Updated November 2024
It’s a big year ahead for Great Britain’s vibrant cities – especially Bradford, which will be crowned 2025 UK City of Culture. New in London is the V&A East, celebrating creative opportunity, while a host of world-class exhibitions will keep the capital in the spotlight all year long.
There’s a packed sporting calendar to follow across Britain’s shores, as well as brand-new luxury hotels, restaurants and shops to discover. And no trip to Britain in 2025 is complete without some movie magic – expect tours and behind-the-scenes experiences aplenty.
Fly into London or Manchester and discover why Britain is an unmissable destination in 2025.
Cultural highlights
2025 promises new museums to explore and art to admire in Britain. Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum reveals a fresh new look and J.M.W Turner’s 250th birthday is the toast of Tate Britain.
New City of Culture announced
The countdown is on: Bradford will be crowned the new UK City of Culture in 2025. Highlights of a packed events programme include the outdoor spectacle RISE (10-11 January), contemporary-classical music festival New Music Biennial 2025 (June) and The Turner Prize (September).
Celebrating Bradford’s film heritage
To coincide with the city’s big year, Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum is reopening in January 2025 following a revamp. The free museum, with eight floors of exhibition space and three cinemas, will be a fitting tribute to this UNESCO City of Film.
V&A expands to East London
Two venues in one, the V&A East Storehouse and Museum take inspiration from East London’s rich creative heritage. The Storehouse offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the V&A’s vast collection, while the Museum promises two galleries and a major exhibition space – ‘The Music is Black: A British Story’ will be its inaugural show.
London’s top 2025 exhibitions
‘Turner and Constable’ at the Tate Britain puts the artistic rivals in the spotlight in the 250th anniversary year of Turner’s birth. Modern Brazilian art is the focus of ‘Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism’ at the Royal Academy, while ‘Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300-1350’ at the National Gallery showcases artworks from 14th-century Italy – just some of the exhibitions to look out for.
The Great British outdoors
Even in Britain’s cities, you’re never far from a green space. From Royal Parks to carefully-crafted gardens, all are blooming marvellous to explore – whatever the season.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr’s 75th birthday
Within easy reach of Harrogate and York is the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)’s northernmost garden, Harlow Carr. Over the decades, it’s grown to become a haven of garden inspiration and 2025 marks its 75th anniversary year, so there’s no better time to visit.
London gardens to explore
Even in the British capital, nature is always within reach. Stroll through London’s eight Royal Parks, including Hyde Park and Greenwich Park, or visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to see its world-leading plant collection and great glasshouses. RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, in July 2025, is a highlight of the horticultural year.
Foodie pleasures
Whether it’s traditional British dishes with a Michelin-starred twist or world cuisine served up from an array of street food vendors – it’s all here in Britain.
Michelin-approved meals
The new slew of Britain’s Michelin-starred restaurants will be announced in early 2025. In the meantime, there are plenty of newcomers to the 2024 Guide to try out. New two-star establishments include the Glenturret Lalique restaurant in the Scottish Highlands and London’s Opheem Indian restaurant, while Brett Graham’s The Ledbury in London has the honour of being the only new three-star eatery in 2024.
Ramsay reaches new heights
In the celebrity chef’s biggest venture yet, Gordon Ramsay will open five new restaurants in London’s 2022 Bishopsgate skyscraper. This includes London’s highest restaurant, an exclusive 14-seat chef’s table fittingly called High.
Fantastic food halls
Food halls offer a taste of different cuisines from around the world, all under one roof. White Cloth Hall in Leeds, near the city’s historic Corn Exchange, treats diners to Mexican, Sicilian, Malaysian and traditional British fare. There’s also Market Place St Paul’s in London, joining the capital’s mix of food markets, set to open in early 2025.
Sport in the spotlight
Whether you’re watching the action or want to get involved yourself, Britain is packed with sporting experiences. From football to Formula One, the excitement never stops.
Football focus
Britain is the home of Premier League football and the atmosphere on match days is unbeatable. A stadium tour offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into British football. Fans can sit in the manager’s seat in the dugout at Old Trafford, admire Chelsea’s trophies at Stamford Bridge or see Liverpool from a whole new perspective on the Anfield Abseil.
The winning formula
Silverstone in Northamptonshire is one of Formula 1’s most iconic tracks. Fast and technically challenging, the British Grand Prix is gripping as soon as the lights go out. New for 2025 is the Landostand, where fans of British ace Lando Norris will take over the famous Stowe corner.
Summer sporting events
A highlight of the British sporting calendar is Royal Ascot, one of horse racing’s biggest events, which returns from 17-21 June 2025. Racegoers dress to impress at this iconic course, especially on Ladies Day. From 1-6 July 2025, the Henley Royal Regatta is another summer spectacle not to be missed. Rowers go head-to-head in intense knockout battles on the River Thames in a competition that attracts international boating talent.
Great Britain on screen
From wizarding worlds to Regency glamour, Britain has been the backdrop to some of cinema’s most iconic scenes. Tours and experiences can take you behind the scenes, providing something for the whole family to enjoy.
Heart of the action
Guided tours of Britain’s filming locations can reveal a different side to cities. While the world eagerly awaits Bridgerton’s fourth series, regal Bath beckons for Regency tours with Brit Movie Tours. And with a Peaky Blinders film in the works, there’s no better time to take a guided tour of Liverpool to see the Shelby’s haunts.
Behind-the-scenes adventures
Britain is lifting the curtain on movie magic in 2025. At the Warner Bros Studio Tour London, The Making of Harry Potter reveals filmmaker secrets on an immersive adventure through Hogwarts, with special themed events throughout the year. Young visitors will adore the Paddington Bear Experience at London’s County Hall, bringing stories from the films to life.
Stylish sleeps
Discover the exciting new accommodation openings to look forward to in 2025, with luxury at the forefront.
City stays
Hotel Gotham will bring its top-class luxury to Newcastle and Bristol in 2025, while Manchester will welcome the UK’s second Treehouse Hotel and Soho House spin-off Mollie’s Motel. Six Senses London promises a decadent city escape within The Whiteley London, with 109 guest rooms and suites. Fashionable Mayfair will get both Cambridge House, a 102-room property brimming with experiential luxury from Auberge Resorts Collection, and the Chancery Rosewood, the former US Embassy complete with 137 rooms and a spa.
Rural retreats
In North Yorkshire, Whitby’s 72-room Saltmoore is an escape from daily life, complete with its own beautiful spa, The Sanctuary. Families will love the new Warwick Castle Hotel, with 60 medieval-themed rooms nestled in the historical landmark’s grounds.
Designer buys
From quaint quarters with independent boutiques to luxury arcades and ultra-modern malls, Britain’s cities are bursting with shopping destinations.
Outlet opening
In spring 2025, shoppers will have a brand-new destination to visit in south-west England. The Cotswolds Designer Outlet will boast up to 90 stores and be within easy reach of the honey-hued beauty spot, as well as major cities like Birmingham, Bristol and Bath.
Manchester’s shopping stars
Manchester’s shopping scene comes alive at its festive markets, but it’s dreamy to discover all year round. Many luxury retailers call King Street and New Cathedral Street home, while Selfridges can be found at Exchange Square and the magnificent Trafford Centre. For unique gifts, there’s the monthly Makers Market in the Northern Quarter or the Manchester Craft and Design Centre for works by talented local makers.
