Destination news and inspiration

After dark, Britain’s moors, forests and mountain valleys take on a different character. From Northumberland's vast dark-sky park to Yorkshire’s open uplands and the forests of southwest Scotland, there are many ways to explore after sunset. Join an astronomer at a telescope, follow a moonlit trail or venture into the woods on a mountain bike.

From the first-ever Tour de France Grand Départ in Scotland and a year-long celebration of Norman heritage to major art exhibitions, new cultural attractions, screen-inspired journeys and a new generation of regional chefs, 2027 offers plenty of reasons to discover Britain differently.

With Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew arriving in cinemas on 12 February 2027, the new Harry Potter TV series premiering on 25 December 2026 and Star Wars celebrating its 50th anniversary in February 2027, now is a good time to step into Britain’s enchanted landscapes and discover the real-life filming locations behind some of Britain’s most magical stories.

The Tour de France Femmes pedals into Britain for the first time in summer 2027. While the riders whizz past, slow down to experience what England’s northern cities have to offer, whether exploring by bike, foot or tram.

Stage 3 of the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ sweeps through Wales on 4 July, following a route from the market town of Welshpool to the capital, Cardiff. While the race covers a day of excitement, the route can offer weeks of adventure.

The peloton speeds into England for Stage 2 of the Tour de France 2027. Visitors can follow in their tyre tracks in North-West England and enjoy adrenaline-packed outdoor adventures, award-winning spas, fine dining, medieval castles and a myriad of festivals.

Scotland will host its inaugural Tour de France Grand Départ in July 2027, as the 114th edition of the race returns to Britain for the first time in over a decade. For visitors, the route offers the chance to discover ancient castles, grand country estates offering whisky tastings and spa retreats, cosy eco-cabins with hot tubs, and a wealth of outdoor adventures.

Spring 2026 saw the much-anticipated opening of the King Charles III England Coast Path, a 2,700-mile (4,328 km) trail along England’s coastline from the Scottish border to Wales.

As House of the Dragon returns for its third season in June 2026, North Wales takes the spotlight once again as its cinematic landscapes are transformed into Westeros.

Lonely Planet has named Bristol among its 2026 Best in Travel destinations, shining the spotlight on the city’s extensive art scene. Here’s our guide on what to see and do in Bristol...

Britain steps into 2026 with fresh energy, bringing its stories to life in exciting new ways. History meets high-tech, castles get digital makeovers, coastlines become epic trails, and film and TV shows put the nations and regions centre stage.

Britain’s National Parks are rolling out the red carpet for visitors this autumn with a host of seasonal and sustainable experiences oozing with star quality.