Museums

THE summer holidays are in full swing and if you want a fun family day out that is completely free, look no further.

From open-air museums to galleries, attractions and incredible buildings with summer activities for kids – these places will keep everyone entertained and won’t cost a penny.

Which? has revealed the top best family days out and in top spot is St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff.

The museum has a reconstructed historic street showing what life was like in Wales many years ago.

It’s filled with historic buildings that have been relocated to the site including a medieval church, farmhouses and a school.

In the centre of it all is St Fagans Castle, which is a 16th century manor house that has been open to the public since 1948 and is set within pretty Italian gardens.

One visitor on Tripadvisor called it an “absolute masterpiece of living history” adding it’s in a “league of its own”.

Another added: “As far as free fun goes, this was great! It was like stepping back into time and seeing how people lived in Wales eras ago. Loved it!”

The second most highly-rated on the list is the National Railway Museum in York.

It’s considered ‘best [museum] of its kind in the world’ according to On Magazine with one visitor on Tripadvisor calling it “unique and unforgettable”.

Inside are 100 locomotives, thousands of historical artifacts, royal carriages and well-known trains like the Mallard steam engine.

There’s also the art-deco Duchess of Hamilton, and a Japanese Shinkansen bullet train too.

Throughout the summer there are events on every day like immersive storytelling and live shows, plus there are indoor and outdoor play areas for children.

It’s completely free to visit, but it’s encouraged to book tickets online to guarantee entry, especially during the summer holidays.

Also highly-rated as a free day out is the Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum Cosford.

It has a huge collection of military aircraft as well as interactive exhibits and even a plane-themed playground.

Then there’s the National Museum of Scotland which has galleries filled with treasures from the age of the dinosaurs to new technology.

Make sure to pop up to the roof terrace too where you’ll get a view of the Edinburgh skyline.

During the summer holiday there are drop-in activities throughout the day from exploring a dinosaur trail, to space missions and crafts.

Another top free day out from Which? is the Cardiff National Museum which is filled with world-class art work and natural history – it also has exhibitions and plenty of events.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow is another completely free destinations for a family day out.

It opened in 1901 and has 22 galleries filled with beautiful artwork and don’t miss the organ recital at 1pm from Monday to Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.

Families can pop into Durham Cathedral to see the incredible building for free.

Throughout the summer it holds kids’ workshops like creating your own stained glass,activitys backpacks whichares filled withchallengesr and a pair of binoculars.

The surrounding grounds can be explored for free too.

Other highly-rated historical attractions that are free including St David’s Cathedral and Chichester Cathedral.

On a regular visit to the Houses of Parliament you will need to buy a ticket, but there is a way to get a tour for free.

But Which? advises that if you’re keen to visit, any UK resident can contact their MP or a member of the House of Lords to request a free-5-minute guided tour.

DO you need more ideas on how to keep the kids entertained over the summer holidays but want to keep it cheap?

Check out this full list of every single museum in England that offers free entry – from Victorian homes that are like stepping back in time, to boarding world-famous locomotives.

North East

Grace Darling Museum, Bamburgh 

Home to personal letters and family portraits of Grace Darling, who saved nine people from the wrecked SS Forfarshire in 1838.

Elsecar Heritage Centre, Barnsley 

A former hotspot for joiners, carpenters, blacksmiths, and repair shops in 1850, with insight into the history and culture of the village. 

Worsbrough Mill Museum, Barnsley

Learn about the milling industry in the region.

Oakwell Hall Country Park, Batley 

Step back to the 1690s and discover different Elizabethan period rooms and what life was like for the Batt family. 

Bolling Hall Museum, Bradford 

Learn about the lives of the families that lived in Bolling Hall over different time periods. 

Bradford Industrial Museum, Bradford 

Home to a range of exhibits related to textile machinery, engineering innovations and motor vehicles.

Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Bradford 

Witness a range of artworks from Old Masters to 20th-century British paintings.

National Science and Media Museum, Bradford 

The most popular museum outside of London with seven floors of galleries and three cinemas including the UK’s first IMAX. 

The Bayle Museum, Bridlington 

Learn about Bridlington’s history through archaeological artefacts.

Killhope Lead Mining Museum, Cowshill 

Get a unique insight into a 19th-century lead mine. 

The Moors National Park Centre, Danby 

Learn about the people, places, and wildlife through an interesting collection put together by a group of artists.

Cusworth Hall Museum and Park, Doncaster 

A Grade I-listed building with insight into local lives from the 18th-century to the present day. 

Danum Gallery Library and Museum, Doncaster 

Learn about the city’s past as a Roman settlement and Doncaster’s status as an industrial powerhouse. 

Durham Cathedral, Durham 

Uncover the relics of St. Cuthbert, saint of the early Northumbrian church, such as his cross and coffin, manuscripts, and a colourful crucifix.

Bankfield Museum, Halifax 

A diverse range of displays including the Havercake regiment and a textiles gallery. 

Heugh Battery Museum, Hartlepool

Learn about British military history at this museum, home to the UK’s only First World War Battlefield.

Byland Abbey, Helmsley 

One of England’s biggest monasteries, with early gothic architecture which inspired the famous York Minster rose window. 

Tolson Museum, Huddersfield

See displays on natural sciences, technology, and archaeological artefacts dating back to prehistoric times. 

Arctic Corsair, Hull 

Dive into Hull’s deep-sea fishing industry at this museum that includes a historic deep-sea trawler built in 1960.

Ferens Art Gallery, Hull 

A fine art collection with everything from Viking swords and Roman mosaics to a full-sized Wooly Mammoth.

The Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology, Hull

Artefacts dating back 235 million years of ancient civilisations and natural history.

Streetlife Museum of Transport, Hull 

Explore this collection of horse-drawn carriages and vintage cars, or hop on Britain’s oldest tramcar.

Wilberforce House Museum, Hull 

The private collection of William Wilberforce, a British politician who helped to abolish the slave trade.

Cliffe Castle Museum, Keighley 

Home of Victorian millionaire and textile manufacturer, Henry Isaac Butterfield.

Royal Armouries, Leeds 

Historic weaponry and armour, from Japanese samurai swords to modern warfare including Henry VIII’s armour.

Dorman Museum, Middlesbrough

Discover the town’s history with dinosaur installations and a slice of meteorite from space.

Discovery Museum, Newcastle 

Collection of scientific and technical materials, including Joseph Swan’s lightbulb and the world’s first ship powered by steam turbines. 

Great North Museum Hancock, Newcastle upon Tyne 

Learn about natural history and archaeology with 800 objects from the Ancient Greeks, Roman Empire and Anglo-Saxons. 

Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne

Home to a collection of art and sculptures including Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces.

OuseBurn Farm, Newcastle upon Tyne 

Working city farm that includes a sensory trail. 

Pontefract Castle and Visitors Centre, Pontefract 

Medieval fortress built around 1086 where you can dress up as a lord, lady or soldier.

Zetland Lifeboat Museum and Redcar Heritage Centre, Redcar 

Home to the world’s oldest surviving lifeboat with maritime history dating back to the 1800s. 

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, Sheffield 

Discover steelworks dating back to the 1700s and learn what it was like to live and work onsite. 

Kelham Island Museum, Sheffield 

Learn about life in Victorian-era Sheffield, with artefacts including a 1760’s chocolate pot and Metrovick milk float.

Millennium Gallery, Sheffield 

All things art and design in Sheffield, including one of the finest collections of metalwork in the world. 

Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Sheffield 

Grade II-listed botanical gardens with 18 areas, including a warm Mediterranean Climate Garden and the Asia Garden.

Weston Park Museum, Sheffield 

Home to archaeological artefacts, zoological specimens and works of art.

Locomotion Museum, Shildon 

Hop aboard the Flying Scotsman and experience the power of steam travel. 

South Shields Museum and Art Gallery, South Shields 

Discover the history of South Tyneside inside this historic building with a Victorian tea room, served by costumed staff.

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, Sunderland 

Home to 108,000 objects dating back to 1810, as well as more than 2,000 plants and trees.

National Coal Mining Museum for England, Wakefield

Discover the history of the British coal mining industry with guided underground tours.

Sandal Castle, Wakefield 

Wander through the grounds and learn about the Battle of Wakefield and the castle’s ties to Richard III. 

RNLI Whitby Lifeboat Museum, Whitby 

Custom-built double boathouse where you can learn about the lifeboat history in Whitby.

Robin Hood’s Bay Museum, Whitby 

Range of displays on Whitby’s shipwrecks, the last lifeboat stationed in Bay, and its smuggling history.

National Railway Museum, York 

Collection of iconic British railway vehicles, significant artefacts and historical locomotives in York.

North West

The Dock Museum, Barrow-in-Furness

Built over a 19th-century dry dock with displays on decorative and applied art, archeology, textiles, and fine art, plus a unique collection of ship models. 

Birkenhead Priory and St Mary’s Tower, Birkenhead 

Merseyside’s oldest building, with the remains of St Mary’s church.

Lady Lever Art Gallery, Birkenhead

30 rooms of paintings, sculptures and decorative art, from tapestries to vintage furniture and Chinese porcelain.

Wirral Transport Museum, Birkenhead 

Museum delving into the history of transport in Birkenhead.

Witton Country Park and Visitor Centre, Blackburn 

480 acres of mixed woodland and parkland with a collection of natural sciences and land transport.

Towneley Hall Art Gallery and Museum, Burnley 

Former home of Towneley family for over 600 years, with collections of fine art, local history, and ancient civilisations. 

Grosvenor Museum, Chester 

Museum housing everything from Roman tombstones to 400 years of Chester hallmarked silver, and prehistoric urns. 

Queen Victoria Monument, Liverpool 

Monument to Queen Victoria built in 1906 on the former site of Liverpool Castle.

Sudley House, Liverpool 

Former home of Victorian merchant George Holt.

Tate Liverpool + RIBA North, Liverpool 

Currently operating at a smaller location in Liverpool due to a refurbishment, this museum has two galleries exploring contemporary art. 

Victoria Gallery and Museum, Liverpool 

Uncover artworks across different eras, dig into archaeological items, and spot oceanography displays. 

Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool

National gallery of the North, with paintings and sculptures from Rembrandt, David Hockney and Rodin.

Lytham Windmill Museum, Lytham 

Five floors of exhibitions on milling processes, the importance of lifeboats, and the history of Grade II-listed buildings. 

Greater Manchester Police Museum, Manchester 

Learn about the history of policing with photographs and records pre-dating 1974.

Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester 

Browse artists and designers such as William Ratcliffe, Bernado Daddi and Coco Chanel.

Manchester Museum, Manchester 

After reopening in 2023, this was named Europe’s Museum of the Year, and has 4.5 million items across four floors.

Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester

Home to 250 years of innovations across science and technology, as well as UK’s oldest surviving train station.

Ordsall Hall Museum, Manchester 

Salford’s oldest building dating back to 1177, with over 10,000 artefacts.

People’s History Museum, Manchester 

Learn about the history of the working class in the UK, with displays on the Peterloo Massacre and the women’s suffrage movement. 

Portland Basin Museum, Manchester

A restored 19th-century warehouse showcasing local history, industry, and trade.

Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Manchester 

A reconstructed Victorian street with original shop fronts and a large collection of Pilkington Ceramics.

Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester 

A collection of over 60,000 artworks including works from Turner, Picasso, and Peter Blake. 

Anderton Boat Lift, Northwich 

One of the UK’s only two working boat lifts. 

Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston 

Discover art, culture, and history, with displays on printed textiles, the remains of an elk, and glassblown scent bottles. 

The Whitaker, Rawtenstall 

A diverse collection of history, fine art and textiles, with displays on the Haslingden Coat of Arms and prisoner of war poems.

Samlesbury Hall, Samlesbury 

A stately home dating back to 1185 with cafe and shepherd huts and UK’s first wafflery.

Imperial War Museum North, Stretford 

A museum offering perspective on how war and conflict changes everyday lives.

The World of Glass, St Helens

Learn about the history of the glass industry with live glass blowing demonstrations. 

Warrington Museum & Art Gallery, Warrington 

Grade II-listed building with an art collection dating back to 1857.

East Midlands

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, Buxton 

Marvel at archaeological and geological wonders of the Peak District.

Cromford Mills, Cromford 

A UNESCO site displaying how Sir Richard Arkwright changed the modern factory system and textile industry.

Canons Ashby, Daventry 

Grade I-listed Canons Ashby House, with a collection of Elizabethan and Jacobean artistry.

Derby Museum and Art Gallery, Derby 

An impressive collection of works by artist Joseph Wright as well as archaeological items, ceramics, decorative art, and objects from all over the world. 

Pickford’s House, Derby 

Georgian townhouse and gardens showcasing domestic life from the 18th to 20th centuries.

New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, Leicester 

Displays include a 15-metre Rutland Dinosaur and stories about Leicester’s achievements and obstacles.

Newarke Houses Museum, Leicester 

Built in 1511, with exhibits on the Leicestershire Regiment and Tudor objects.

University of Leicester Botanic Garden, Leicester 

A beautiful garden spanning 16 acres, featuring an arboretum and tropical plants.

Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery, Lincolnshire 

Displays everything from artefacts from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages, to works by Turner, as well as forensic processes of the Anglo Saxons. 

Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Lincolnshire 

Home to 250,000 items dating back to 1750, including a World War I tank, as well as a museum trail and playground for kids.

Charnwood Museum, Loughborough 

Collection centered around geology, archaeology and local history, including one of the world’s oldest fossils.

Green’s Mill and Science Centre, Nottingham 

Former home of mathematical physicist George Green with displays related to science, technology, and social history.

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Northampton 

Impressive collection of 15,000 pairs of shoes, alongside history and art of shoemaking.

The Harley Foundation, Worksop, Northamptonshire

Includes artworks from Van Dyke, Michelangelo and Sir Thomas Lawrence. 

Wellingborough Museum, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire

Diverse display from pre-historic eras to the present day, including coins, medals and costumes.

Oakham Castle, Oakham 

Huge collection of horseshoes, alongside displays on Norman history and architecture. 

Rufford Abbey and Country Park, Ollerton 

Collection exploring architecture, decorative and applied art, and religion, as well as the Runnford Abbey Ruins. 

Ayscoughfee Hall Museum, Spalding 

15th-century, Grade I-listed building with five acres of public gardens and a war memorial. 

Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne

Grade II-listed corn mill that tells the stories of the people who worked on Britain’s waterways. 

West Midlands

National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas 

British site of national remembrance with over 400 memorials and 25,000 trees. 

Bewdley Museum, Bewdley 

A riverside museum exploring the town’s local history.

Aston Hall, Birmingham 

Grade I-listed Jacobean house with a beautiful public park, as well as collections from the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. 

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham

Collection of art and design from Pre-Raphaelite artists, including oil paintings, tapestries and ceramics.

Ikon Gallery, Birmingham 

Diverse media collection with displays on sound, photography, and paintings. 

Royal Air Force Museum, Cosford 

Learn about the heroes of the RAF and famous aircraft dating back to 1918. 

Himley Hall and Park, Himley 

Explore 180 acres of landscaped parkland with three galleries.

Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, Lichfield 

Learn about the first lexicographer Samuel Johnson, who created A Dictionary of the English Language.

Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme

Award-winning museum where you can learn about 2,000 years of the local town.

Ancient High House, Stafford

The biggest timber-framed house in England open to the public

Stafford Castle, Stafford 

Step back to 1100 AD with archaeological artefacts and learn about the history of the castle.

Middleport Pottery, Stoke-on-Trent 

Tour around the last working Victorian potbank in a Grade II-listed building. 

Walsall Leather Museum, Walsall 

Learn about Walsall’s leather trade in a renovated Victorian factory building.

Bantock House Museum, Wolverhampton 

Step back into the Edwardian period and discover local history in Wolverhampton.

Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Wolverhampton 

Home to contemporary art from the likes of David Hockney and Andy Warhol.

East of England

The Higgins Bedford, Bedford 

Collection of watercolour, prints and decorative art – with displays on the works of William Burges and Edward Bawden.

Bury St Edmunds Abbey, Bury St Edmunds 

The wealthiest Benedictine monastery in medieval England includes the shrine of St Edmund and the 14th-century Great Gate. 

The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

Huge collection of artworks and objects formerly owned by Cambridge alumni Richard Fitzwilliam, from ancient Egyptian coffins to Renaissance masterpieces. 

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge

Collection of archaeology and anthropological items including Roman pottery and objects from predynastic Egypt. 

The Polar Museum, Cambridge 

Learn about the history and science of polar exploration, Arctic art and culture.

Sedgwick Museum of Earth Science, Cambridge 

Dig deeper into a collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils dating back two million years.

Peterborough Museum, Cambridgeshire 

Home to 227,000 items from the city’s history and artistic heritage, including ceramics from the Roman empire and Jurassic fossil remains.

Hollytrees Museum, Colchester 

Glimpse into life for both the rich and the poor in 18th-century Colchester, and get the chance to dress up as a servant. 

Henry Blogg Museum, Cromer 

Discover the life of hero Henry Blogg, who helped 387 rescues at sea and created a hull shape for a new lifeboat. 

Hylands House and Estate, Essex 

The Neo-Classical Hylands House is surrounded by 574 acres of parkland, and the popular Go Ape attraction.

Cromwell Museum, Huntingdon 

Collection of artefacts, paintings, and material relating to Oliver Cromwell’s Protectorate. 

Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich 

Tudor brick mansion featuring collection of items from the Tudor period including clothing, children’s toys, and musical instruments. 

Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton 

Learn about Luton’s local history and see Europe’s biggest collection of horse-drawn carriages.

Bhaktivedanta Manor, Radlett

78 acres of land featuring an organic farm, monastery, and Hare Krishna temple in Hertfordshire.

Great London & Outer London

Myddelton House Gardens, Enfield 

Former home and gardens of the horticulturist, Edward Bowles. 

Bank of England Museum, London 

Deep dive into 1,500 years of monetary history with a famous 13kg gold bar you can hold, worth £380,000.

British Museum, London

The UK’s biggest museum, with the world’s largest collection of works – eight million pieces exploring human history, art, and culture. 

Geffrye Museum of the Home, London 

Step back into British homelife, from 1600 to the present day, with a series of period room displays. 

Grant Museum of Zoology, London 

One of the oldest natural history collections, dating back to 1828, including 68,000 zoological specimens.

Guildhall Art Gallery & London’s Roman Amphitheatre, London 

Home to City of London’s art collection dating back to the 1600s, as well as a famous Roman amphitheatre. 

Horniman Museum and Gardens, London

Collection with over 350,000 anthropological and historical items as well as musical instruments and taxidermied animals.

Kenwood House, London 

A 17th-century house in Hampstead Heath, used to film Notting Hill, Sense and Sensibility, and Mansfield Park.

Museum of London Docklands, London

A 200-year-old warehouse featuring the history of trade and how pirates transformed the capital in the 1600s. 

Museum of the Order of St John, London 

Learn about the history of St John Ambulance dating back 900 years.

National Army Museum, London . 

Wander through warfare across the ages, from English Civil War and Seven Years War to present day.

National Gallery, London 

2,600 pieces of art, from the Renaissance, Impressionism and Gothic periods.

National Portrait Gallery, London 

The world’s biggest portrait collection, with artworks of some of the most important and iconic British people. 

Natural History Museum, London 

One of the UK’s most popular museums with 80 million items, including the famous blue whale skeleton.

Petrie Museum, London 

One of the world’s biggest collections of Egyptian and Sudanese archaeology.

Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great, London

UK’s oldest church, founded in 1123, and still a place of worship.

Royal Air Force Museum, London

Discover the history of aviation and the RAF with famous aircraft including the WWII bomber, Avro Lancaster.

Royal Hospital Chelsea, London

British Army soldier retirement home exploring the history of the residents and the building. 

Science Museum, London

Family-friendly museum where you can discover famous inventions from rockets and computers, to aviation and trains, across 50 exhibits and regular pop-up events.

Sir John Soane’s Museum, London

Former home of the English architect most famous for designing the Bank of England.

Tate Britain, London

Biggest collection of British art in the world, dating back to 1897.

Tate Modern, London

Britain’s national collection of contemporary and modern art, including Picasso and Matisse.

Victoria and Albert Museum, London 

World’s biggest museum of arts and design, with more than 2.8 million objects.

The Wallace Collection, London 

Former townhouse of the Seymour family, Marquesses of Hertford, with collection of fine and decorative arts.

William Morris Gallery, London 

Step inside the famous textile designer’s former home and learn about his influence on the design industry.

South East

Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, Canterbury 

Grade II-listed building with works from David Hockney, as well as an ancient Egyptian mummified cat, and the original Bagpuss. 

The Novium, Chichester 

Former Roman bathhouse exploring 500,000 years of Chichester.

Dover Museum, Dover 

Learn why Dover is England’s ‘Lock and Key’ having survived invasions from Julius Caesar, William the Conqueror and Napoleon. 

The White Cliffs of Dover, Dover 

Visit deep shelters built for soldiers in World War II.

Towner Art Gallery, Eastbourne 

Extensive collection of modern British and contemporary international artworks. 

Royal Holloway Art Collection, Egham 

Collection of paintings, drawings, and prints by artists including John Everett Millais, Edward Burne-Jones, and John Nash. 

Hastings Fisherman’s Museum, Hastings 

Dive into the fishing industry and maritime history of Hastings. 

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, Hastings 

Collection of over 90,000 objects on everything from natural sciences and decorative arts, to world cultures and a dinosaur gallery. 

Shipwreck Museum, Hastings 

Learn about maritime disasters, and see shipwrecks including from the English Channel.

The New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst 

An independent charity dedicated to showcasing traditions, origins, and wildlife of the New Forest.

Maidstone Museum, Maidstone

Collection of more than 600,000 artefacts and specimens, exploring fine art, human history, and textiles.

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford 

UK’s oldest public museum, exploring the works of artists and archaeologists dating back to 8,000 BC.

Museum of the History of Science, Oxford

Home to the world’s best collection of early scientist instruments.

Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford

Houses the Oxford University’s collection of over 500,000 archeological and anthropological objects.

Dorchester Abbey Museum, Oxfordshire 

Displays dating back 6,000 years, with artefacts such as prehistoric stone tools, Roman fortified settlements, and an Iron Age village. 

Hook Norton Brewer Museum, Oxfordshire 

Victorian brewery with guided tours and free beer samples.

The Oxfordshire Museum, Oxfordshire 

Learn the story of Oxfordshire, from the Jurassic period through to the Victorian era and modern day.

Boathouse 4, Portsmouth 

Discover the history of maritime craftsmanship including the development of boatbuilding.

Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, Portsmouth

Look into the local history and heritage of the city including special moments from Portsmouth FC.

Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson, Portsmouth 

A Victorian fortress, home to the national collection of artillery and historic cannon.

Southsea Castle, Portsmouth

An important landmark built by King Henry VIII, where he watched the sinking of The Mary Rose in 1545. 

The Museum of English Rural Life, Reading

Discover the traditions and daily routines of rural life dating back to 1750 in Reading.

Winchester City Mill, Winchester 

View the waterwheel and machinery of an ancient water-powered corn mill.

The Lightbox, Woking 

A museum housing contemporary art including the works of Elisabeth Frink, Eduardo Paolozzi, and Barbara Hepworth.

Worthing Museum and Art Gallery, Worthing

One of the UK’s biggest displays of costume and textiles. 

South West

Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, Barnstaple 

Learn about North Devon’s local history across 12 galleries with annual events and a tearoom.

Avon Valley Railway, Bristol 

See tracks, locomotives, and carriages from the Avon Valley Railway, dating back to 1869.

Blaise Castle House Museum, Bristol 

Learn about Bristol homelife across the last 300 years with a costume collection of 10,000 items.

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol 

Three floors of of art, costume and textiles, ceramics, archaeology and religion.

Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum, Bristol

Discover how and why the famous bridge was built.

The Georgian House Museum, Bristol 

An 18th-century townhouse that shows what life for the wealthy was like in Bristol.

M Shed, Bristol

Collection of 3,000 artefacts as well as a Banksy built into a 1950s transit shed by the docks.

The Red Lodge Museum, Bristol

Learn about 400 years of the historic house, once a party place for royals and a Victorian reform school.

Brixham Heritage Museum, Brixham 

Former police station that explores the town’s history with 10,000 objects.

Castle Bude, Bude 

Built into the sand, the 1830 castle is now home to a local museum, art gallery and cafe.

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth 

Learn how to collect fossils with guided walks and rockpooling.

The Wilson, Cheltenham 

A collection of arts and crafts from World War I, and Chinese ceramics.

Red House Museum and Gardens, Christchurch 

A former Georgian workhouse turned into a museum displaying the local town’s history dating back to the Ice Age.

Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, Dorchester 

Find out about a group of farm workers who became martyrs for forming a trade union, influencing modern day unions.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, Exeter 

Home to an impressive collection exploring zoology, anthropology, fine art, archeology and geology.

Gloucester Folk Museum, Gloucester

One of Gloucester’s oldest buildings with music and theatre events.

Museum of Cornish Life, Helston

One of the largest social and cultural history collections in South West Britain.

Otterton Mill Centre and Working Museum, Otterton 

See a historic water mill along with a gallery of arts and crafts.

Poole Museum, Poole 

Learn about Poole’s history from Ice Age to present day.

Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, St Ives

Learn about the sculptor’s life and explore her studio and gardens.

The Museum in the Park, Stroud 

Unique 4,000-strong collection of items, from dinosaur bones to the world’s first lawnmower.

Durlston Castle, Swanage

Learn about the Victorian history of the folly with cafe and rooftop views

The Museum of Somerset, Taunton 

Explore 400 million years of Taunton’s history. 

Cockington Court, Torquay 

Watch artisans, like chocolate makers, painters and glassblowers, at work with seasonal gallery shows.

Longleat House, Warminster 

Explore an Elizabethan manor house with 900 acres of parkland.

The picturesque town is dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Weald’ and boasts award-winning wineries

If you’re after a UK destination to visit that’s away from the usual tourist trail, look no further than this underrated town. Like many British market towns, this spot has seen businesses come and go, but it has generally remained resilient thanks to tourism and its emphasis on independent retailers.

New cafés, salons and professional services have continued to open in recent years, helping maintain a lively town centre despite the wider challenges facing UK high streets. Its high street is often described as one of the most attractive market-town high streets in Kent.

Rather than being dominated by chain stores, it has retained a strong independent character, with a broad, tree-lined layout that makes it feel more like a promenade than a conventional shopping street.

When it comes to independent shopping you’ll find boutiques, gift shops, bookshops, galleries, jewellers, delicatessens, cafés and specialist retailers alongside a handful of familiar national brands. This mix has helped the town remain a shopping destination for both locals and visitors.

Walking along the high street today, you’ll pass several historic landmarks, including St Mildred’s Church, whose origins date back to the 12th century and the 1792 Town Hall, an elegant Georgian building.

Kent town

Nicknamed the “Jewel of the Weald” by locals, the picturesque town of Tenterden in Kent is easily accessible and boasts arts and folk festivals, restaurants and award-winning wineries and historic architecture.

Although the population is only around 8,200, Tenterden serves a much wider rural area. People from dozens of surrounding villages come into town for shopping, healthcare, banking and cafés, so it often feels busier than its size would suggest.

For a relatively small place, Tenterden has a busy calendar. Annual events include:

• May Fair
• Folk Festival
• Christmas Market
• Classic car gatherings
• Steam railway events
• Food and drink festivals

Many of these take place on or around the high street, making it the perfect spot for locals and visitors to get together.

History

One of Tenterden’s most fascinating stories is its unexpected maritime past. Although the town now lies several miles inland, it was once closely connected to the sea.

During the Middle Ages, ships could sail up the River Rother to the nearby port of Small Hythe, which became an important centre for shipbuilding.

Over time, the river silted up and the coastline gradually shifted, leaving Tenterden inland.

The Kent & East Sussex Railway is one of Britain’s best-loved heritage railways and an integral part of Tenterden’s character.

Stretching 17 km between Tenterden Town and Bodiam, the line takes passengers for “a nostalgic journey” through the scenic Rother Valley to view a 14th-century structure, Bodiam Castle, which is regarded as “one of the best loved and best known castles in England”.

Combining rich railway history with some of the finest countryside in Kent and East Sussex, it remains one of the region’s most popular visitor attractions.

The town is home to Chapel Down Winery, which provides tours and tastings of its award-winning wines, ciders, and spirits, according to WorldAtlas. The town also regularly plays host to arts and crafts fairs and folk festivals, amongst them a free-entry community festival taking place this summer.

Tenterden is a popular base for exploring both Kent and East Sussex, and within 20 minutes, you can also reach:

• Rye
• Romney Marsh
• Bodiam Castle
• Great Dixter
• Sissinghurst Castle Garden
• Camber Sands

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on Thursday announced its inaugural film programming, which will be screened nonstop during museum hours in two dedicated 299-seat theaters. Entry to the theaters is included with each general admission ticket, and visitors can enter and exit at any time, creating a free-flowing set of ancillary exhibition spaces with a goal of furthering the museum’s mission of exploring storytelling in its many forms.

One of the theaters will play museum co-founder George Lucas’ student films, made between 1965 and 1969, among other rare offerings. A schedule of screenings will be provided to visitors as they enter so they can plan their day around what they’d like to see, and programming will be changed periodically through the year. The theaters will also be used for special events.

“The film program, like so much in the museum, is unique in its structure and content. It is an open-door program that runs continuously throughout the day, allowing people to come and go at their leisure,” Ryan Linkof, senior curator and head of the museum’s film programs, wrote in an email. The news was first revealed Thursday during a Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con. “In this way, it fits within the larger mission of the museum to allow visitors to choose their own path through the museum and discover content at their own pace. It is also a varied and diverse program that includes everything from the earliest cinema experiments to avant-garde film, documentaries and animation, providing a platform for many underrecognized and rarely seen films and filmmakers.”

Adjacent to each other on the ground floor, off the north lobby of the $1-billion museum, the theaters are named after two giants of film history: Robert J. Flaherty, whose 1922 silent film “Nanook of the North” revolutionized documentary filmmaking; and early Hollywood montagist, cinematic artist and experimental filmmaker Slavko Vorkapich, who also served as chair of the USC film department from 1948 to 1950, more than a decade before Lucas enrolled in the program.

The Flaherty theater will be dedicated to documentaries, including those that chronicle the work and artistic process of many of the artists and storytellers featured in the museum’s opening exhibitions such as Norman Rockwell, Jim Lee, Charles M. Schulz, Maurice Sendak, Diego Rivera, J.C. Leyendecker and Weegee. The museum will also screen “Seeing Is Believing: The Story of Narrative Art,” a new documentary series it commissioned from Robin Dashwood. It will also show episodes of the 2024 television series “The Power of Film,” created by Howard Suber and directed by Laura Gabbert, and the 1988 Ron Mann-directed doc “Comic Book Confidential.”

The experience will be more avant-garde in the Vorkapich theater, which will contain programming “showcasing cinematic innovation and imagination through experimental and formally inventive short films that speak to the essence of cinema: the magic of seeing still images come to life,” wrote Linkof.

Offerings include Lucas’ student films, as well as montage sequences by Vorkapich for movies like “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”; silent films by Georges Méliès, Émile Cohl, W.K.L. Dickson, Edwin S. Porter and more; early animations by Winsor McCay; experimental films created by Man Ray and László Moholy-Nagy; early sound animations by Walt Disney and Fleischer Studios; experimental films by Canadian animator Norman McLaren; Looney Tunes cartoons; abstract “visual music” works by Mary Ellen Bute, Oskar Fischinger, Jordan Belson and others; excerpts from Busby Berkeley musicals; experimental films from the 1960s by Stan Brakhage and Kenneth Anger; experimental animation by Vince Collins; “Cowboy Bebop”; and an episode of “Star Wars: Visions.”

The Lucas Museum opens Sept. 22. Tickets went on sale Tuesday and were going briskly, with digital wait times reported of more than four hours in queues with as many as 13,000 guests. Museum representatives declined to comment on how many sold that first day, noting, “We’re grateful for the response and early enthusiasm from our Founding Member community and first wave of visitors. We look forward to welcoming them in September.”

New research shows more Brits have visited the Eiffel Tower than some of Britain’s most iconic landmarks, with cost of living and lack of time cited as the main barriers to exploring closer to home.

Britons are more likely to have visited landmarks overseas than those on their own doorstep, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 adults found that more people have laid eyes on the Eiffel Tower (55%) than some of Britain’s most beloved landmarks, including the Tower of London (54%), Tower Bridge (53%) and Trafalgar Square (52%). The findings also revealed that people were better at identifying foreign landmarks than those closer to home.

More than three quarters (78%) of respondents could identify the Eiffel Tower, while 71% recognised the Leaning Tower of Pisa and 61% could identify Rome’s Colosseum. By contrast, fewer people were able to recognise St Paul’s Cathedral (58%), Westminster Abbey (53%) and Edinburgh Castle (52%).

In honour of these landmarks, Railcard.co.uk, which commissioned the research, collaborated with ‘Sand in Your Eye’ to craft a variety of attractions and famous sights from across Britain in sand. The sculpture was revealed on Blackpool promenade and will stay there for the public to view until the weekend.

Constructed using 12 tonnes of sand and taking three days to complete, the creation showcases the attractions topping Brits’ wish lists: Tower of London (22%), Edinburgh Castle (18%), Stonehenge (18%), Eden Project (18%) and Scotland’s Loch Ness (18%).

Catherine Lyver, from railcard.co.uk, which commissioned the research to encourage Brits to make the most of British landmarks by offering a third off travel for adults and 60% off for children, said: “It’s easy to overlook the iconic landmarks and hidden gems on our doorstep, yet Great Britain is full of incredible places to explore.

“We’re encouraging people to do a third more with their break, making it easier and more affordable to tick off some of the bucket-list-worthy destinations closer to home.”

“Whether you’re still looking to tick off historic favourites like the Tower of London or have added the modern Eden Project to your list, there are plenty of opportunities to make your summer go further when you travel by train.”

The overwhelming majority in the OnePoll.com survey for railcard.co.uk (79%) said they would like to discover more British landmarks – but the cost of living (43%) and lack of time (33%) are the primary obstacles preventing them.

When visiting British landmarks 23% will travel by train, because it’s relaxing (59%), more convenient (46%) and don’t have to worry about parking (43%).

THE 10 MUST VISIT ATTRACTIONS IN BRITAIN:

1. Tower of London
2. Edinburgh Castle
3. Stonehenge
4. Eden Project
5. Loch Ness
6. The British Museum
7. Buckingham Palace
8. Lake Windermere
9. Windsor Castle
10. Jurassic Coast

THE school summer holidays are upon us, with six weeks to fill to entertain the kids.

If you’re looking for fun for the whole family without breaking the bank then this bumper list is for you – we’ve scoured the country for some of the best cheap and free attractions.

Summer of Play, Various Locations – from £9

The National Trust brings back its Summer of Play programme running from July to September across the country.

The events on the schedule are free but admission fees are around £10 and under.

At Arlington Court in Devon, find activities such as archery, giant slingshots, and a water play zone – great for keeping everyone cool in a heatwave.

Gibside near Tyne & Wear is packed with experiences such as racket sports, axe throwing, and classic games like a bean bag toss.

Pokémon fans will also delight in recognising their favourite character in trails across different National Trust sites.

Expect to get involved with trading card games and collect Mega Evolution stickers.

To find a site near you visit the National Trust’s Summer of Play website. 

Free entry but admission fees into National Trust sites apply

National Racehorse Week, Various Locations – free

From 22 to 31 August during National Racehorse Week, families have a chance to grab a free ticket for over 85 behind-the-scenes events across the country.

Choose between meeting racehorses or exploring training yards to learn more about a side of British racing that is often overlooked.

To find an event near you visit the National Racehorse Week website. 

Free tickets available on the National Racehorse Week website

North of England

Starry Nights in Lake District, Cumbria – free

The Lake District in Cumbria is home to many low-light Dark Sky Discovery Sites making it the perfect place to go on a stargazing trail.

Grab your camping gear and find budget-friendly campsites for £15-£17 on pitchup.com.

Some favourites includes North Lakes Campsite in Deanscales, Blaithwaite House in Wigton, and Cardewless in Carlisle.

Find the most isolated lake of Lake District at Ennerdale Water and venture east for the darkest skies in Cumbria. Look out for free stargazing events a few times a year. 

For those looking for a nighttime walk, head to St Bees Beach on the west coast when the tide is out.

Sitting above the Bassenthwaite Lake, Whinlatter Forest offers lucky stargazers a chance to spot the Milky Way. 

Free but campsite charges apply

National Railway Museum, York – free

The National Railway Museum in York is perfect for train fanatics.

Visit the Great Hall for the gold leaf stripes of Duchess of Hamilton, the Japanese high-speed rail nicknamed ‘bullet train’ or ‘Mallard’, the world’s fastest steam locomotive. 

For something extra special, check out Wonderlab:The Bramall Gallery for an interactive experience to test your engineering skills.

Free Entry. Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery day passes start from £8.60.

Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire – free

Spot a variety of butterflies fluttering around at Mere Sands Wood in Lancashire on a guided walk through the reserve. 

Perfect for all members of the family, go on an easy two-hour walk and stop by different sites to find a range of beautiful butterflies and insects.

Alternatively if butterflies aren’t for you, go on the Tomato Soup at the Cafe Loop which is a 1.3 mile walking trail that ends with a bowl of soup.

Experiences are free but adults pay £6 for the Butterfly Walk

Manchester Museum, Manchester – free 

Manchester Museum is a great way to take the family out for a day and learn about what makes us human and how we connect with nature. 

Don’t forget to say hi to the giant T.rex, Stan, explore the lives of ancient Egyptians or marvel at archaeological objects.

This summer, discover the world of bugs from 21 July to 28 August in Bugtastic!

Take part in producing insect prints, designing comics starring superbugs, and make bug-like costumes.

Free entry although booking is advised for the Exhibition Hall. 

South and West of England

WhizzFizz 2026, Buckinghamshire – free

From 27 July to 1 August, WhizzFizz is holding a free summer festival across Buckinhamshire in Aylesbury, Chesham, and High Wycombe. 

The schedule includes an interactive board games show, collage workshops and poetry workshops for children. 

Sessions are free but participating kids are expected to be registered for the events. Adults are required to stay but don’t need a ticket. 

Free admission

Boating in Regent’s Park, London – from £3.40

Hop on a boat from now to September in Regents Park and take in the beautiful surroundings. 

A 30-minute boat journey ranges from free for toddlers to £6.50 for adults during off-peak hours.

Alternatively, the Children’s Boating Pond is £5.20 for a 20 minute session. 

Prices start from £3.40. Off peak hours are 11am-1pm on weekdays and 10am-noon on the weekends.

British Museum, London – free

The British Museum is at the heart of Central London with a large worldwide collection dating back two million years and the best part is that general admission is free.

This summer celebrate the 25th anniversary of John Constable’s birth with a free exhibition.

Explore a collection of Constable’s paintings where he depicted British landscapes from fields in East Anglia to the clouds of Hampstead Heath.

Free Admission

Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre, London – from £10

Experience 400 years of history in London’s original theatre district and transport yourself back into the time of Shakespeare. 

Enjoy classics such as Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Julius Caesar this summer for £10 if you grab a standing ticket. 

Prices start from £10

Mudchute Park and Farm, London – free

Families with animal lovers in the group will delight in this free family farm on the Isle of Dogs. 

Find over 100 animals in the 32 acre farm including goats, pigs, and even llamas.

Before leaving, stop by the Mudchute Kitchen Cafe for delicious home-cooked food, cakes and tea. 

Free Admission

Smithsonian Starstruck at the Science Museum, London – free

Experience this free virtual reality experience at the Science Museum in London.

Visitors embark on a cosmic journey discovering galaxies, constellations and watch volcanoes on an exoplanet erupt into glitter.  

Free Admission

Summer in the Square, London – free

Taking place in Portman Square Garden in Marylebone from 7th – 12th July, this free festival brings families together with a range of activities. 

Choose from Wimbledon open air screenings, wellbeing sessions, and opportunities to get creative with watercolour sessions.

Kids can get involved with workshops hosted by Marylebone Youth Theatre, opt for Fairytales in Oz or The Tempest Tale. 

Free Admission

Uber Boat Audio Guide, London – £2.50

Board on to an Uber Boat and cruise down the Thames with a funny and educational twist.

For £2.50, learn history, TV and cinema facts that you can later impress friends and family with. 

£2.50 for audio guides

Lady Vale Walk, Bodmin – free

Take the family out for a chance to spot some of their favourite characters from The Gruffalo. 

Follow the signs for the Lady Vale Walk in Cardinham Woods near Bodmin to hunt for the Gruffalo characters along the path.

Don’t forget to bring the camera and take a picture next to the sculptures as you venture deeper into the forest. 

Free admission

Brighton Beach and Pier – £1

Brighton Beach is one of England’s top beach destinations with plenty of activities for the whole family. 

The Brighton Palace Pier is a £1 admission fee and boasts its own helter skelter for £3.

Other attractions include a soft-play area and Brighton’s largest arcade with classic games such as penny pushers and air hockey. 

Take a ride on the world’s oldest operating railway, Volk’s Electric Railway, where an adult return fare is £7 and a children return is £4.40.

Visit the Fishing Museum for free and discover the history of Brighton’s fishing village.    

Prices start from free to £7

Song of the Sea Cave, Cornwall – free 

Instead of splashing out for a holiday away, visit this hidden gem for a beach holiday.

Jump into this natural tidal pool at Nanjizal Beach in St Levan, Cronwall and cool off from the hot summer.

Nicknamed “Song of the Sea Cave”, this low tide pool will make you feel as though you’ve escaped to a warmer destination surrounded by clear waters.

Dip into the mermaid pool and watch the light glimmering through the narrow arch. 

Free admission

Central and East England

Silverstone Museum, Towcester – free 

This summer until 31 August, Silverstone Museum in Towcester is offering Kids Go and Eat Free for children ages 15 and under.

Explore immersive exhibits, iconic cars and learn about racers that have shaped the history of motor sports.

Highlights include a Mixed and Virtual Reality behind the story of Alberto Ascari, racing Scaletric cards on a 25-meter long track and a collection of championship winning vehicles. 

Prices start from free to £24 for adults when booking at least 1 day in advance.

Norwich Theatre Family Festival, Norwich – free

On 4 August, Norwich Theatre brings a dramatic schedule for the whole family with free workshops and interactive experiences. 

Those interested in crafts and set design should check out workshops in puppet-making and set-art.

For the thespians and vocalists in the group, there are storytelling workshops and community singalongs.

All workshops apart from Storytelling and Sensory Stories don’t require a booking and are available to drop in. 

Free admission but Storytelling and Sensory Stories workshops require booking. 

Cambridge University’s Botanic Garden, Cambridge – free

From 25 June to 1 September, adult tickets into Botanic Garden in Cambridge will be reduced as part of the Great British Summer Savings Scheme.  

Boasting different sections, the Botanic Gardens offers visitors to explore British wild plants to exotic tropical plants to beautiful roses.

On 15 July, visit the Garden’s Main Lawn for Sounds Green 2026 and enjoy swing and jazz from The Basin Street Brawlers with a standard entry ticket. 

Don’t forget to have a tea break on the terrace of The Garden Cafe when all the walking and dancing is done.

Children under 17 go free and adult admissions are £7.60.

Tudor House Museum, Worcester – free

Step back into time at the Tudor Museum in Worcester from Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10am-4pm. 

This summer, the Tudor House Museum brings a range of family activities on Thursdays to Saturdays exploring a different historical theme each week. 

Take home a family portrait at the Victorian Parlour, write top secret messages using wartime codes or design a banquet fit for royals. 

Free admission

Scotland

Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh – free

Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh offers the chance to hike up the remains of a dormant ancient volcano for free. 

Once you get to the top of this 2,000 old hillfort, enjoy the views of St Margaret’s Loch from the summit before climbing back down. 

Free Admission

Summer Family Fun, Edinburgh – free

From 29 June – 7 August, the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is hosting Summer Family Fun on Mondays and Fridays. 

Drop in anywhere from 10am – 4pm with the family and discover weekly changing themes ranging from dinosaurs to space to ancient Egyptians for free.

Free Admission

Open Air Pool, Stonehaven, Aberdeen – free 

Jump into the UK’s only art deco, Olympic-sized lido at Stonehaven’s Open Air Pool in Aberdeen.

Now open for the summer, there is something for everyone looking to cool down from the heat.

Little ones under the age of 8 can enjoy splashing in a paddling pool (while accompanied by an adult).

If there are older kids in the group, slide down the playground of inflatables.

Catch the inflatables during the weekends from 1pm to 3pm in early and late season or all throughout the week from 3 July – 18 August. 

During the early and late season there is live music which can be enjoyed by everyone after the inflatables close. 

Day tickets start from free for under 5’s to £10.40 for adults. £1 deposit required for lockers.

Inverness Walk, Inverness – free 

If a hike up the hills at Inverness is on the itinerary, don’t forget to check out this walk around River Ness and Ness Islands. 

Explore Inverness by finding key sights of the city close to the station.

Highlights include the Inverness Cathedral designed by Alexander Ross, the Inverness Castle, and the floating Ness Islands.

On the walk, cross footbridges and spot fishermen catching salmon and birds frolicking along the river.

Free Admission

Northern Ireland

Street Art, Belfast – free

Belfast is known for its colourful streets and going on a Belfast Street Art Walking Tour may be the perfect way to learn how this creative community became so famous.

Starting from the Duke of York, go on a 2 hour walk and discover the artists who have transformed the vibrant walls of the Cathedral Quarter for £10.80.

Alternatively, download the Street Arts Cities app on your phone and go on a self-guided tour at your own pace for free. 

Prices start from free – £10.80

Ulster Museum, Belfast – free

Visit Belfast’s Botanic Gardens and drop into free workshops where kids can discover their inner fashionista or book into object handling sessions.

The interactive center offers ways to connect with creativity or learn about artefacts from different civilisations and natural wonders. 

Free Admission

17th Century Walls, Londonderry – free 

Marvel at the only walled city of Derry built in 1613-1618 and learn about the history and heritage it holds. 

Check out the impressive collection of 7 gates and cannons which have been carefully looked after and restored.

Free Admission

The Giant’s Lair, Slieve Gullion Adventure Playpark – free

Transport your little ones to the land of giants, fairies, and pixies with this free fairytale trail at Slieve Gullion Forest Park in County Armagh.

Walk the same path of mischievous Flynn the fairy and be careful not to wake the sleeping giant, Slieve Gullion.

Find fairy houses, sip on dandelion tea at the Giant’s table, pass the ladybird house and catch a glimpse of the naughty witch, Calliagh Berra. 

Free Admission

Wales

Caerphilly Cheese Festival, Caerphilly, Wales – free

Making a return, the Caerphilly Cheese Festival takes place on the 29th and 30th August at Caerphilly Town Centre and is free to attend. 

Explore the packed schedule consisting of food, drink and craft stalls, funfair attractions, street and music entertainers.

Don’t forget to gorge on cheese while you are there.

Free Admission

Cardiff Bay Barrage, Cardiff – free

For something free, families can choose to go on a stroll or an easy bike ride while enjoying the views of Cardiff Bay and the Severn Estuary.

Check out other facilities such as the children’s play area, Skate Plaza and adiZone outdoor gym. 

Free Admission

Margam Country Park, Port Talbot – free 

Near Port Talbot, there are plenty of fun activities for the whole family at this park with free entry. 

Visit the Fairytale Village and step into miniature houses with whimsical themes, play a game of giant chess and draughts, or wander through the willow cathedral. 

A unique feature is the Wood Vibrations Trail where kids have the opportunity to create music and appreciate nature.

Pass the giant musical instruments made from felled trees, grab a stick and watch them play their hearts out.

Free Admission, but car park charges apply (£8.90 for cars or £5.90 if arriving 2 hours before closing)

Holyhead Festival, Newry Beach – from free

From 23 July – 26th July, celebrate culture with the community at the Holyhead festival at Newry Beach with music, street food and craft stalls. 

There is also a programme of fun such as the Family Foam Sessions (With Peppa Pig) and fairground rides, although additional charges may apply (£5 and under) 

Free Admission. Foam Party tickets start at £2 for adults and £5 for children attending Peppa Pig sessions.

A week’s stay costs significantly less than many popular European rivals

Many UK households are reconsidering their holiday plans for 2026, with nearly half (47%) of Brits with travel plans deciding to cut back due to soaring flight costs.

Research from the credit card firm Aqua examined the cost of a week’s stay in summer holiday destinations across the UK and Europe to uncover where Brits can stretch their money the furthest this year.

Albania has emerged as the top destination for a summer getaway in 2026, with return flights costing £100 and a week’s stay for two in July coming in at £381.

One British seaside resort also made a notable appearance on the list. Blackpool is the only UK destination to feature in the top 10, landing in ninth place as one of the most budget-friendly summer holiday spots for 2026, boasting the lowest average prices for local attractions (£31) and fuel costs averaging £35.

Things to do in Blackpool

Blackpool offers a wealth of attractions listed on TripAdvisor, among them Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool Tower Ballroom and The Blackpool Tower.

It is Blackpool Pleasure Beach, however, that sits at the top of TripAdvisor with a rating of four, based on an impressive 15,000 customer reviews. The amusement and theme park is open seven days a week, with unlimited-ride eTickets available from around £31.50 online for adults (ages 12+) and £22.50 for children, compared to gate prices of up to £50.

Ticket prices at Blackpool Pleasure Beach vary by date, and booking at least seven days in advance can save visitors up to £14 per ticket.

Those who prefer to pay as they go can purchase individual ride tickets starting from £7.

Visitors have been singing the praises of Blackpool Pleasure Beach on TripAdvisor, with one guest writing: “An amazing day on the theme park with amazing rides, all the staff were friendly and helpful, great day all round, would recommend going.”

A second visitor added: “Amazing friendly staff, always happy to help, amazing rides as well, can always have a great day at the Pleasure Beach.”

“We had a fantastic trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which was enjoyed by all ages,” said another. “Our youngest is just a toddler, and our oldest is a teenager, and they both had a great time. There is really something for everyone.”

A fourth guest enthused, “Best day ever today! Jake and Jamie, who work on the Big One, you were right, it doesn’t go upside down! Although we got wetter than we ever would have on Valhalla! All staff were great, and the facilities were too. Can’t wait to come back.”

Rounding off the glowing reviews, one visitor posted: “Great, I had a wonderful time at the amusement park. I am glad I enjoyed all the attractions and entertainment. The atmosphere there was absolutely delightful. It was a pleasure to hear about such positive experiences.”

Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the spectrum, London ranks as the most sought-after staycation destination in the UK. The capital tops the list with steep accommodation costs (£1,133 per week for two adults), affordable meals (£20), and pints (£7).

Yet a number of top attractions, including the British Museum and the National Gallery, are free to enter, which helps to soften the blow on overall expenditure.

Brighton takes second place, with accommodation on the pricier side — the second highest of all destinations analysed (£1,715 a week for two adults). Falmouth, UK, follows closely in third, also driven by some of the steepest accommodation costs (£1,501 a week for two adults).

The top 10 most affordable European destinations for 2026:

1. Albania
2. Prague
3. Porto
4. Madrid
5. Lisbon
6. Costa Del Sol
7. Budapest
8. Tenerife
9. Blackpool
10. Lanzarote

Time Out has named this spot as one of the best places to visit in the UK highlighting its stunning beaches, world-class museums and vibrant food scene

It’s time to look beyond the obvious and consider some of Britain’s finest destinations which may not yet feature on your travel radar — but absolutely should — and one of them is tucked away in the North East.

Time Out has unveiled its list of ‘The 14 best places to visit in the UK in 2026’, and cracking the top 10 is a North East city that is frequently overlooked in favour of its more celebrated neighbour just 10 miles down the road.

Certain spots earned their place on the list for their buzzing nightlife, others for their coastlines, some for their museums, and others still for their exceptional food scenes. Claiming the number 10 spot was Sunderland, carving out a reputation that stretches well beyond its celebrated football club.

Premier League glory aside, Sunderland might not immediately spring to mind for many travellers, yet according to the publication’s experts, there’s a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered in this seaside city. With a host of exhibitions, sporting fixtures and much more scheduled throughout 2026, there are countless reasons to visit — and even more to make you want to linger.

Beaches

Unlike most thriving cities, Sunderland is fortunate enough to boast a handful of sweeping and stunning beaches, owing to its enviable position along the mouth of the River Wear on the North Sea coast. The twin beaches at Roker and Seaburn are the perfect spot to kick back and relax, with many visitors hailing them as “the best in the UK” — some having made the trip since childhood.

Both hold blue flag status, making them a clean and safe destination for the whole family, whether you’re soaking up the golden sands in summer or enjoying a brisk stroll along the shore during the cooler months.

A recent visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “We spent a fine sunny spring morning walking on the seafront. We got there easily by taking the E1 bus from Sunderland city centre.

“Roker and Seaburn are attractive with good beaches with nice cafes with good coffee, which we sampled, and seafront restaurants that we would like to try next time. We only spent three hours here, but it has whetted our appetites and will certainly come again when visiting Sunderland.”

Pier Point at Roker sits right on the beachfront, lined with a variety of cafés and restaurants where you can tuck into classic seaside fare and stop off for a drink or two.

Museums

As highlighted by Time Out when unveiling their rankings, museums play a central role in Sunderland’s appeal as a tourist destination and serve as a brilliant showcase of the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage. It’s worth checking ahead for any upcoming exhibits, but on any given day, these venues are well worth a visit.

Standing out among the city’s attractions is the National Glass Centre, set within a striking glass structure beside the waterfront. The venue is devoted to examining concepts and heritage through the medium of glass, while offering visitors the chance to get hands-on and engage with the educational programmes available.

It’s highly regarded as one of Sunderland’s top attractions, ranking second on TripAdvisor. One visitor remarked: “This place is amazing. The glassblowing demonstration is really good, the cafe is really nice, food delish, staff very good. Nice setting on the water.”

Additional museums include the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum, Ryhope Engines Museum and, perhaps most significantly, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens. Located in the city centre, Sunderland Museum chronicles the city’s story across four levels, featuring an array of captivating galleries and displays.

One visitor said: “The museum offers free entry and has plenty of exhibits. I first had to see the staple of the museum, which is Wallace the Lion who has been with the museum for over 160 years.

“There was a write-up about how Wallace came to be in the museum which was nice to read about. There were a few other areas which showed off the history of the mines and celebrated the miners’ unions, etc.”

For those seeking somewhere to while away a few hours indoors, whether escaping dreary weather or beating the heat, free entry means there’s every reason to discover what the museum has to offer.

Across the city, a diverse array of thriving independent eateries are serving up some seriously tasty grub, from street food stalls to cosy cafés and beloved seafront staples. Time Out made a point of singling out Propa Pies, a “nostalgia-fuelled pastry pop-up from Hairy Biker Si King”, which offers an impressive selection of inventively flavoured pies alongside timeless classics.

A sunny island with beautiful beaches, cosy pubs and an easy drive from the UK ticked all of the boxes for a recent family holiday

I bet you – like me – have often dreamt of that perfect holiday destination that has it all within easy reach.

Good weather, a beach, great eating spots, cosy pubs, picturesque streets to potter around plus a hefty dose of history to keep the grey matter ticking over.

Sounds impossible. But I think I’ve found it and it’s St Peter Port on the tiny Channel Island of Guernsey.

With a population of nearly 20,000, St Peter Port could hardly describe itself as a city but it is the biggest town and main centre of Guernsey.

Thanks to generous tax allowances for residents, some quarters of the harbour town have a Canary Wharf vibe (plus seaside finance bros) but cast your gaze away from that and you will be met with nothing but bunting, cute cobbled shopping streets and harbour-front eating and drinking spots.

Guernsey has that hugely familiar British feel, with an ever so slightly French twist. There’s an M&S Food Hall but you can’t use your Sparks card (‘different franchise’ I am told) and even a Sports Direct. But beyond that you can feast every night on fresh crab, lobster and fish and you simply must find an excuse to indulge in some of the dairy produce the famous Guernsey cows produce.

Visiting St Peter Port as a family of four we were overwhelmed with options. Being history buffs we were in our element.

OPINION

Guernsey was occupied by Nazi Germany for most of the Second World War, from June 1940 to May 1945. Across the island, and in St Peter Port in particular, there is a huge amount to see and learn relating to that time.

If you spend a day on foot in St Peter Port, you can start with a ride on the Petit Train, which departs at regular intervals from the Albert Pier and gives you a chance to get your bearings around the steep and winding streets.

From the pier it’s around a 20 minute walk to the top of town where you must visit the German Naval Signals HQ. This is the top-rated attraction in the town and my kids – 10 and 14 – were unanimous it was their top sight for the week we spent in Guernsey. Entry is just £13 for a family.

Invisible from the street and air, this perfectly-preserved underground bunker was the centre for all German naval signals during WWII.

Restored using many of the original fittings and based on advice from the former Naval Signals Officer himself, a visit here was undoubtedly brought to life for us by the extremely knowledgeable member of staff – or private tour guide as he became.

You can see where signals were received, where officers slept and even where they went to the toilet. Then before you know it, it’s out back onto the street and you can barely find where you just were.

Walking back into town, the Guernsey Museum at Candie is worth a look to give you the fascinating history of life in times gone by on the island. Surrounded by the lush Candie Gardens, a picnic here is ideal, overlooking the scenic harbour.

Back down at the harbour the world is your oyster. A trip to the beach might be on the cards (but watch out for the high and very quick tides!) or if you’re into your sea swimming, you can take a dip in one of the uber stylish La Valette seawater bathing pools.

We didn’t try them ourselves on this trip, but there are four pools to swim in, each with a changing area and a cafe and toilets by the ladies’ and children’s pool (anyone can swim in any of the pools).

Our reason to pass by the pools was for our next historical stop-off – the La Valette Underground Military Museum. We visited during the May heatwave and the cool cave of this treasure trove was extremely welcome.

The tunnels were originally built as a fuel storage facility for German U-boats during the occupation and are fascinating in themselves as an architectural phenomenon. They are now used to house a vast range of exhibits from Guernsey’s military history, including a truck used in the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Family entry costs under £30 and opened our eyes to precisely what the Guernseymen and women went through during the difficult period of Occupation in WWII. All of this is probably more than enough for one day but there is much more to see.

The jewel in St Peter Port’s crown is Castle Cornet, which has sat on a spur guarding the harbour for 800 years.

Time your visit to catch the firing of the cannon by period uniformed soliders at midday, then explore the brick alleyways, high walls, four period gardens and four museums on site. That’s before I’ve even mentioned the stunning views out to the islands of Herm, Sark and Jethou.

Another fantastic way to get under the skin of St Peter Port and Guernsey is by taking a guided walk.

We were lucky enough to join Elizabeth Gardener-Wheeler of Guided Guernsey on a clifftop walk from the stunning Fermain Bay back to St Peter Port. What Elizabeth didn’t know about life on Guernsey probably isn’t worth mentioning but her stories really brought our trip to life. From the bomb found in bluebell woods, to the private steep bathing steps for the former Governor of Guernsey, you will discover some truly hidden gems.

Of course we all enjoyed noseying at the seaview, premium properties – many of them thatched – along our walk too.

For our evening meal, we dined slightly out of town (ok, a five minute drive…) at Nineteen Bar and Grill, situated on the St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort.

It’s ideal for a family trip because you can combine your meal with a quick round of Pirate Bay Adventure Golf – a notch above your usual crazy golf thanks to real-life rafts on pools of water…

The food here was excellent with a huge choice from fresh local produce like the Guernsey crab salad which I enjoyed, over to the classic burgers, pizzas and steaks. Everyone in the family was happy.

If you buy a museum Discovery pass, you can visit Castle Cornet, Guernsey Museum, Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum and the German Naval Signals Headquarters for just £24 per named adult with all accompanying children going free. The pass is valid for 12 months’ unlimited access.

We travelled to Guernsey with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth on their overnight service, staying in a cabin with breakfast on arrival.

While on the island, we stayed for the week at the wonderful, family run, La Bailloterie campsite. Sparkling clean showers and toilets, plus fresh pastries can be ordered for breakfast every day. If camping is not your thing, the site offers safari tents and wooden cabins too.

Book the holiday

Brittany Ferries offers Poole-Guernsey routes from £374 in July and £405 in August, based on two adults and two children travelling in a standard car on a Super Saver ticket. Find out more and book at brittany-ferries.co.uk.

The airport was once Britain’s main international gateway and birthplace of the ‘Mayday’ distress call

Croydon Airport has thrown open its doors to the public once more after being shut for 67 years. Once the nation’s main international airport, it closed down for good in 1959 and has remained vacant ever since.

Earlier this year, the airport received visitors for the first time as a heritage attraction. Now converted into a museum, the site enables people to discover the original terminal building on the first Sunday of each month.

Having initially opened in 1920, Croydon Airport played a pivotal role in the advancement of aviation in the aftermath of World War 1.

The location is celebrated as the birthplace of the ‘Mayday’ emergency call. In 1923, F.S. Mockford, Croydon’s Senior Radio Officer, devised the distress signal “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”, taken from the French expression “m’aidez” (“help me”), reports Surrey Live.

Historic Croydon Airport said: “‘Mayday, Mayday, Mayday’ was subsequently approved by the Air Ministry as the required radio procedure to be used in an emergency. In 1924, the UK promulgated its approval and use through the publication of The Air Pilot: Great Britain.

“Adopted by the International Radiotelegraph Convention of Washington in 1927, ‘Mayday’ became the international standard distress phrase. The ‘Mayday’ distress call still saves lives today.”

The airport shut its doors due to its inability to accommodate larger aircraft, with its final flight departing the iconic terminal in September 1959.

The Croydon Airport Visitor Centre has an impressive 4.6 Google rating at the time of writing.

On Tripadvisor, recent visitors to the museum were full of praise, with one writing: “Fascinating trip through the history of passenger aviation!”

Another visitor said: “I have lived in the area all my life and even used to go to Purley Way Lido across the way from the airport as a child, and didn’t know the significance of Croydon Airport.

“I was amazed how well preserved the building was, and didn’t even know it had a control tower. If you are into aviation or history, it is a must-see.”

A third wrote: “Very nice and detailed tour, highly recommended. But you will have to keep checking for the tour date as it’s not year round function.”

One person commented: “This local gem has great volunteers and interesting history (such As being the world’s first control tower and carrying almost half of the UK’s air passengers in 1935). The tour, photos, and signage do give an interesting view as to what it was like in the 1920s and 1930.”

Finally, another said: “Great place to visit. Tour guide Micheal in the museum gave a great talk and overview. Would recommend for all ages. Visually great with so much so see. Definitely a must see for anyone who loves aviation.”

The World Cup arrives in L.A. on Thursday. This marks the first time the festivities have taken place in the Southland since 1994, when Pasadena’s Rose Bowl hosted the final between Brazil and Italy, which famously ended in a scoreless tie and was decided by a penalty shootout that led to Brazil winning its fourth World Cup title. (The U.S. hosted the Women’s World Cup in 1999 and 2003, with the finals at the Rose Bowl and Home Depot Center [now known as Dignity Health Sports Park], respectively.)

Soccer is art and art is soccer and soccer is life — and also one of the most beloved sports on the planet — and thankfully for you, dear arts lover, you can mix your passion for art and fútbol by heading to a free public viewing party at a number of local museums and cultural institutions.

This year sees Spain and France as favorites, with England, Brazil, Portugal and defending champions Argentina all in the running. No matter who your team is, there is a museum watch party for you. Here are your top choices, in no particular order:

The Getty Center: A variety of watch parties will take place on newly installed big screens at the museum’s Trellis Bar & Lounge and Garden Terrace Cafe, which will also feature themed menu items and drinks. The Getty will stay open until 9 p.m. on June 12, 19, 26 and July 3 to accommodate evening games. Normal Friday hours will resume July 10. Admission is free, but a reservation is required. Parking is free after 5 p.m.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art: The museum is hosting two free outdoor watch parties on large screens located on its Smidt Welcome Plaza on Wilshire Boulevard. Mexico vs. Korea can be seen from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 18; and Uruguay vs. Cape Verde will take place at 3p.m. on June 21.

LACMA is also hosting a few soccer-themed events, including “Andell Family Sundays: ‘Fútbol Is Life’,” set to take place on June 7, 14 and 28 from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. The event features art-making workshops inspired by the museum’s ‘Fútbol Is Life’ exhibit featuring soccer miniatures by Lyndon J. Barrois Sr., and led by artists Karl Petion and Patricia Yossen. There is also an event called “Let’s Play: Soccer Juggling,” from noon to 3 p.m. on June 21. This is also tied to the exhibit and offers lessons in soccer basics through a drop-in juggling and accuracy workshop led by representatives from American Youth Soccer Organization. All ages and experience levels are welcome. RSVP required.

The Autry Museum of the American West: The Autry’s free Griffith Park watch party will take place at 4 p.m. June 12 when Paraguay takes on USA. The event will feature food trucks, themed cocktails, soccer-inspired games and activities, and local vendors selling specialty wares. Free, but an RSVP is required.

The Music Center: It’s not a museum, but it’s one of the city’s most beloved cultural centers. It’s also hosting a free public screening of Spain vs. Uruguay from 5 to 7 p.m. on June 26 on its lovely Jerry Moss Plaza, including family-friendly activities and themed refreshments. Bring a picnic or pick your dinner from an on-site restaurant. Stick around after the game for a free global dance party celebrating the start of the 22nd season of the Music Center’s Dance DTLA.

I’m Arts editor Jessica Gelt putting my game face on. This is your arts and culture news for the week.

The week ahead: A curated calendar

FRIDAY

Gustavo Dudamel: Celebrating 17 Years
In his final concert as L.A. Phil music director at Disney Hall, the maestro joins his Venezuelan and American identities, conducting two poetry-inspired choral symphonic works. John Adams’ “Harmonium” borrows texts from Emily Dickinson and John Donne to explore time, harmony and rhythm. “Cantata Criolla” by composer Antonio Estévez follows a Venezuelan troubadour who squares off against the devil.
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. laphil.com

Haunted
In this one-act dance opera, composer Paul Salerni unites poetry and music to share a tale of doomed love entwined with a ghost story with an unexpected conclusion. Based on a libretto by former California Poet Laureate Dana Gioia.
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. sierramadreplayhouse.org

SATURDAY

Family Fest: Pride
A free, outdoor event celebrating love, identity and inclusivity, featuring Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Iwalani Music, Everybody Dance LA, Drag Story Time, Color Me Face Painting and more.
11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Wallis, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org

Alex Gardner, Gabriel Rico and Makiko Kudo
A trio of new exhibitions connected through the natural world and the creatures, great and small, who inhabit it: In “Animals,” painter Alex Gardner explores his experience of fatherhood; Gabriel Rico’s “Gabrielinos (I Am You And What I See Is Me),” the artist’s first solo show in Los Angeles, uses textile, assemblage and sculpture to encourage viewers to think about the world around them; the life and death of Japanese painter Makiko Kudo’s pet cat inspired “Reincarnation,” a series of oil paintings.
Opening reception, 6-8 p.m.; exhibitions run through July 11. Perrotin Los Angeles, 5036 W. Pico Blvd. perrotin.com

Magnificent Mozart & Mahler
Eckart Preu conducts the Long Beach Symphony in two classical masterpieces, “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” and Mahler’s Fifth.
7:30 p.m. Long Beach Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. longbeachsymphony.org

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
The summer repertory season launches with Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in the great outdoors of Topanga Canyon.
“Romeo and Juliet,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sept. 26; “A Midsummer’s Night Dream,” Sunday-Oct. 10. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. theatricum.com

SUNDAY

Juneteenth Block Party
Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) hosts its annual free community celebration featuring free dance master classes, live performances, carnival rides, games, food trucks, music and a marketplace for local and minority-owned businesses. Noon-7 p.m. Debbie Allen Dance Academy, 1850 S. Manhattan Place, L.A. debbieallendanceacademy.com

L’Chaim America!
The Braid theater company performs real stories of American Jewish life centered on gratitude and possibility.
2:30 p.m. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. skirball.org

MONDAY
National Museum of the Aftermath
The project, conceived and titled by Cauleen Smith and curated by Jon Rubin and Harrison Kinnane Smith, travels from city to city adopting a different name and form in each location. For two months, it will operate within Oxy Arts, challenging the status quo of history and speculating on the future.
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; through Aug. 8. Oxy Arts, 4757 York Blvd., L.A. oxyarts.oxy.edu

WEDNESDAY

Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous
An expat actor of a certain age returns to the U.S. primed for a comeback, only to face a new generation with very different ideas from her own. Written by Pearl Cleage and directed by LaTanya Richardson Jackson. Denise Burse, Olivia Washington, Deborah Joy Winans and Charlayne Woodard star.
Through July 12. Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. geffenplayhouse.org

The Revolutionists
Playwright Lauren Gunderson turns France’s Reign of Terror on its ear in this raucous comedy about women fighting for égalité. Directed by Jamie Torcellini.
Previews, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through June 28. International City Theatre, 330 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach. https://ictlongbeach.org/therevolutionists/

THURSDAY

Double Take: Photographs in Pairs
An intriguing exhibition matching photographs based on their formal qualities: the angle of a body, the geometry of a space, the relationship between figures and the interpretation of color. Photographers featured include Diane Arbus, Walker Evans, Robert Frank, Lauren Greenfield, Mary Ellen Mark, Helmut Newton, Irving Penn, Herb Ritts, Sam Taylor-Johnson, Bruce Weber and Bastiaan Woudt.
Opening reception 7-9 p.m. Thursday; exhibition runs through July 18. Fahey/Klein Gallery, 148 N. La Brea Ave. faheykleingallery.com

Ojai Music Festival
This year’s music director, Esa-Pekka Salonen, is in the spotlight as a composer with the U.S. premiere of his new work for violin and cello and the first complete performance of his “Six Preludes” for piano, and other works; Salonen also conducts the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening concerts. In its 80th year, the festival pays tribute to its defining musical figures and welcomes L.A. Phil New Music Group, Colburn Orchestra, L.A. Dance Project and many other noteworthy artists.
Through June 14, 2026. Libbey Bowl, 210 S Signal St., Ojai. ojaifestival.org

Rheology
This experimental play by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie winner Shayok Misha Chowdhury is a collaboration with his mother, physicist Bulbul Chakraborty, filled with dramatic urgency.
8 p.m. Thursday, and June 12-13. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown L.A. redcat.org

Thursday Night Jazz
Weekly series featuring guest musicians backed by the Jack Lieberman Trio. Upcoming guests include the Tyler Hammond Jazz Experience (June 11); Ido Eylon and Willem Jochems (June 18); and Joey Du Bois with Kahlil Childs (June 25).
8 p.m. Thursdays. The Spotlight, 1601 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. thespotlight.la

Arts anywhere

New and recent releases of arts-related media.

Ann Patchett, ‘Whistler’
What does a literary novelist have to do with the performing and visual arts? In Patchett’s stories, the past is often inextricably entwined with the present and within those threaded timeframes lie traces of genetic code leading to the arts and art-adjacent worlds. In “Taft” (1994), the protagonist is a former jazz musician turned Memphis bar owner; “The Magician’s Assistant” (1997) finds the title character unraveling the illusions of her own life; “Bel Canto” (2021) features a famous American soprano at the center of a hostage crisis; and “Tom Lake” (2023) revolves around a Michigan woman’s long ago love affair with a soon to be famous actor during a summer stock production of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.” Of the writer’s latest book, “Whistler,” Times contributor Leigh Haber wrote, “This exquisite writer has once again delivered an incandescent work of fiction — sweet, but never sentimental, infinitely wise and suffused with love. It’s also an ode to New York City itself.” And that ode notably begins with the protagonist and her husband at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A place that Haber notes, “one gets the sense, they know by heart.” This connection to art may prove to be tangential — I’ve only read a quarter of the book — but Patchett’s appreciation of these worlds is anything but.
Harper: 304 pages, $30

— Kevin Crust

Culture news and the SoCal scene

Times theater critic Charles McNulty reviewed the West Coast premiere of playwright Samuel D. Hunter’s “Grangeville,” directed by John Perrin Flynn, at the Ruskin Group Theatre. The play, which explores the lives of two estranged half brothers from a small Idaho town, is “beautifully acted,” McNulty writes, adding, that Hunter, “the bard of Idaho,” is “one of the theater’s outstanding American realists.”

McNulty also loved the Alicia Keys jukebox musical, “Hell’s Kitchen,” which staged its L.A. debut last week at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. The musical tells the story of Key’s upbringing in the Manhattan neighborhood of the show’s title, but the story isn’t where the show shines, writes McNulty, noting that the joy comes from the way Keys’ music is seamlessly integrated into the narrative.

“Our streets are garlanded with ‘Gracias, Gustavo’ banners and billboards. The Walt Disney Concert Hall shop has become a Dudamel-torium, aisles bursting with Gustavo T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, refrigerator magnets and this and that,” writes Times classical music critic Mark Swed in a review of Dudamel’s penultimate weekend at Walt Disney Concert Hall, including one featuring cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Benjamin Millepied’s L.A. Dance Project is staging a free, two-week-long series of public shows called “City of Dance” which take place at nine Southern California landmarks, including LACMA, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Tongva Park and Stearns Wharf. Read all about how the project came to be, including its use of Philip Glass’ score from the critically acclaimed 1982 documentary film, “Koyaanisqatsi.”

Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts has unveiled its 2026-27 season, its first under the leadership of its new executive director and CEO, Jean Davidson. Highlights include music by Joshua Redman Quartet; Ronald K. Brown and his dance company Evidence, comedy and cabaret by performers including Sandra Bernhard and designer Isaac Mizrahi; recitals by L.A. Opera, concerts featuring Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and much more. “At the heart of this season is a belief in the power of live performance to connect people to ideas, to one another, and to the shared human experience. We are proud to support artists who spark curiosity, foster empathy, and invite dialogue, while continuing to strengthen The Wallis as a vibrant gathering place for all audiences,” said Davidson in a news release. See the full schedule here.

Pacific Jazz Orchestra also announced its 2026-27 season led by composer, arranger and conductor Chris Walden. The 40-piece string orchestra and big band hybrid is entering its fourth season with five programs dedicated to jazz, swing, soul R&B, Broadway and pop, staged in six venues across the region, including in Beverly Hills, Irvine, Northridge, Palm Desert, Santa Barbara and Ventura. Featured guest artists include Broadway star Sutton Foster, pianist David Benoit and vocalist Nayanna Holley. See the full schedule here.

UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance has announced “Far Away, Here,” a new multiyear international opera initiative that will launch in the 2026-27 season with the U.S. premiere of a new adaptation of “Kafka’s Letter to His Father, “ scheduled to run Nov. 12-14 at the UCLA Nimoy Theater. The initiative will continue to present U.S. premieres of under-the-radar operas by artists from around the world, and is curated and produced by tenor Timur Bekbosunov, in collaboration with CAP UCLA’s executive and artistic director, Edgar Miramontes.

— Jessica Gelt

And last but not least

I told you where to watch the World Cup at area museums, but here’s a list for folks who would like to watch the old-fashioned way, at restaurants and bars.

The appeal of getting a free, quick, well-structured travel plan is easy to see, and something that is causing travel agents another Covid-sized thing to worry about

Places that don’t exist. Events on the wrong day. Attractions miles apart.

Holiday itineraries designed by AI appear helpful and comprehensive, but are actually riddled with mistakes and old information that could ruin your holiday, analysis of them has found.

More and more people are turning to large language models (LLMs) to plan their trips away. One study puts the number of people who have turned to a bot for holiday inspiration at 40%.

The appeal of getting a free, quick, well-structured travel plan is easy to see, and it’s another Covid-sized thing travel agents have to worry about.

But how good are the robots at the delicate art of holiday planning?

I asked the four biggest LLMs to design weekend break itineries for four destinations, and then called on local experts in those places to assess their work. This is what we found.

Grok

Jonnie Fielding, a London tour guide since 2011 with 227,000 followers on Instagram, says the itinerary is “pretty good” if not “generic”, with some glaring issues.

Grok’s suggestions of a walk through Westminster is good, but better if you have a guide point out the smaller details, such as “gas lamps, torch snuffers, fire protection badges”.

The alternative river cruise and London Eye are solid bets for first-timers in the city, but other aspects of the itinerary are less well thought through.

Jonnie argues that the itinerary is far too busy. “I’m a big fan of spending some time people watching. Soaking things in rather than rushing around, and because of the amount in this itinerary, visits to The Tower of London or Westminster Abbey are really rushed,” he said.

The biggest mistake is including the Changing the Guard, which starts at 10:43am at St James’s Palace and doesn’t run on Saturdays.

He concluded: “I know this is a generic itinerary for first-time visitors, but I think London has so much more to offer. Loads of small museums, house museums, places of interest for all interests. They would also leave, not really knowing London.”

Claude

Although Claude breaks the itinerary down into activities and eating, offering the reader a little more freedom, its work left Jay Allen from Unseen Japan incredibly cold.

“Overall, this itinerary lacks any context, history, and rich cultural detail that our customers love hearing about on our tours,” Jay says.

The itinerary is full of old information. For example, Tsukiji is no longer the location of a wholesale fish market. It moved to Toyosu several years ago.

“Why did the original market arise in Tsukiji in the first place? None of this rich detail and historic background is included. Even if it were, this info would be drawn from general public sources, not from the rich background that our tour guides – most of whom have degrees in Japanese Studies or years working as journalists in Japan – can provide,” Jay adds.

The Saturday covers little ground and is too geographically spread out, missing “so much rich detail of the Tsukiji/Asakusa shitamachi area”, according to Jay.

Many suggested destinations are “trite”, “well known” or just “commercial”, such as the Starbucks in Shibuya Scramble. “You can get a much better view of the scramble, eg, from the bar at the top of the Magnet building – and you’d be fighting fewer crowds,” Jay notes.

“If you look at the second day, the itinerary gives you no suggestions of cool art galleries and small, uniquely Japan clothing shops to stop (such as the Ura-Harajuku area off the Main Street, where independent fashion still reigns), nor does it tell you about the less-crowded Brahms’ Path that runs alongside the packed Takeshita Street.”

The restaurant recommendations “are the same five places everyone else is going” and are hard to get tables at, as opposed to the real gems that require “a basic working knowledge of Japanese”.

Jay concludes: “Claude is giving you the wisdom of the crowds. That can be helpful in some cases. In this case, it equates to a bland, ordinary vacation that will likely prove an exercise in frustration for most travelers.”

Google AI

Amy Siegal, a luxury travel advisor based in NYC, praised Google AI for highlighting some “iconic spots”, but argued that only “a human expert knows the ins and outs of these places – what time of day to go where, and in which order they’d work best.”

On day one, Amy suggests arriving at TKTS earlier in the day to have more choice of shows and seats, and to avoid the line.

Saturday’s itinerary has too much “darting around”. She suggests it could be arranged more smoothly, with more interesting food options chosen.

Sunday is packed full of landmarks and history, which is good, but the order is wrong. “I would incorporate some lesser-known landmarks and eateries,” Amy added.

ChatGPT

Vicky Reeves, who is the director of The Real Algarve villa company, applauded ChatGPT for picking out some “amazing places” in its “very good overview,” but argued it failed to consider flow, how much is possible to fit in, and the weather.

“Understanding seasonality is important because this itinerary would feel very different in August compared to November and that is something an agent or guide would pick up on. I also think it’s a bit ambitious and that’s really down to a lack of practical knowledge and insight,” Vicky explained.

“For example, the plan suggests exploring Lagos, visiting Ponta da Piedade and potentially heading to Sagres before flying home. That’s fine if you’ve got a late return flight, but an agent or guide would check to make sure that everything was possible without adding stress or risking your flight home. Benagil is also another good example. It’s one of the Algarve’s most iconic attractions, but during peak season, travel times and parking can be difficult, and tours often need booking well in advance, which isn’t really considered at all.

“The AI did pick out some amazing places, but I do think it’s missing a personal feel. It doesn’t suggest any hidden beaches or lesser-known spots because that’s much harder for AI to uncover. That insight can really make all the difference in making a trip feel unique.”

In conclusion

What is most striking about the itineraries is how comprehensive and well thought out they seem – particularly Claude’s – but how riddled with issues they are once a closer look has been taken.

ChatGPT suggesting an event that doesn’t take place on the requested day is a rookie mistake that could disrupt a trip, while Claude not realising a famous fish market has moved is similarly clumsy.

All the AIs seem too ambitious when it comes to the number of activities and the distance between each.

Certainly, the bots are great if you’re looking for a broad overview of a place, but they lack the precision you’d want to fully rely on its suggestions, and the depth of knowledge a local guide can provide that can bring a place to life.