Maximise your trip to the UK with this essential guide to the best in the region, recommended by the experts themselves
For anyone wondering what to do in the UK, the newly launched greatest hits of must-see, must-do UK cultural experiences and activities should provide some inspiration. In a bid to challenge perceptions of arts and culture in the UK and Ireland, Sky Arts invited performers, film directors, media, curators and other cultural thought-leaders from across the country to each contribute one unmissable, life-affirming experience.
The result is a rich tapestry highlighting how varied, exciting, subjective and sometimes unexpected arts and culture can be. Entries on the list range from candle-lit museum tours, operatic performances and immersive theatre experiences to night swimming and visiting dark sky discovery sites for incredible stargazing opportunities.
Some of the personalities that lent their suggestions include Melvyn Bragg, Katherine Jenkins, OBE, Michael Attenborough, CBE and Rankin. The brainchild of Sky Arts, the curators of the list, the idea of the UK’s greatest experiences was mooted to challenge the nation to discover their culturally curious side, try something new and perhaps even uncover an unexpected passion during Sky Arts Culturally Curious Week.
If you’re visiting the UK in the coming months and want to treat yourself to a quintessential UK experience, then take heed of these suggestions below.
1. See the nerve centre of the Allied war effort at The Churchill War Rooms
Step into the underground headquarters where Winston Churchill and his team directed Britain’s wartime strategy. The preserved bunkers reveal maps, communications equipment and the Prime Minister’s personal quarters, offering an immersive glimpse into life during the Second World War. A visit here brings history to life, making it one of London’s most fascinating and sobering cultural experiences.
2. Pick up a piece of artwork from The Secret Postcard Sale at the Royal College of Art
Art collectors and casual enthusiasts alike can buy original postcard-sized artworks from renowned artists and students alike—without knowing who created them until after purchase. This annual event offers a thrilling opportunity to own a piece by an emerging or established artist, with past contributors including Tracey Emin and David Hockney.
3. Visit The Globe Theatre, a precise replica of the theatre in which the greatest plays were performed
Step back into the Elizabethan era at Shakespeare’s Globe, an extraordinary reconstruction of the original theatre where the Bard’s plays were first staged. Whether watching a standing performance in the open-air pit or taking a guided tour, this historic venue brings Shakespeare’s works to life in a way no other theatre can.
4. Visit the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, an annual event over two weeks in August
The world’s largest arts festival transforms Scotland’s capital into a hub of creativity, with thousands of performances spanning theatre, comedy, music and more. From avant-garde productions to international headliners, the Fringe’s chaotic energy and boundary-pushing artistry make it a must for culture lovers seeking a dynamic and unpredictable experience.
5. See the Paleolithic Cave paintings in Lascaux
Though the original caves in France are closed to the public, the Lascaux IV replica offers a breathtaking journey into prehistoric art. Dating back over 17,000 years, these remarkable depictions of animals and human figures provide a window into the dawn of artistic expression, making it an unmissable experience for history and art enthusiasts.
6. Visit darkskydiscovery.org.uk to find locations that give you the best view of the stars
Escape the city lights and marvel at the night sky from some of the UK’s certified Dark Sky Discovery Sites. Whether you head to the Scottish Highlands, Exmoor or the Brecon Beacons, these spots offer breathtaking celestial views, making them ideal for stargazing and astrophotography.
7. See a play in Minack Open Air Theatre, Cornwall
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this stunning open-air theatre is one of the most dramatic performance spaces in the world. Watch a Shakespearean tragedy or a contemporary play with the waves crashing in the background—an unforgettable cultural and scenic experience.
8. Visit an Opera House to hear either Puccini’s *Tosca* or Verdi’s *Othello*
Nothing compares to experiencing grand opera in a historic venue. Whether at the Royal Opera House in London, Glyndebourne or another renowned location, these operatic masterpieces deliver soaring music, intense drama and breathtaking stagecraft, transporting audiences to another world.
9. Go for a walk along Southbank to see a wealth of heritage
Stretching along the Thames, Southbank is home to some of London’s top cultural landmarks, including the National Theatre, Tate Modern and the Southbank Centre. The riverside promenade also features pop-up performances, street art and stunning city views, making it a perfect cultural stroll.
10. Visit The Rothko Room at Tate Modern
Mark Rothko’s brooding, immersive murals create an intense, meditative experience in this dedicated space at Tate Modern. The deep reds and blacks of these towering canvases evoke raw emotion, making this a must-visit for those who appreciate abstract art’s power.
11. Watch people glide through the air on a flying trapeze at The National Centre for Circus Arts
This training centre in London offers jaw-dropping circus performances and even workshops where visitors can try their hand at trapeze, acrobatics and juggling. It’s a fascinating insight into the physical artistry of modern circus.
12. Enjoy an interactive urban play experience at The Playable City Project, Bristol
This creative initiative turns Bristol into a living playground, using technology to create interactive public art installations that invite participation. Whether it’s street lights that mimic footsteps or digital graffiti walls, it’s a city-wide experience blending art, technology and play.
13. Swim at night at Seapoint, Monkstown
For a magical experience, take a late-night dip in the sheltered waters of Seapoint, just outside Dublin. The sea at night has a peaceful yet exhilarating quality, and if you’re lucky, you might even see bioluminescent plankton glowing beneath the waves.
14. Watch *Feuerzabruta*, a combination of performance theatre and choreographed dance at The Roundhouse, London
This high-energy, immersive performance blends acrobatics, aerial stunts and pulsating music in a visually stunning spectacle. Audiences stand in the midst of the action, making this one of London’s most thrilling theatre experiences.
15. Stay overnight at Grayson Perry’s House for Essex
Designed by artist Grayson Perry, this eccentric house in the Essex countryside is both an artwork and a place to stay. Inspired by medieval chapels and folk art, it’s a unique and thought-provoking retreat for those seeking culture with their countryside escape.
16. Take a candlelit tour of Sir John Soane’s Museum, London
On special evenings, this historic house—filled with antiquities, paintings and curiosities—opens for atmospheric candlelit tours. The flickering light enhances the museum’s dramatic interiors, offering a hauntingly beautiful way to explore Soane’s collection.
17. Visit the oldest cinema in the UK, the Picture House in Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland
Built in 1913, this charming Art Deco cinema still screens films today, combining vintage glamour with modern projection. A visit here is a step back in time to the golden age of cinema.
18. See an inspirational play at Arcola Theatre
This independent theatre in East London is known for its daring programming, championing new voices and innovative storytelling. Whether it’s a bold new play or a classic reimagined, Arcola delivers thought-provoking performances.
19. Visit the village of Haworth, home to the Brontë Sisters and the Brontë Parsonage Museum
This picturesque Yorkshire village is a literary pilgrimage site, with the Brontës’ former home now a museum. Walk the moors that inspired *Wuthering Heights* and soak in the atmosphere of 19th-century literary history.
20. See a performance at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
One of the world’s leading opera houses, this historic venue hosts breathtaking productions of classic and contemporary works. Whether ballet or opera, a night here is an unforgettable celebration of high art.
