Attractions and events

There are literally thousands of world-class attractions and events in Britain. You can enjoy British cuisine at a mouth-watering food fair, amuse the family at a top theme park, dance in the streets at a Caribbean carnival, or simply soak up British heritage at a historic castle. Wherever you go in Britain, you’ll find no end to the entertainment.

Ice skating on the ice rink in the courtyard of Somerset House © Britainonview.com / Jasmine Teer

Top 10 outdoor ice rinks

Picture yourself gliding effortlessly across a carpet of ice as smooth as marble. Twirling, spinning and leaping into the air in a series of dizzying flips and loops…

Top 10 outdoor ice rinks
The Tea Cosy, Brighton

Top 10 British tearooms

Here in Britain we take our tea seriously. Each day we sink 165 million cups of it. It’s our national drink – classless, timeless and tasty. But where to go? Join us for a teatime trip around Britain’s best places to savour a cup of the brown stuff.

Top 10 British tearooms
Rosslyn Chapel Gargoyle

Top 10 British myths and legends

Whether they’re true, just good stories or somewhere in between, we all love a juicy myth or legend. Here are some of Britain’s best and the places to experience them.

Top 10 British myths and legends
Bath Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets

There’s no better place to fill up on roast chestnuts, hot mulled wine and festive cheer than a traditional Christmas market or fair. Indulge in some essential Christmas shopping, enjoy carol singing and experience the lights and smells of the season all in one place.

Christmas Markets
Christmas lights in Edinburgh

Top 10 Christmas Lights Celebrations

The nights are drawing in, there’s an icy chill in the air and Christmas approaches with a jingle of bells and the sound of hearty ho ho hos. So get into the spirit and join us to celebrate the impending festivities with a festive frolic round some of the UK’s best Christmas light displays.

Top 10 Christmas Lights Celebrations
Gannets on Bass Rock Credit: Mozzercork

Top 10 British wildlife and nature experiences

Britain has a startling variety of natural habitats crawling with animals of every kind so whether you fancy a dolphin-spotting boat trip or a roam through a rainforest - in Britain, we've got it all. 

Top 10 British wildlife and nature experiences
Roller Disco

Top 10 Unusual nights out in Britain

So what are you up to this weekend? Pub? Restaurant? Maybe you’re gonna go wild and check out a new release at the cinema! Forget the usual Friday night formula; do something different tonight

Top 10 Unusual nights out in Britain
Tate Gallery, London

Turner Prize 2009

Each year a group of young, modern artists is nominated for this prestigious prize and their work is displayed at Tate Britain throughout October. The winner is announced in December. Visit the exhibition and try and pick the winner before the judges’ decision is in.

Turner Prize Exhibition
National Gallery London

Free Museums

As part of our series of cut-price things to do and top budget tips, we bring you a choice selection of free museums and galleries. From Scotland to the South coast, we’ve got dozens of fabulous free museums just waiting to be discovered. Read on for some of the best.

Free Museums
Burns Supper

Homecoming Scotland 2009

Homecoming Scotland 2009 is the very first event of its kind in Scotland, celebrating the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns with a year-long programme of great events.

Homecoming Scotland 2009
January 2009 London Planner

London Planner

Published monthly, London Planner is Visit London's and VisitBritain's official visitor guide to England's capital. Over 125,000 free copies are strategically distributed in over 30 countries worldwide, through Tourist Information Centres across the UK and in selected London outlets.

London Planner
Darwin Statue in Shrewsbury

Darwin200

He is one of the greatest Britons of all time, and in 2009, we celebrate 200 years of Charles Darwin, and 150 years since the publication of Origin of the Species. Darwin200 is a national programme of events celebrating Charles Darwin’s ideas, impact and influence.

Darwin200
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