100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh, Nationwide
Throughout 2026
One of the most popular children’s storybook series of all time, Winnie-the-Pooh celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Fans can honour the occasion with a trip to Ashdown Forest and its Poohsticks Bridge in East Sussex, which was the home of author A.A Milne. Ashdown was the inspiration for Hundred Acre Wood, the fictional forest where Pooh lived with his friends, and it will host several commemorative events this year. Winnie-the-Pooh Day is celebrated annually on 18 January (Milne’s birthday) – which this year will fall on a Sunday, meaning more time to enjoy a winter picnic and play Poohsticks in one of England’s many wildlife reserves. Children’s publisher Farshore is also working with the National Trust and Cheshire East Council to bring an exhibition and book trail to life throughout 2026, visiting properties including Nymans (Sussex) in spring, Tatton Park (Cheshire) in summer and Anglesey Abbey (Cambridgeshire) in winter. Meanwhile, ACE Cultural Tours will launch a five-day Winnie-the-Pooh at 100 tour in June, featuring nature walks through Ashdown Forest and sites in Hartfield associated with A A Milne, and a chance to see original manuscripts in Trinity College’s Wren Library in Cambridge. Other Milne must-sees across England include his birthplace in Kilburn, North London; Cotchford Farm in Hartfield where he wrote Winnie-the-Pooh (now a holiday rental); and The Bear Inn in Hartfield which has four themed rooms named after Pooh, Tigger, Kanga and Piglet.
160th anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s birth, Lake District, Cumbria
Throughout 2026
28 July 2026 will mark 160 years since the birth of Beatrix Potter, the world-famous author and illustrator who drew untold inspiration from the Lake District, where she lived for most of her life. As well as enjoying commemorative events in the local area, visitors can explore her legacy and holiday home at the National Trust’s Hill Top House, stay at the 17th Century Tower Bank Arms inn – which is illustrated in The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck – and see her stories and characters brought to life at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere.
25 years since the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Throughout 2026
A quarter of a century since its first installment hit cinema screens, the Harry Potter film series continues to put England’s spectacular visitor attractions in the spotlight. What better excuse to revisit Northumberland’s Alnwick Castle as Hogwarts, London’s King’s Cross Station (Platform 9 ¾), Oxford University’s Bodleian Library (the Hogwarts infirmary) and other key filming locations? Warner Bros. Studio Tour London will also launch four new tours and experiences this year: Magical Mischief (spilling the secrets of the films’ special effects), a Philosopher’s Stone exhibition (promising magical surprises and spellbinding sets), Dark Arts (a Halloween celebration of Dementors and Death Eaters) and Hogwarts in the Snow (a festive makeover of the Great Hall). Looking ahead, a new television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels is currently filming with its release planned for 2027. Cast and crew have been spotted on location in London, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Devon and at Cornwall’s Kynance Cove, Coverack and Cadgwith.
New film: Hamnet, filmed in Weobley, Herefordshire
9 January 2026
The film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel Hamnet hits cinemas this week, starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley – and the beautiful scenery of Herefordshire. One of its main shooting locations was the village of Weobley (pronounced “weblee”), whose black-and-white architecture provided a fitting backdrop for the story set in 16th Century England. It follows William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes after the death of their 11-year-old son Hamnet, and was directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao. To celebrate the movie, Visit Herefordshire has introduced a new set-jetting guide showcasing filming locations, stays under Tudor beams and Shakespearean-era experiences including plant medicine, falconry and leather workshops. From March 2026, you’ll be able to stay at the National Trust’s Cwmmau Farmhouse featured as Agnes’s family home in the film.
New series: Bridgerton, filmed in Surrey, Bath and London
29 January 2026
The next chapter in Shondaland’s hit period drama Bridgerton will hit screens this month. Expect even more intrigue, saucy romance and lavish Regency settings when Netflix’s Season 4 arrives in two parts: the first on 29 January, and the second on 26 February. Filming has reportedly taken place predominantly in a purpose-built set at Surrey’s Shepperton Studios, alongside locations in Bath and London. Look out for Bath’s Royal Crescent and London’s Hampton Court Palace and Old Royal Naval College, as well as Ranger’s House in Greenwich Park which stars as the Bridgerton family home.
New film: Wuthering Heights, filmed in Hertfordshire and the Yorkshire Dales
13 February 2026
A new adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel Wuthering Heights will be released in cinemas on 13 February, directed by Emerald Fennell, the creator of hit 2023 black comedy film Saltburn. The retelling promises to bring a fresh twist to the tragic Gothic tale of Cathy and Heathcliff, who will be played by Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Filming has been split between Sky Studios Elstree in Hertfordshire and the Yorkshire Dales, with crews spotted in Arkengarthdale, Swaledale, the village of Low Row, Surrender Bridge and Simonstone Hall.
New series: Young Sherlock, filmed in Bristol
4 March 2026
Directed by Guy Ritchie, this new Amazon Prime series will tell the origin story of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective – tracing his life back to his late teenage years, when he was entangled in a murder mystery at Oxford University. It was filmed throughout Bristol, at locations including Queen Square and Broad Street. Hero Fiennes Tiffin will take the title role, while Colin Firth will appear as Sir Bucephalus Hodge and Natascha McElhone as Sherlock’s mother.
New film: Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, filmed and set in Birmingham
6 March 2026 (cinemas) and 20 March 2026 (Netflix)
Following on from the end of series six (which aired in 2022), the Peaky Blinders movie is set during WW2 and will tell the stories of the family’s new generation. Cillian Murphy stars as Tommy Shelby and Stephen Graham returns as union leader Hayden Stagg, with new characters played by stars including Dune’s Rebecca Ferguson and Saltburn’s Barry Keoghan. Unlike the series, which was filmed mostly in Liverpool, the film was shot in Digbeth, Birmingham – recently named as one of Time Out’s coolest neighbourhoods. Check out VisitEngland’s new Peaky Blinders filming locations and experiences guide to step back in time with the Shelbys for yourself!
New film: The Magic Faraway Tree, filmed in southern England
27 March 2026
Claire Foy and Andrew Garfield will headline the upcoming film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s children’s series, The Magic Faraway Tree – which was filmed in the south of England and at Shinfield Studios. Portraying husband and wife Polly and Tim, they embark on a magical journey with their children after moving to the English countryside. Nicola Coughlan will also star as Silky, and Jessica Gunning as Dame Washalot.
New attraction: Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, London
May 2026
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration – formerly known as the House of Illustration – is the UK’s sole charity dedicated to celebrating the art of illustration. Founded by world-renowned illustrator Quentin Blake, who has worked on more than 500 books, the organisation is currently restoring the industrial heritage site of New River Head in London’s Clerkenwell, to establish a national hub for illustration. Opening this year, the centre will feature art galleries, a learning studio, public gardens and a shop and café – and will become a cultural centre within the local community, as well as a launching point for touring exhibitions and projects.
New art trail: Wind in the Willows at Woodchester Park, near Stroud, Gloucestershire
23 May to 28 June 2026
To celebrate 50 years of wildlife research at Woodchester Park, the Animal & Plant Health Agency is partnering with Wild in Art on a brand-new sculpture trail. Beloved characters from Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows – including Mole, Badger, Toad and Ratty the water vole – will feature in a contemporary retelling that explores the connections between wildlife, farming, communities and the environment. The trail will run at the National Trust’s Woodchester Park before touring nationally, with additional anniversary events planned across the Cotswolds throughout the year.
New theme park: Kynren: The Storied Lands, Bishop Auckland, Durham
Summer 2026
The multi-award-winning Kynren production will open a new live-action theme park this year, featuring thrilling stunts, immersive storytelling, music and technology. You’ll travel in time from Neolithic Britain through to the Vikings, medieval period and Victorian era. Rather than rides, the park will offer live entertainment and immersive experiences allowing visitors to step into the history books with enormous sets and extraordinary special effects. Alongside this, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England will continue its epic show on Saturday nights throughout summer 2026, featuring a 1,000-strong cast and crew.
New film: Sense and Sensibility
26 September 2026
After the nationwide celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in 2025, a new film adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility will star Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood and George MacKay as Edward Ferrars. Production commenced in summer 2025, and while it is reportedly being filmed on location in England, exact locations are currently under wraps.
New children’s literature festival: Books Alive! in Southport, Merseyside
24 – 31 October 2026
This autumn Southport will turn into a living storybook featuring storytelling installations, live performances and author-led workshops as part of the town’s first ever Year of Culture. The new Books Alive! children’s literature festival is one of many Southport 2026 events, with the cultural calendar offering a series of art installations, shows and festivals throughout the year. Other must-sees include Lightport (14-16 February) which will feature a “walk-through rainbow of colour and creativity” and Cristal Palace (3 & 4 April) which will transform the town into an open-air ballroom, complete with flying chandelier, aerial performances and live music.
New film: Narnia, filmed in Surrey, London, Manchester and Bradford
November 2026
Netflix will present a star-studded retelling of C.S. Lewis’s children’s story The Chronicles of Narnia, written by Greta Gerwig – who also wrote the Barbie and Little Women films. Daniel Craig and Carey Mulligan are confirmed talents, while Meryl Streep is rumoured to be playing Aslan – and the cast have been spotted filming all over England. Key locations include Surrey’s Shepperton Studios and London’s Battersea Park, Tower of London and St Bartholomew-the-Great church. In Manchester, Castlefield and Victoria Baths will feature, as well as parts of Bradford in West Yorkshire.
New attraction: Museum of Shakespeare, Shoreditch, London
TBC 2026
This groundbreaking arts centre is set to open on the site of the Curtain Playhouse – an ancient theatre in Shoreditch, which was discovered in 2011. The concept was created by theatrical designers Bompas & Parr in collaboration with Cain International, Museum of London Archaeology and Historic England. The museum will be part of The Stage, a new public space featuring leisure areas, offices, housing and a stylish roof terrace. It will focus on the culture of London in the 16th Century, and the colourful life and inspirations of the famous playwright. For more Shakespeare-themed entertainment look to Stratford Upon Avon, which will host the Bard’s 462nd birthday parade through the town on 25 April, while the Royal Shakespeare Company will welcome award-winning actors Helen Hunt, Kenneth Branagh and Mark Gatiss to six new productions this year.
New Series: Pride and Prejudice, filmed in London, the Peak District and East Sussex
TBC 2026
Starring Golden Globe winner Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet, BAFTA winner Jack Lowden as Mr Darcy and Academy Award winner Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennet, Netflix’s forthcoming adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is truly star-studded. It was written by bestselling British author Dolly Alderton, and will feature locations including Spitalfields in London’s East End, the Peak District in Derbyshire and Rye in East Sussex.
