June 2025: This summer promises to be one of England's most exciting cultural seasons yet with world-class exhibitions and major museum reopenings, along with brand-new events, shopping destinations and immersive visitor experiences. Music lovers will be able to revel in the legendary return of Oasis, enjoy one-of-a-kind festivals and celebrate inclusivity with Pride events across the nation – whilst sports fans are getting ready for the Women's Rugby World Cup, coming to English cities in August and September. With new accommodation offerings from Cornwall to Northumberland, England is ready to welcome a summer like no other.

Gig-tripping across England

 

Pride, Nationwide

Summer 2025

It's officially Pride season where events dedicated to LGBTQ+ communities up and down the country help spread a message of love and equality for all. In the South, Portsmouth has been chosen as the 2025 location for the national UK Pride event (7 June) and will host a seafront parade with vibrant Batala Drummers leading the way. Brighton & Hove Pride (2 – 3 August) promises stand out performances with major headliners Mariah Carey, the Sugababes and Will Young gracing the stage in the coastal city. This year, Bristol Pride will host a fortnight-long series of events (28 June – 13 July), as well as an exhibition of the city's colourful parade march by world-famous documentary photographer Martin Parr at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery (now – 23 November). In the North, Darlington Pride (9 – 11 August) offers free entry and plenty of activities across the whole weekend including picnics, crafts, live music and storytelling, whilst Stockton Pride (21 June) is set to showcase a vibrant LGBTQ+ celebration with drag performances and other live entertainment. Hull Pride (26 July), the region's biggest LGBTQ+ event, returns a 'you're welcome' theme, whilst Manchester Pride (15 – 25 August) will include a new Mardi Gras celebration weekend at Depot Mayfield and Freight Island with performances from acts including Olly Alexander, Billy Porter and Jodie Harsh. In the Midlands, Lincoln Pride (16 August) will host a free concert with incredible performances from local and global artists.

 

Legendary Mancunian band Oasis reunites, Manchester and London

July – September 2025

Legendary Mancunian rock band Oasis will reunite for a highly anticipated tour this summer, with headline dates at Manchester's Heaton Park and London's Wembley Stadium. Fans can expect an electrifying performance from the Gallagher brothers, featuring hits that defined a generation, including Wonderwall and Don't Look Back in Anger. In Manchester, the homecoming will take on an extra layer of significance with the band and their fans being welcomed with pop-ups, tours and activities celebrating their connection to the city – including Music for the Senses, a new art trail featuring over 100 donated guitars and 50 shop window displays of custom designed instruments. 

 

One-of-a-kind Hike to the Mic festival comes to Hastings, East Sussex

5 July 2025

A unique festival experience blending adventure, music and community spirit comes to East Sussex this summer. Kicking off in Hastings, the mobile Hike to the Mic festival takes in a scenic hike through the fire hills and surrounding countryside, with a stop at Charles Palmer Vineyards for an intimate acoustic set. Then it's on to Tibbs Farm, where a full line-up of live music, good food and drinks await.

 

Southampton welcomes new Tapestry Festival, Hampshire

19 – 20 July 2025

The Tapestry Festival will take place at the city's Westquay Esplanade, offering two days of extraordinary live music from a carefully curated lineup of world-class artists and Southampton talent. The festival celebrates the city's rich cultural life through exclusive sets, new collaborations and original music. Part of the city's year-long tribute to Jane Austen's 250th anniversary, the programme reimagines what kind of music she might be drawn to today – bold, diverse and full of character.

 

Liverpool to host two major musical moments

Summer 2025

As a UNESCO City of Music, Liverpool hosts plenty of gigs and musical moments each year. This summer, the city's British Music Experience unveils a new exhibition 'Live Aid 40: Music, Power & Unity' (5 June 2025 – 4 January 2026) looking at the legendary Live Aid concert 40 years later through some of the personal archives of organiser Bob Geldof. The concert was truly global, advances in technology allowed for its broadcast to over 150 countries with 72,000 people attending Wembley Stadium and 90,000 the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia. The city will also host a free 'Peace and Love' event (7 July) at the Beatles Story for Ringo Starr's 85th Birthday as a collective moment of global unity. Fans and visitors are encouraged to take part in this uplifting initiative by gathering outside the museum entrance at The Royal Albert Dock, where this special moment will be filmed to be shared on Ringo's official social media channels as part of the international celebration.

 

Yorkshire Day celebrated with Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra headlining Bradford Live, West Yorkshire

1 August 2025

Yorkshire's finest talent will perform at Bradford Live, the region's newest landmark venue, on Yorkshire Day 2025 – set to be an unmissable celebration event of Bradford's reign as UK City of Culture 2025 and of all things Yorkshire, featuring special guests including celebrated poet Ian McMillan and the BBC's Bantam of the Opera Choir. It also welcomes Leeds-based international concert pianist Yuanfan Yang. The magnificent 1930's Art Deco building was saved from demolition and has been brought back to its former glory as Bradford Live – an entertainment hub for the city.

 

New Attractions & Experiences

 

Opening of Norwich Castle Keep at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, Norfolk

Summer 2025

All eyes are on the mighty Norwich Castle, which has undergone an extensive renovation – to be revealed this summer. For the first time in the Castle's history, visitors will be able to access the Keep for impressive vistas of Norwich and its other medieval marvels. The renovation includes a new glass atrium for clear views of the East façade and Bigod Tower, as well as a visitor facility with a café, shop and accessible facilities. Cutting-edge projection and digital technology will immerse visitors in King Henry I's lavish castle, revealing its untold stories and Norwich's medieval importance. There will also be a new permanent Gallery of Medieval Life, created in partnership with the British Museum – its first medieval gallery outside of London, showcasing national medieval treasures alongside objects from Norfolk's own significant collection.

 

Explore a new Roman bathhouse site at Jewry Wall, Leicester

Launching 26 July 2025

Known as Ratae Corieltavorum in Roman times, Jewry Wall Museum will reopen with cutting-edge digital technology to bring Roman Leicester to life. Around 2,000 years ago, this area was the thriving tribal capital of the Corieltauvi people, and the new-look attraction will use Leicester's rich Roman collection to reveal its intriguing history. Visitors can explore the museum alongside the city's Roman Walking Trail, a 90-minute self-guided tour of local heritage highlights.

 

Reopening of The Harris Museum, Preston, Lancashire

Expected August 2025

Following a major four-year refurbishment, The Harris Museum and Art Gallery in Preston will finally reopen its doors this summer. Extensive works have been carried out to make The Harris more inviting, more spacious and more inclusive. Four gallery spaces will show dedicated exhibitions about the local area and the industrial heritage of Lancashire, as well as a calendar of exciting revolving exhibitions. The new look will include learning spaces, workshop spaces, the city's library facility and an all-important cafe serving up delicious locally sourced Lancashire produce.

 

New shopping destination at Cotswold Designer Outlet centre, Tewkesbury

Launching July 2025

The Cotswolds Designer Outlet near Tewkesbury will offer a brand-new shopping destination for visitors to the region, with an enticing mix of fashion, lifestyle and homeware brands, alongside a selection of eateries for anything from a relaxed lunch to a sweet pick-me-up. Set in beautiful Cotswolds surroundings; dedicated walking routes; dog-friendly offerings and two play areas for children will encourage visitors to make a day of it.

 

Immerse in contemporary art at The Goodwood Art Foundation, Sussex

Launched 31 May 2025

The Goodwood Art Foundation is a new destination for contemporary art in the UK, featuring the work of internationally acclaimed artists intertwined with the beautiful natural landscapes of The Goodwood Estate. Two gallery spaces and exhibitions are set within 70-acre landscaped gardens by award-winning horticulturist and landscape designer, Dan Pearson, including a striking cherry grove, a natural amphitheatre and new treetop cafe. The inaugural 2025 programme will include a headline exhibition from Rachel Whiteread, the first major exhibition to showcase a range of her sculptures alongside her recent photographic work set within the gallery and outdoors, as well as new work from Turner Prize winning sculptor Veronica Ryan, featuring the work of internationally acclaimed artists intertwined with the beautiful natural landscapes of The Goodwood Estate.

 

A Taste of Summertime

 

Visit a Vineyard during English Wine Week

21 – 29 June 2025

Vineyards across the country will be celebrating the delights of English wine with a range of events this June. In locations like Surrey and Hampshire, local vineyards are teaming up for large wine festivals offering tastings, masterclasses, tours, music and artisan food with highlights including the Surrey Hills' Summer Spectacular (28 – 29 June) and the Vineyards of Hampshire Fizz Fest (29 June). In Kent, Gusbourne will be offering up special experiences including Midsummer Barbecues in the vineyards accompanied by English rosé and complimentary tours (21, 22, 28 & 29 June), and in Norfolk, Norwich Wine Week (18 – 29 June) will celebrate its local viticulture rooted in Ancient Rome. According to Wine GB, 300 UK vineyards are involved in wine tourism; whether that's a quirky Herd it on the Grapevine Highland Cow safari and Vineyard tour in East Yorkshire; a boutique glamping stay at the likes of Tillingham in East Sussex or the new Domaine Evremond cellar door now open for English fizz in Kent. Bottoms up!

 

Jane Austen 250th Anniversary afternoon tea, Searcys at The Pump Room, Bath

Now – 30 September 2025

To mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, Searcys at The Pump Room in Bath (a VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025 Taste of England Award finalist) has launched an Austen-inspired afternoon tea as a tribute to England's iconic author. The Regency-inspired spread features dishes like cucumber and mint sandwiches and homemade scones, served alongside tea sourced from local merchants Gillards of Bath in one of the city's classic Georgian venues.

 

Food hall Darley Street Market opening in Bradford, West Yorkshire

Launching July 2025

With a food hall at its heart, this new Bradford hub will also feature three storeys of entertainment venues, pop-up events spaces and shopping opportunities – plus an outdoor dining terrace overlooking the city. Great timing, as the city is in the spotlight as the 2025 UK City of Culture. From morning coffees to dinner for two, Darley Street Market will showcase Yorkshire's top produce and chefs, with 13 street food vendors and a market-style setup true to Bradford's trading roots.

 

Raise a glass at brand-new Bristol Cider Week, Bristol

25 July – 3 August 2025

This brand-new, city-wide celebration will highlight the region's cider culture across the pubs, venues and streets of Bristol. Bristol Cider Week is set to begin with a launch party at Brunel's SS Great Britain, complete with after-hours ship access, meet-the-maker tasting sessions and plenty of drinks to go around. The 10-day festival will include a cider trail, a King Street takeover and a Cider Makers' Market.

 

Food hall House of Social to spice up First Street, Manchester

Launching August 2025

A new food hall, House of Social, is set to open this summer on Manchester's First Street, near HOME and Deansgate Locks. It will feature five independent kitchens across two floors with confirmed operators including the cult London burger restaurant Burger and Beyond and Curry Mile favourite Mughli – along with other offerings ranging from pizzas to dumplings.

 

Birmingham to host The Great British Beer Festival for the first time, West Midlands

5 – 9 August 2025

The Great British Beer Festival is hosted annually by the Campaign for Real Ale as part of its mission to celebrate pubs, pints and people. After a successful 34-year stint in London, this summer's festival will take place at Birmingham's iconic National Exhibition Centre offering attendees over 500 cask and other beers, a dedicated cider and perry bar, 'no and low' options, wine and cocktails. Alongside the drinks, visitors can enjoy live music, street food, brewer Q&As and the announcement of the Champion Beer of Britain.

 

Bank holiday bites at Hereford Indie Food festival, Herefordshire

23 – 26 August 2025

Indie Food is a four-day celebration of food, culture and music in the heart of Hereford. For the August Bank Holiday weekend there will be street food, delicious cocktails and local ciders – all accompanied with chilled music by day and world class DJs by night. Stalls will feature local crafts people, such as knife makers and ceramicists, alongside artisan food producers – all located in a trendy corner of the city.

 

Food hall Saint Pauls Market to bring more indie dining to Birmingham, West Midlands

Launching late summer 2025

A huge new food hall from the teams behind Independent Birmingham, Baltic Market and Buddha Belly is set to open this summer in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. With 500 seats set over two floors, Saint Pauls Market will feature six kitchens run by Brum's very best indie restaurants and up-and-coming chefs, alongside two bars serving locally brewed craft beers, amazing cocktails, wines and non-alcoholic tipples.

 

Ribs, rum and rooftop vibes at The Store, Oxford

Launched May 2025

Located on Oxford's Broad Street in the historic Boswells department store, The Rooftop Bar & Terrace at The Store is officially open for summer, serving up ribs and rum cocktails every weekend. Offering sunshine-filled feasts with panoramic views, the menu features smoke platters, pulled pork baps and crayfish rolls. There's plenty of dishes for veggie lovers too, such as burrata with truffle oil, aubergine parmigiana and sweetcorn riblets. The Store opened in 2024 as Oxford's latest boutique hotel and features 101 bedrooms inspired by the building's former life. Its restaurant, Treadwell, champions local and sustainably sourced produce, infused with the UK's multicultural influences. 

 

South Indian rooftop dining venue Uyare launched in Leeds, West Yorkshire

Launched spring 2025

Award-winning South Indian restaurant Tharavadu recently opened their newest venture – Uyare, based in Leeds' luxury Victoria Gate shopping arcade. As the largest Keralan restaurant in the UK ((with space for 300) the concept is divided into two spaces; the restaurant BHOOMI, serving up familiar Keralan flavours with a contemporary spin; and AGNI, a 150-seater bar area with a 360° central bar featuring carefully crafted drinks and cocktails. The accompanying rooftop terrace is designed for all weathers and showcases the panoramic views of the Leeds city skyline. 

 

Boutique York Distillery opens in North Yorkshire 

Launched spring 2025

A new boutique distillery from the makers of York Gin is now offering tasting classes, a gin school and other events. The distillery is a purpose-built space in the beautiful grounds of Middleton's Hotel within York's city walls on Skeldergate. Guests have the chance to see the gins being made, make their own gin to take home and learn tricks and tips of gin and spirit tasting.  

 

Events, Exhibitions and Festivals

 

Railway 200 unique touring exhibition 'Inspiration' to visit 60 locations across Britain

From 27 June 2025

A new and unique exhibition train named 'Inspiration' will start its year-long touring journey across Britain at the Severn Valley Railway in Worcestershire this June, as part of Railway 200, a national celebration of the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. Curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum, it will be the only exhibition train on the rail network and will promote the past, present and future of the railway with exhibits such as 'Wonderlab on Wheels' featuring interactive exhibits to test visitors engineering skills. Over the summer, the train's launch schedule includes visits to Birmingham, London, Margate, the Bluebell Railway in Sussex, Derby, Norwich, Lowestoft, Doncaster and York. In September it will make a special visit to the North East of England as part of S&DR200, a nine-month international festival inspired by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) in 1825, a journey that changed the world forever.

 

Rugby fever at the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, Nationwide

22 August – 27 September 2025

England is set to host the biggest ever women's rugby tournament this year, with the arrival of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. For the first time ever, the elite women's rugby contest will take place across eight cities in England, with 16 teams competing. The host cities will be Brighton & Hove, Bristol, Exeter, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland and York. The nationwide fixtures will be an unparalleled opportunity to see and support the stars of the women's game.

 

New Queer Bath LGBTQ+ celebration, Bath

Now – 30 June

A celebration of LGBTQ+ arts, culture and heritage will take place across the historic city of Bath in June. Events include films, talks, community days, trails and Pride not Prejudice – a party and cabaret show around the Roman Baths and in the Pump Room in celebration of Jane Austen's 250th birthday. Queer Bath brings together Bath's museums, historic buildings and cultural venues with a landmark five-week programme – the first of its kind in the city.

 

New exhibition: Jane Austen: Down to the Sea, Dorset Museum, Dorchester, Dorset

14 June – 14 September 2025

Marking the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, Jane Austen: Down to the Sea is a new exhibition at the Dorset Museum exploring the author's lifelong connection with the coast. Drawing on Austen's letters, novels and life experiences including visits to seaside towns and the lives of her naval brothers, the exhibition offers fresh insight into how maritime life shaped her world and writing. The display is in conjunction with other regional exhibitions such as Southampton's SeaCity Museum and will take you through Austen's special relationship with England's south coast.

 

Enjoy Manchester International Festival's 10th edition, Manchester

3 – 20 July 2025

The Manchester International Festival is back for its 10th edition, showcasing events across the city and at the new Aviva Studios. Returning every two years, it showcases some of the most exciting creative minds of this generation, and for the first time will spotlight indigenous artists and musicians from the Global South. Highlights of the festival include life-sized puppets by The Herd, performances from The Royal Ballet and Football City, Art United - an exhibition bringing together footballers and artists. 

 

The podcast festival Crossed Wires is back, Sheffield

4 – 6 July 2025

Podcasting's biggest party is back in Sheffield featuring blockbuster live shows, never-seen-before performances and special guests. Following their inaugural year in 2024, Crossed Wires will once again be assembling the nation's top names in Sheffield, for one big weekend of special podcast events. The opening night will see Michael Palin, possibly the last man alive without a podcast, finally getting one.

 

Festival of inclusivity Parallel Windsor returns, Berkshire

6 July 2025

Parallel Windsor is a festival of inclusivity featuring challenge events for all ages, health conditions and abilities, set in the scenic Windsor Great Park. Participants can choose from 100m, 1K, 5K, 10K, or the innovative SuperSensory 1K, designed to engage the senses for those with neurodiversity and learning disabilities. The festival offers a wide range of accessible activities and entertainment such as arts and crafts, cookery and live music and comedy. The inclusive facilities include on-site parking, accessible toilets, medical support, sensory and quiet spaces and provisions for support and assistance animals.

 

Launch of Viking North at the Yorkshire Museum, North Yorkshire

Launching 11 July 2025

As the premier museum in the north of England for ancient objects and rare finds, this summer the Yorkshire Museum in York will launch its new Viking North exhibition. Filled with magnificent objects, many unseen for generations, and others which have never been on public display, this is the best collection of Viking finds to be shown outside London and tells the story of the Viking Age in the North of England from 866 to 1066.  Underpinned by new archaeological research and cutting-edge technology, the exhibition combines objects from Yorkshire Museum's own collection, the Vale of York hoard, co-owned with the British Museum, and specially loaned national and regional items including objects from the Viking Army Camp at Aldwark in North Yorkshire. Viking North will be accompanied by an exciting programme of engaging events.

 

10th anniversary of Kynren – Epic Tale of England at Flatts Farm, County Durham

Saturdays from 19 July to 13 September 2025

Travel through time and watch legends come to life at the UK's 'must-see' spectacular outdoor live action show as Kynren hosts its 10th season. Flatts Farm in Bishop Auckland sets the stage for an immersive journey through 2,000 years of history, myth and legend. Kynren – An Epic Tale of England is a multi-award-winning outdoor theatre spectacular with a cast and crew of 1,000 volunteers who take audiences on a journey of rebellions, wars, magic, majesty, celebration and heartache. Next year, Kynren will open a new live-action theme park, featuring thrilling stunts, immersive storytelling and innovative technology. From summer 2026, you'll be able to travel in time from Neolithic Britain through to the Vikings, medieval period and Victorian era.

 

Hotels & Accommodation

 

Camping and glamping to launch at Camel Creek Family Adventure Park, Cornwall

Early July 2025

Camel Creek Family Adventure Park will open a new camping and glamping site this summer with a choice of luxurious safari tents, traditional yurts and pitches for tents and caravans set over six acres. All stays will come with unlimited access to the Adventure Park's rides, animal encounters and seasonal events.

 

Launch of the Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train – London, Cornwall and the Lake District

July 2025

Belmond will launch England's first luxury sleeper hotel train this summer, to coincide with the nationwide Railway 200 anniversary. All aboard the Britannic Explorer for fine dining, spa treatments, sumptuous cabins and spectacular views. Its inaugural three-night journeys will traverse London, Cornwall and the Lake District, with on-board cultural entertainment to enable passengers to delve deeper into their destinations. By day, it will host optional guided excursions, and by night guests can mingle in the Observation Car's botanical-inspired bar.

 

Chester Zoo: Safari-style lodges to open with views of giraffes, Cheshire

August 2025

Chester Zoo is set to open 51 new safari-style lodges overlooking the area where its resident giraffes roam. Located beside the savannah-style enclosure and scenic lake, the accommodation will feature all the creature comforts of a deluxe hotel – with views that are straight out of Africa. Each one will sleep up to four or six people, making them well-suited to families seeking adventure. The project will also include a two-storey reception area with a restaurant and bar, and a new lake for the animals to enjoy.

 

Medieval Knight's Retreat lodges at Leeds Castle, Kent

Summer 2025

Leeds Castle is preparing to launch its new Knight's Retreat lodges for the coming summer season. Each inspired by the castle's rich history, the self-catering lodges combine the magic of the grounds' medieval charm with modern comforts. Featuring mythical details such as unicorns, gryphons and mermaids, the lodges offer ample space for guests to relax and socialise after a day of exploring the estate. These new lodges are the latest addition to the estate's wide range of accommodation, which also includes a bed and breakfast, holiday cottages, lakeside lodges and medieval-themed glamping.

 

Georgian-themed accommodation at Beamish Museum, Durham

Launched April 2025

Don't just spend the day time-travelling at Beamish – enjoy a night of it, too. County Durham's award-winning living museum opened the new (but old) self-catering Pockerley Farm Cottages and Flint Mill Cottages this spring, for an authentic Georgian-style stay. The accommodations are styled just as they would have looked in their heyday, though with a few discreet modern comforts like flushing toilets! Two holiday lets have been opened initially, with plans for more to follow – including one with an accessible bedroom and bathroom.

 

Bailiffgate Hotel, Alnwick, Northumberland

28 May 2025

The Bailiffgate is Northumberland's new luxury getaway, set within a beautiful Georgian house in Alnwick – featuring 48 bedrooms, suites and apartments. The hotel connects to a modern five-story building via a conservatory, offering views of Alnwick Castle and featuring a stylish bar and restaurant together with a private dining space.

 

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Notes to editors:

 

• VisitEngland's comprehensive What's New in England 2025 overview can be downloaded here
• Registration to the VisitBritain asset library is required to download images. Register here.

 

 

For more detail and to receive our latest press materials please contact the VisitEngland PR team:

Louise Ferrall / Josie Self

 

Email: vepr@visitengland.org or visit www.visitengland.com/media-centre / www.visitengland.com