In 2024, travelers can explore the newest attractions in Britain. They’ll find exciting events such as music festivals, sports competitions, and hit musicals. Discover eco-friendly accommodations, convenient travel options, and famous film and TV locations. From the historical charm of Bath to the dynamic streets of Birmingham, there’s a wealth of excitement waiting to be uncovered!
In the world of entertainment and events, Wembley takes center stage by hosting the UEFA Champions League final on June 1st, and the Tour of Britain cycling race begins its journey in September, covering eight locations in England and Wales.
London’s Savoy Theatre welcomes the popular Broadway musical, Mean Girls, in June 2024, while The Devil Wears Prada graces the stage at London’s Dominion Theatre in October 2024.
Wrexham’s Focus Wales presents an international music showcase featuring over 250 emerging talents and arts events. Glasgow’s TRNSMT music festival spans two weekends, featuring rising stars and world-class talent.
Celebrate Pride in Britain with events like Wales’ annual Pride Cymru in Cardiff (22-23 Jun 2024), UK Black Pride in August, and Manchester Pride (August 23-26).
In Manchester, the spotlight is on the new flagship cultural center, Aviva Studios, housing Factory International, DieCast, and the eagerly awaited Co-op Live – Britain’s leading purpose-driven arena, scheduled to open in April 2024.
People who are mindful of the environment are now choosing eco-friendly places to stay. Some new hotels to consider are The Treehouse hotel chain in Manchester, BlueStone National Park in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and TreeDwellers in the Cotswolds.
In 2024, there are numerous accessible travel options in Britain. For instance, exploring the Peak District is made possible with all-terrain mobility vehicles, and there are scenic routes known as “Miles without Stiles.” Additionally, there’s the chance to glide over London in a cable car designed for wheelchair accessibility, accommodating two wheelchairs or scooters and slowing down for easy boarding.
In the world of film and TV activities:
Bath transforms into a reimagined regency era for the new adaptation of Wonka, hitting screens in December 2023.
Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks bring the bravery of the US Eight Air Force during World War II to life in Masters of the Air, set for a 2024 theatrical release. Explore the beauty and history of the show’s backdrop in Oxford and the East of England.
Get ready to fall in love with Birmingham’s street art and creative industrial innovation as the new Peaky Blinders film arrives in 2024.
A trip to London is a must to explore the regal settings of Bridgerton’s third season, debuting on Netflix in May and June 2024. Discover locations like the Old Royal Naval College & its Chapel of St Peter and St Paul and The Ranger’s House.
For an insider’s view, join the Lights. Camera. Action! tour at the stunning Blenheim Palace. Visit top filming spots in Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story and explore other memorable features, including scenes from Harry Potter.
WILLA WONKA – Trace Wonka’s path and explore the places where the filming took place.
Step into the enchanting world of Willy Wonka in Britain’s own version, presented by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film unfolds against the backdrop of several iconic British locations, bringing the playful universe to life and narrating Wonka’s early days as an eccentric chocolatier. For your upcoming trip to Britain, include these filming locations in your plans. Dive into the confectionary lifestyle by enjoying mouthwatering chocolate factory tours and participating in immersive sweets masterclasses to create your own magical treats!
In the film, iconic English facades like those in Bath, Oxford, and Lyme Regis serve as backdrops. At Oxford’s Hertford College and the famous Radcliffe Camera, a working library of the University of Oxford, visitors can catch a glimpse of the Wonka-verse. A guided tour of the Radcliffe Camera offers an inside look. Other film locations in Oxford include Catte Street and Sheldonian Theatre, with the theatre providing stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the city from the Cupola.
For a change of scenery, head to Bath in the Southwest. Take in the view of Parade Gardens, The Colonnade overlooking Pulteney Bridge, and the weir below it. Experience the quirky Wonka atmosphere with a stroll along Bath Street, passing by listed buildings and the renowned Thermae Bath Spa. Explore Bath Abbey and the Orange Grove floral roundabout, both featured in the film. The Abbey offers Step It Up! tours, allowing visitors to explore the Abbey tower and enjoy panoramic views from the top. Discover more about the filming locations in Bath on Visit Bath’s blog.
To recreate the 1930s era, much of the filming took place at Warner Bros. Studio Leavesden, located just outside London. The historic studio is also the site of The Making of Harry Potter studio experience, showcasing iconic sets, props, costumes, and innovative technology used in the movies.
Additional filming locations include the Cobb in Lyme Regis, Veralumium Park and Abbey Mill Lane near Ye Olde Fighting Cocks pub in St Albans, and the Rivoli Ballroom and Eltham Palace in Southeast London. The palace and its gardens, an English Heritage attraction, are open to visitors year-round.
Embark on delightful, hands-on experiences with Britain’s sweetest offerings:
Knoops – Bath, Brighton, Cambridge, Oxford, London, Chester, Manchester, St Albans, Rye
Jens Knoop, the founder of Knoops, opened his first hot chocolate shop in Rye in 2013. Having cultivated his love for chocolate in rural Germany during childhood, he has expanded his chocolate empire across the country. To commemorate the film’s release, Knoops introduces a special Wonka drink – a hot chocolate adorned with whipped cream, chocolate-coated popping candy, and a chocolate plaque.
Bean to Bar Factory Experience at London Chocolate – London
Discover a bold new world at London’s only Bean to Bar Factory Experience. Dive into the art of chocolate-making as you follow cocoa beans’ journey from raw form to delectable chocolate bars. A hands-on guided tour reveals the craftsmanship and flavors behind high-quality chocolate.
School of Icing at Biscuiteers – London
Biscuiteers, the original handmade and creatively iced biscuit producers in Britain, invite you to their Biscuit Icing Café in Belgravia or Notting Hill. Try your hand at biscuit icing, mastering skills like flood icing, piping, and feathering to recreate their iconic designs.
Dr Choc’s Windsor Chocolate Factory – Windsor
Opposite Windsor Castle stands Dr Chocs, one of the world’s smallest chocolate factories. Known for a wide variety of high-quality chocolates, from classics to innovative flavors, they offer tasting classes and chocolate-making sessions.
The Chocolate Factory – Manchester
Immerse yourself in a chocolate lover’s paradise at The Chocolate Factory Experience in Manchester. From tastings to interactive workshops, explore a chocolate factory filled with delightful surprises and uncover the secrets of crafting gourmet chocolates.
Cadbury World – Birmingham
Step into the delightful world of chocolate at Cadbury World in Bournville. Create your bespoke chocolate, journey through chocolate-making heritage, and partake in interactive exhibits and tastings. The year 2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the first Cadbury shop, promising a year of celebrations.
York’s chocolate story – York
Explore the history of York’s chocolate-makers through immersive guided tours at York’s chocolate story. Uncover the best-kept secrets of chocolate making and even become a master chocolatier yourself, delving into the city’s rich chocolate history.
Chocolate Masterclasses at the York Cocoa House – York
For chocolate enthusiasts, the York Cocoa House offers workshops to fully immerse yourself in the chocolate world. Craft your chocolate lollipop at the Cocoa Café, pre-book chocolate tastings, or become a master chocolatier in their workshops.
Chocolate and Whisky Tour at The Clydeside Distillery – Glasgow
Experience an unforgettable whisky tasting with a sweet touch at The Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow. Their Chocolate and Whisky Tour pairs five Single Malt Whiskies with artisan chocolates, creating a sensory delight.
Mrs. Potts Chocolate House – Bath
Inspired by her mum, Amelia Pott opened Mrs. Potts Chocolate House in Bath in 2017. Join the two-hour Chocolate Bar Workshop for a full Mrs. Potts experience, making and decorating your own delicious chocolate bars.
Fudge Making Experience at Fudge Kitchen – Canterbury, Bath, Windsor, Cambridge, York & Edinburgh
Learn the art of fudge making at Fudge Kitchen with an expert. Indulge in various flavors, take some home, and discover what makes their fudge stand out. Get your hands sticky and enjoy the sweet experience.
Winter 2024 brings exciting additions to London’s luxury scene. The Other House Covent Garden will unveil 200 Club flats, a public restaurant, and a rooftop bar with stunning views. The Hyatt’s new Park Hyatt London River Thames, opening late in 2024, promises proximity to major attractions. Six Senses, known for sustainable five-star hotels, plans a London property debut in 2024. Mandarin Oriental is set to open its second London property in Mayfair in spring 2024. For more upscale options, explore the newly opened Raffles at the OWO and The Peninsula London.
Indulge in a gourmet experience:
– Langdale Chase in Windermere, England, opened in autumn 2023, offering innovative British cuisine at its 2 AA Rosettes rated restaurant.
– Aughton’s Moor Hall, under an hour north of Liverpool, introduces luxury lodges for a foodie getaway from late 2023.
– Explore the Witchery, Scotland’s Restaurant with Rooms of 2023/24, a historic gem by Edinburgh Castle since 1595, immersing guests in Scottish history and fine dining.
– Gareth Ward’s Ynyshir in Eglwys Fach, Wales, boasts two Michelin stars and holds the title of the UK’s best restaurant for two consecutive years.
– The PIG hotels, with eight locations across England, offer unique stays with locally sourced ingredients.
Discover new stays across Britain:
– Una St Ives in northern Cornwall welcomes guests in upscale villas with private hot tubs from late 2023.
– Inspired by Scottish explorers, 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh offers deluxe comfort starting November 2023.
– The first Soho House members club in Northern England opens in spring 2024 in Manchester.
– Wildes Chester blends boutique hotel, luxury spa, and fine dining in the ancient city of Chester, England.
– Enjoy a summer getaway with a dip in the sea at No 124 King’s Road Brighton.
- Wales’ new gem, Old College in Aberystwyth, opening in 2024, features a 4-star hotel and a 200-capacity function space, enhancing the coastal charm.
In 2024, the first-ever Cadbury shop in Birmingham celebrates its 200th anniversary. The festivities take place at Cadbury World in historic Bournville Village, featuring events and tastings to honor this special milestone.
Join in commemorating the 85th anniversary of the beginning of World War II and the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Explore the compelling story at The D-Day Story in Portsmouth, where personal accounts, captivating audio-visual presentations, and iconic artifacts vividly bring to life the challenges of the army crossing the English Channel into France.
May 2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the National Gallery, with the gallery teaming up with 12 venues across Britain to showcase key pieces for free.
Brighton & Hove Museum hosts ABBA: One Week in Brighton exhibit from March to August 2024, celebrating the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s Eurovision Song Contest victory.
The Design Museum debuts a new exhibit to celebrate Barbie’s 65th birthday, running from July 5th until February 2025.
Airlines are working to increase international capacity, and there are exciting developments in new routes, making it simpler for US travelers to reach Britain. JetBlue has introduced a seasonal service connecting New York-JFK to Edinburgh Airport. Norse Atlantic Airways has initiated flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Boston to London’s Gatwick Airport. British Airways has launched a direct flight from Cincinnati to London Heathrow.
In 2024, an exploration of Britain promises to be a journey filled with vibrant experiences and diverse attractions. From the allure of music festivals and sports competitions to the captivating world of hit musicals, travelers will be immersed in a tapestry of excitement. The offerings extend beyond entertainment, with eco-friendly stays and accessible travel options enhancing the journey. Adding to the allure are the iconic film and TV locations, providing enthusiasts with a chance to step into the scenes of their favorite productions. From the regal charm of Bath to the dynamic streets of Birmingham, every corner of Britain beckons with the promise of discovery and delight, ensuring that 2024 becomes a year to remember in the realm of travel and adventure.
