Reasons why you should visit the UK in 2024

The Untied Kingdom – made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – always delivers when it comes to historical, cultural and natural delights. But this is particularly noticeable in 2024, with many events, anniversaries and openings highlighting some of its best – and also overlooked – gems.

From the nation-wide celebration of the National Gallery's 200th anniversary to new ways to explore Scotland by canoe, here's what's worth travelling for in the UK in 2024...

From 11 May, more than half of the UK’s population will be within just one hour of a National Gallery masterpiece. Why? This year marks 200 years since London’s National Gallery was founded, originally opening with just 38 paintings from a private collection. Now, it’s home to 2,300 artworks covering a variety of traditional art movements. As part of its celebratory bicentennial programme, the National Gallery will loan out some of its most famous artworks to cities primarily across England, but also in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland too. For example, you’ll be able to see Monet, 'The Water-Lily Pond' in York, Vermeer’s 'A Young Woman standing at a Virginal' in Edinburgh and Rembrandt’s 'Self Portrait at the Age of 34' in Brighton. Go to the official website to learn more about the programme and find your closest city. 

Merging medieval history with much-needed modern updates, the anticipated reopening of Norwich Castle is due to happen in summer 2024. The Norman Keep has undergone a £15 million redevelopment project to breathe new life into this Grade I listed property, transforming it into one of the UK’s top heritage attractions. Part of the makeover includes a new permanent Gallery of Medieval Life, displaying historic relics associated with William the Conqueror, who set out to build the original castle but died many years before it was completed in 1121. Visitors will be able to explore all of the Norman royal palace's redeveloped floors, including, for the first time, the rooftop, offering impressive vistas across the city. 

Robert the Bruce is known as one of Scotland’s greatest rulers, and still considered a national hero for leading the country to independence from England in the 14^th century. To mark 750 years since the death of the famous king, there are plenty of locations across Scotland to walk in his footsteps and connect with his story. For example, visit Stirling (who also celebrate 900 years as a borough in 2024) for its historic castle, and also the nearby the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, fought between the King of Scot’s army and King Edward II of England’s troops. Another important place is Dunfermline Abbey in Fife, a picturesque abbey where the iconic leader was buried.

Originally the England Coast Path but renamed to the King Charles III England Coast Path following the coronation in 2023, this exciting National Trail is finally set to be fully walkable by the end of 2024. Once complete, it will be the longest managed coastal trail in the world, stretching the entire length of England’s coastline at approximately 4,500km. Sections of the walk have been opening in stages in the past few years, with each one showcasing the unique history and topography of the region, and connecting the coastal cities, towns and ports that have shaped the nation. Safe to say, it will take a long, long time to trek the whole thing, but its launch is certainly the perfect reason to get out and explore our extraordinary coastline in 2024.

Curated by the people of Belfast, Belfast2024 is anticipated to be one of the greatest creative and cultural celebration the city has ever experienced. The programme, running from March-December, has been funded with a £5.9 million investment from the council, ensuring a spectacular array of events. With themes of ‘Our People’, ‘Our Places’ and ‘Our Planet’, the event will highlight the best of the city and what it hopes to achieve in the future, from immersive art shows and orchestra performances to citizen science projects and black culture exhibitions.

Opening in spring 2024 is the first official canoe trail in the south of Scotland. Tweed Valley Canoe Trail will start close to the village of Stobo and follow a near-50km stretch of the River Tweed before finishing on the banks overlooking Abbotsford House, the home of historian and novelist Sir Walter Scott. Not only is it a fantastic active adventure for people of all abilities, but the trail offers a unique, slow and eco-friendly way to travel and see a selection of Scotland’s heritage landmarks, cultural attractions and historic towns, such as Peebles and Innerleithen. It’s recommended to enjoy the trail across 2-3 days, stopping off to soak up the riverside gems (and potentially dry off).

Rail enthusiasts will be delighted with a new exhibition space opening at Locomotion (formerly named the National Railway Museum) in Shildon, County Durham. The 2,000sqm extension, called the New Hall, will include up to 50 vehicles, growing the museum’s collection to be the world’s largest of heritage trains under one roof. The building of New Hall aligns with the 200^th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. Opened in 1825, it’s known as the ‘first railway town’ in the UK and considered where the story of stream-powered trains was born. The growth of the museum’s collection aims to highlight more of Shildon’s role in the development of railways and embed its history in the heart of the community.

After a £27 development, the Perth Museum is excitingly expected to open its doors in spring of 2024. Putting Perth and Kinross at the centre of Scotland’s history, this world-class institute will certainly be the country’s top cultural and heritage attraction for years to come. At the heart of it all is the Stone of Destiny, one of Scotland’s most significant objects that has now returned to the region for the first time in 700 years. What’s more, the museum will be housed in an Edwardian building that has a fascinating history serving as a market hall, concert hall, wrestling venue and most recently Perth City Hall.

Launched in January 2024, Round the Forth is a new long-distance cycling trail exploring the natural and cultural landscapes surrounding the Forth Estuary. Stretching 340km in total, the trail encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the great variety of natural and cultural landscapes from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Kirkcaldy – passing through Edinburgh en route. However, the trail can of course be tackled in smaller sections, for those wanting to focus on a particular area. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy protected areas such as Firth of Forth, an important area for breeding and wintering seabirds, and the important conservation of grey seal colonies in the Isle of May. Alternatively, culture seekers can enjoy the harbour town of Dunbar, where National Park founder John Muir was born. There’s also countless picturesque fishing and mining villages along the way. You’ll also be pedalling over the iconic Forth River Bridge, which celebrates its 60^th anniversary of opening in 2024.

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