10 UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK projects. ‘Plant Up’ in Birmingham (2 – 18 September) as part of PoliNations will see Birmingham’s Victoria Square transformed into a forest garden, host to a vibrant and spectacular free events programme, situated in an oasis of thousands of plants and flowers. Innovative super-trees will be fed by rainwater and create electricity using wind power. Installations will include music from around the world, light shows and a grand finale with confetti, light shows and live music from British up and coming artists.Edinburgh
Situated in the outskirts of Edinburgh, the Secret Herb Garden is a green oasis where visitors can learn about the important role that herbs and nature play in our daily lives. The Café & Bistro offer an opportunity to drink and dine among grapevines, fruit trees and herbs in a beautiful glass house all year round. The seasonal menu is inspired by and curated from the fresh produce grown on-site. PoliNations, one of the 10 UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK projects, is previewed in Edinburgh between 6 - 14 August. ‘Mother Tree’ on George Street will host nine days of performance under the canopy of a 40-foot architectural pop-up tree. Creative local artist performances will take place in the magical space created by the tree presented in partnership with the Assembly Festival.Glasgow
Kelvingrove Park is a short walk from centre and located on the river Kelvin right next to the University of Glasgow. The park was built to create a recreation and relaxation spot for the people in Glasgow. The park is home to many animals such as red foxes, otters and a huge variety of birds. Visitors can find several cafés, shops, art galleries, a skate park and the magnificent museum in the beautiful grounds of the Park.Cardiff
Bute Park, the green heart of the city, is walking distance from the centre behind the castle full of wildlife and a wide variety of plants. The park hosts many of Cardiff’s celebrations and events. This summer, from the 29th to 31st of July the park will be hosting ‘Adventure Cinema’, the UK’s largest touring outdoor cinema when visitors can bring their own picnic and enjoy a movie performance surrounded by nature under the stars. -
08 Mar 22
Partner News
How to discover another side of Birmingham – VisitBritainAlternative things to do in Birmingham There’s a real buzz in the West ...Read moreHow to discover another side of Birmingham – VisitBritain - News & announcementsAlternative things to do in Birmingham
There’s a real buzz in the West Midlands this year. Alongside the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games (July–August), six months of music, dance and cultural celebrations will make up the Birmingham 2022 Festival, showcasing the region’s remarkable creative spirit (March–August). But away from the spotlight, there’s plenty in Birmingham to dazzle. Visitors can take a kayaking tour through the city centre, exploring the wildlife-rich canals which run through Birmingham’s heart, or discover vibrant street art on a free self-guided walk. For visitors who love the great outdoors, meet the red pandas and meerkats at Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, or soak up the tropical splendour of Birmingham Botanical Gardens – which also hosts events throughout the year. Or take on the daredevil high-ropes at The Bear Grylls Adventure, with challenges designed by the world-renowned British explorer himself. The streets of Birmingham also provided the inspiration for the hit TV show Peaky Blinders. With many scenes filmed at the Black Country Living Museum, here visitors can walk in the footsteps of Cillian Murphy and learn how to speak like a Peaky. There’s even themed evenings in September for an immersive feel of the show. A Peaky Tour of the city reveals even more about the original gangs, with a walking tour of their former hangouts, grisly insights from expert historians, and dinner in the city’s oldest pub. If it’s striking city views visitors are looking for, venture to the top of the Library of Birmingham. This striking contemporary landmark is home to two secret rooftop gardens – they’re free to visit, as are the library’s various exhibitions, which feature leading authors and artists. But that’s just the tip of Birmingham’s diverse cultural scene. From Chinatown’s eateries and Centrala’s Eastern European art exhibitions, to the South Asian music and dancing at Birmingham Mela (27–28 August 2022), countless customs are represented here. And foodies will love the ‘Balti Triangle’, an area of balti restaurants in the south of the city, where this spicy dish was reportedly invented in the 1970s. Fusing traditional Kashmiri recipes with British ingredients, and named after the dish in which it is cooked, this vibrant area is full of hidden gems serving their fresh take on this regional favourite.Birmingham’s quirky places to stay
While central Birmingham has an abundance of luxury boutique hotels, including The Rotunda, Hotel Du Vin and the Frederick Street Townhouse, how about something totally unique? Just 15 miles outside the city, The Rockhouse Retreat offers an idyllic romantic retreat for two. The 800-year-old cave house, set in beautiful wild woodland, comes complete with a kingsize bed and inglenook fireplace, as well as a picturesque brook right on its doorstep. Warwick Castle provides hands-on history by day, and an opportunity for Medieval-themed glamping by night. Visitors can stay overnight in its grounds at the Knight’s Village – book a King’s Tent (sleeps four), for a four-poster bed and throne-style seats, set amid the castle woodlands. Or step into one of the West Midland Safari Park’s luxury lodges for a front row seat inside the animal habitats. Elephant Lodge is right next to the watering hole, while Red Panda Cottage overlooks the climbing den – and there are giraffe, gorilla, rhino and cheetah ones too. The lodges sleep up to five or six people, with two-day entry tickets to the safari park included.Where to dine differently in Birmingham
For great cocktails, street food and a whole host of games – from baseball and curling to table golf – The Floodgate is a big kids’ playground, with a buzzing bar and street eats aplenty (think juicy burgers, dirty fries, hot dogs and cinnamon waffles). Or for table tennis, arcade games and beer pong, head to Roxy Ball Room – it’s set in a graffiti-covered warehouse, complete with a bowling alley and pool tables. The pizzas are loaded, the playlist is rocking, and there’s a huge choice of cocktails and craft beers. If you prefer the finer things in life, the West Midlands has ten Michelin-starred restaurants and five are in Birmingham itself – that’s more than any other British city outside of London. In central Birmingham, look to Adam’s for British classics with haute cuisine flair, Opheem for sumptuous Indian dining (with veggie and pescatarian tasting menus), and Carters of Moseley for sustainably-sourced seasonal fare, plus organic and biodynamic wines.Getting there and around
As well as Birmingham International Airport, the city also has several major railway stations. Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International connect with train services from all over the country, while fast services from London Marylebone arrive at Birmingham Moor Street, right in the city centre, in just one hour 40 minutes. Thanks to its traffic-free cycle routes, Birmingham is easy to explore on two wheels: visitors can rent bikes from a West Midlands Cycle Hire hub or a Brompton Bike station. The city also has an extensive network of wheelchair-accessible buses and trams: with a pay-as-you-go Swift card, visitors can hop on (and off) the services throughout Birmingham and beyond. Some restrictions on travel to and around Britain may be in place due to Covid-19. Visitors are encouraged to always check individual websites for the latest information, as details are subject to change. -
13 Dec 21
NEWS
VisitBritain launches new fund for DMCs, inbound operatorsVisitBritain has announced a new fund for destination management companies (DMCs) and inbound tour operators ...Read moreVisitBritain launches new fund for DMCs, inbound operators - News & announcementsVisitBritain has announced a new fund for destination management companies (DMCs) and inbound tour operators to support building back demand for Britain. The £300,000 Destination Management Company and Inbound Tour Operator Amplification and Distribution Fund is open to eligible DMCs and inbound tour operators. They can apply for grant funding to develop and market tourism to Britain, and working with international tour operators to dial-up promotion in their 2022 programmes. VisitBritain is seeking DMCs and inbound tour operators who can develop and market new Britain itineraries, with a focus on extending the tourism season, and see these incorporated in to the 2022 sales effort of international tour operators in the fund's target markets of France, Germany and The United States. VisitBritain Chief Executive Sally Balcombe said: "We are very pleased to announce this new grant funding, in response to a clear ask from the industry, to support DMCs and inbound tour operators at a critical time in the sector's recovery." "Our priority is building back demand and visitor spending for those most likely to visit in 2022, and this fund will support the travel trade to sell Britain, driving immediacy to visit and bookings." DMCs and inbound tour operators who meet the qualifying eligibility criteria can apply for individual grant awards between £20,000 and £40,000 in one of the two application categories, relative to their 2019 financial turnover of sales of holiday packages to Britain. Applications are open until 13 January for activity to run from February to June 2022, which is a key booking period for the fund's target markets.
VIDEOS
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Tourism Minister Nigel Huddlestone speaking at the launch of VisitBritainJP Posukuma Bear campaign
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