Arts & Culture in Britain
You’ve heard of London and Edinburgh, but it’s not just Britain’s best known cities that carry the culture torch. Thanks to a dazzlingly rich history, the UK is packed with more literature, arts and culture than you could absorb in a lifetime. Just take a look at our museums, theatres, and other cultural attractions in towns and cities all over the country. You’re bound to find a bit of culture in every corner!
Architectural Landmarks
Britain is an architectural goldmine. From ancient majesties such as York Minster to modern designs illuminating Britain’s cities, these magnificent feats of design stand boldly in the landscape. One of the most striking examples of Romanesque architecture is the Natural History Museum in South West London. Architect Alfred Waterhouse used terracotta for the entire building because of its resistance to harsh climates. Don’t forget to stop by the Tower of London while you’re at it for an immersive history lesson into the architecture that served as a fortress, royal palace and a prison!
Museums & Galleries
Britain is a land filled with brilliant museums and galleries that bring pleasure to millions of people every year. From the Dutch Masters’ portraits by Rembrandt and Vermeer to the hair-raising renaissance masterpieces by da Vinci and Michelangelo, visit The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square to see some of the world’s greatest art collections. Over in Bristol, SS Great Britain draws attention to the genius of engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Visitors to the old steamship can step aboard to see, listen and smell another age. Deeper into southwest England is another sister of the Tate family: Tate St Ives. The seaside art gallery has permanent displays from famous modern artists and owns the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden – a magical garden dedicated to the late great artist.
Theatre & Musicals
Known the world over, London’s West End has been thrilling theatregoers night after night for centuries. A magical medley of famous shows and musicals, it’s the pulse of central London that boasts unrivalled variety and quality. As well as Theatreland staples such as Mamma Mia and Phantom of the Opera, new and exciting production-companies are stretching our imaginations with innovative and inspirational shows. The longest running theatre in the UK is the Bristol Old Vic. Bristol is the undisputed cultural capital of southwest England and this prized theatre is the city’s masterpiece. Many famed actors are associated with the playhouse, such as Daniel Day-Lewis, Patrick Stewart and Miranda Richardson.
Writers & Artists
From Dickens to Doyle, Hepworth to Hockney, explore the cultural impact writers and artists have had on British society. The Tate Modern is an unmissable exploration of contemporary art. Based in a former power station on London’s Bankside, the space houses the country’s most valuable modern art collection. Its permanent collection has the likes of Picasso, Rothko and Matisse and its exhibitions are always a must-see. The Hepworth Wakefield in Yorkshire is a tribute to artist Barbara Hepworth. The collection has works by Hepworth and her contemporaries such as Henry Moore. For literature lovers, The Charles Dickens Museum is an intimate voyage through the private life of the famed author. Located on 48 Doughty Street, it’s where he wrote Oliver Twist, The Pickwick Papers and Nicholas Nickleby.
