25 April, 2024
Love Exploring - The best UK attractions to visit in 2023
Posted on 1 March, 2023
Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash
Written by & for Love Exploring
If the Coronation of King Charles III and Eurovision are anything to go by, 2023 is going to be a busy year for the UK. Throw in a number of museums, attractions and theme park rides opening (or reopening) their doors – like the Manchester Museum or a new rewilding centre in Inverness – and your year could be all planned out. Covering England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we've picked the best UK attractions you need to visit in 2023 and beyond.
Outdoor skydiving, Hangloose Adventure Bluewater, Kent, England
Photo above of homesitter Marion Jenkins enjoying her indoor skydiving experience for her 70th birthday.
If you're a skydiving fan, chances are you've visited many of the UK's indoor experiences. But have you ever skydived against a backdrop of real chalk cliffs? You can do just that with the unique outdoor machine at the Hangloose Adventure Bluewater park in Dartford – it's the first of its kind in the country, opened in August 2022. Daredevils can also take on England’s longest zipline at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour (97km/h) and brave Europe’s biggest cliff swing.
England Coast Path
Photo by Marc Najera on Unsplash
When complete, the England Coast Path is set to be the longest of its kind in the world at a whopping 2,795 miles (4,498km). It’s opening in sections – stretch your legs from Rufus Castle to Lulworth Cove in Dorset; Scarborough's Filey Brigg to Newport Bridge; and Allonby to Whitehaven in Cumbria.
Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England
Image by InspiredImages from Pixabay
The 17th-century Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings played a major role in the Industrial Revolution and in September 2022 the site finally opened to the public. Four of its listed buildings have been restored – these include the Main Mill, which is dubbed the ‘Grandparent of Skyscrapers’ and which has opened as a visitor destination for the very first time. The ground floor exhibition is split into five themes, exploring the site’s history, workers and legacy, while a multisensory experience in the old Engine House brings the Mill’s original steam engine to life.
Eureka! Science + Discovery, the Wirral, Merseyside, England
Image Source: Pikwizard
In November 2022, the Wirral’s Eureka! Science + Discovery centre opened at the Seacombe ferry terminal. The colourful, interactive site captures kids' interest in science, arts, technology and maths with its three exhibitions (Bodies, Home and Nature). Design your own toothpaste, listen to wildlife in the Nature Den and make and create in a dedicated craft space. Plus, your pass means you can revisit as many times as you’d like for free for the next 12 months. That's our kind of maths.
Pendine Sands Museum of Speed, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Photo by Wayne Gourley on Unsplash
The Pendine Sands Museum of Speed will explore Pendine Beach’s history as a mecca for world-breaking speed attempts. The museum's £7 million ($8.6m) development is due for completion by spring 2023, and you’ll even be able to test your own strength by racing to beat motorcyclist Guy Martin’s 2013 record on a simulator.
Penderyn Distillery, Swansea, Wales
Photo by CA Creative on Unsplash
After opening its second distillery in Llandudno in 2021, esteemed Welsh whiskey brand Penderyn (named for its original location in the Brecon Beacons) will continue its ambitious expansion in 2023, opening a third site in Swansea’s historic Hafod Morfa Copperworks. As with its other venues, this will also function as a visitor attraction, encompassing a shop, exhibition area and tasting bar.
GameShow Studios, London, England
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
The GameShow Studios will keep you on your toes – and your fingers on buzzers – with its one-of-a-kind interactive experience. The scene is set: glossy studio, tense music, bright lights and fun games allowing you to be a TV contestant for a day... without actually having to go on TV. Set to launch in spring 2023, the new attraction is best enjoyed with pals – if you hate escape rooms, you might love this.
The Curse at Alton Manor, Alton Towers, Staffordshire, England
Photo by Brian Wegman ???? on Unsplash
Are you ready to board a brand-new, spine-tingling attraction? The Curse at Alton Manor will take you on a hair-raising journey of the Cursed Manor in the resort’s first major ride since 2018. Brave riders will experience special effects and visuals, so if you’re after an eerie ride full of twists and turns, this one’s for you. It's due to open in spring 2023.
Liverpool Biennial Arts Festival, Liverpool, England
Photo by Marcus Cramer on Unsplash
The UK's largest contemporary visual arts festival celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2023, transforming historic buildings, spaces and art galleries between June and September. The Liverpool Biennial Arts Festival will offer a roster of free exhibitions, performances, screenings, events and activities. This year’s theme is ‘uMoya: The sacred Return of Lost Things’ which will focus on ancestral and indigenous forms of knowledge. Pictured here is one of 2021’s coolest offerings – a bold sculpture by Teresa Solar.
Saltdean Lido, Brighton, England
Photo by Tom Wheatley on Unsplash
Water babies are in luck with more outdoor spots popping up across 2023. Bath’s refurbished Cleveland Pools – Britain’s oldest surviving outdoor pool – has fully reopened, while Brighton welcomes its brand-new Sea Lanes, a 50 metre (164 feet) pool opening on the seafront in spring 2023. Plus, Brighton is currently restoring its 1930s Saltdean Lido (pictured) – opening in late summer, it will also include a café/restaurant, library and ballroom.
Showtown, Blackpool, England
Photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash
Discover what (and who) makes Blackpool shimmer at Showtown, an immersive museum located on the Promenade (pictured) and set to open in 2023. There will be six galleries about seaside holidays, shows, dance and the legendary Blackpool Illuminations, and you'll discover the comedians, dancers, acrobats and characters who have put Blackpool on the map. Or why not get on the dancefloor or design your very own Illumination?
Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder, National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland
Running until 1 May 2023, the Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland explores the science behind Doctor Who. There are eight zones filled with immersive experiences including a Time Vortex Corridor and teleportation technology, plus a host of weird and wonderful creatures in the Monster Vault. The Edinburgh museum also runs Relaxed Viewings for those seeking a quieter, calmer experience, with noisy interactives turned off and lower visitor numbers.
Manchester Museum, Manchester, England
Photo by Chris Curry on Unsplash
Following a massive £15 million ($18.2m) transformation, Manchester Museum reopens on 18 February – with good reason to get excited. They'll kick off with an exhibition of golden mummies from ancient Egypt and Sudan, but there are some 4.5 million objects guaranteed to awe at the free museum, covering human cultures and natural sciences.
Lilidorei, Northumberland, England
Photo by Fachry Zella Devandra on Unsplash
Christmas will never end at this new fantasy village coming to Northumberland in spring 2023. Liilidorei is set to be the world’s largest play structure, with the fantasy homes of fairies, elves and hobgoblins built in a forest clearing at The Alnwick Garden. Get around the site by zipwire, climbing walls, bridges, slides and multiple towers, all while surrounded by 1,400 Christmas trees and giant baubles.
Vale of Rheidol Railway, Aberystwyth, Wales
Step aboard a restored steam train and take in scenic views of the Rheidol Valley with the Vale of Rheidol Railway. Recent additions include a ticket office and platform, but new to spring/summer 2023 is a steam engine museum housed in an engine shed, plus a new café. Trains will start operating for the season for February half term, followed by weekends in March and daily from March onwards.
Scottish Crannog Centre, Kenmore, Scotland
Image by Wolfgang Claussen from Pixabay
A devastating fire sadly destroyed the Crannog Centre in June 2021, but a new museum and visitor centre are in the works for spring 2023. Located on the northeastern side of Loch Tay, the centre will showcase an outstanding archaeology collection, plus recreated crannogs (ancient houses built over water and connected by bridges). Learn about life as a Crannog dweller from 2,500 years ago by booking a basketry or tunic-making workshop.
World of Jumanji, Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey, England
Image by Scott Webb from Pixabay
Chessington’s newest area, set to open around April 2023, will include Mandrill Mayhem, a terrifying rollercoaster that sweeps around the World of Jumanji to a summit of the 55-foot (16m) tall Jaguar Shrine, before repeating the journey – while going backwards. There’s also the Ostrich Stampede, the Mamba Strike ride and the Jungle Maze to get hopelessly lost in. Plus, you can stay at Jumanji-themed rooms in the Chessington Safari Hotel.
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, Inverness, Scotland
Photo by Emilie CRƧƧRD on Unsplash
There’s real change happening at Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, which is set to open in March 2023, just 8 miles (13km) from Loch Ness. Drawing on connections to Gaelic culture, the centre will encourage you to ‘rewild’ yourself by enjoying its forestland, natural amphitheatre, pond habitat and 'Bothy storytelling space'. Explore accessible trails and learn about how a pair of golden eagles have successfully reared a chick here for the first time in 40 years.
Blenheim Palace, Oxford, England
The historic Blenheim Palace is set to unveil a brand-new attraction on its grounds in spring 2023. The Lost Garden, a giant outdoor adventure play attraction, will feature quirky wooden structures, interactive water features, play trails and winding walkways. There’s also an elevated Wilderness Play area with aerial walkways, rope bridges and tunnels, ideal for older children. Adults can watch from the terrace overlooking the central water play area.
SKYPARK, Butlin's Skegness, Lincolnshire, England
Photo by Elland Gee on Unsplash
A colourful new playground hits Butlins’ Skegness resort in Easter 2023 – and better still, it’s included in the price of your stay. SKYPARK will feature epic climbing towers, trampolines, tube slides and the UK’s longest interactive seesaw, with several wheelchair-accessible attractions. Plus, the towers and slides light up, meaning that the fun can continue after dark.
New ride at Blackgang Chine, Isle of Wight, England
Photo by Chris de Tempe on Unsplash
While the Cliffhanger – the Isle of Wight’s only rollercoaster – closed down at the end of October 2022, Blackgang Chine will welcome a new arrival in 2023. Details of the ride are still top-secret but it’s due to open at the UK’s oldest theme park later this spring. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page for updates.
SIX the Musical, nationwide
Photo by Kyle Head on Unsplash
You can currently catch the international smash-hit musical SIX at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, but if you can’t make it to the capital, fear not – the historical heartbreak pop-concert about King Henry VIII's wives is going on tour across the UK and Ireland in 2023. Cambridge, Belfast, Newcastle and Portsmouth are just a few of the cities where you can experience this unmissable show, before the tour concludes at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal on 26 November 2023.
Turner Prize 2023, Towner Eastbourne, Eastbourne, West Sussex, England
Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse on Unsplash
Happy birthday, Towner Eastbourne! The West Sussex art gallery celebrates its centenary in 2023, with a couple of free exhibitions – The Living Collection (ends August 2023) looks at paintings, prints and artefacts over the years, while Unseen (ends 14 May 2023) displays a number of previously unseen works. Excitingly, they’re also hosting the Turner Prize 2023 from 28 September, where the winner of the world’s leading prize for contemporary art will be announced on 5 December 2023.
Coastella, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, England
Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash
Who needs California and Coachella when you’ve got North Shields and Coastella? This brand-new music festival will be held between 30 June-2 July 2023, and you’ll discover regional acts and national legends, from The Futureheads to DJ Judge Jules (pictured). Early Bird tickets have already sold out, but if you’re solely after Ibiza anthems, then book a Friday ticket. Or make the most of Coastella with a weekend pass – unforgettable memories guaranteed.
Tall Ships Race, Falmouth, Cornwall, England
Photo by Ray Harrington on Unsplash
Watch multi-sailed boats take to the seas for the start of the legendary Tall Ships Race, Magellan-Elcano 2023 in Falmouth, Cornwall. While the race starts on 18 August the fun starts even earlier, with several days of festivities planned, like the visually-stunning Parade of Sail and the chance to get aboard some of the ships for budget-friendly prices.
Lumiere Durham, Durham, England
Photo by John Jackson on Unsplash
Between 16-19 November 2023, be amongst the thousands of visitors to Lumiere Durham, a spectacular public art event that makes for a dazzling winter evening. Local and global artists will temporarily transform Durham’s buildings and public places with vibrant works; pictured here is the In Our Hearts Blind Hope artwork projected onto the mighty Durham Cathedral.
Whiskey Distillery, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
Belfast’s Titanic Quarter will soon be welcoming a new whiskey distillery in the historic Titanic pump house. Hoping to open in August 2023, Titanic Distillers will offer visitor distillery tours, exhibitions and a speakeasy bar, and you’ll even be able to take a peek at the original pumping engines and other historic features of this listed building.
Newry Arts Festival, Newry, Northern Ireland
Photo by Emily Webster on Unsplash
New to 2023 is the Newry Arts Festival, a ten-day extravaganza filled with music, drama, comedy and dance performances – and plenty of hands-on workshops. Taking place at multiple venues across Newry City, it all kicks off on 2 February with floral-wreath workshops at the Newry and Mourne Museum. There'll be early years music workshops and slapstick comedy shows in between, and it culminates with live, local music at Newry Town Hall on 11 February.
V&A Dundee, Dundee, Scotland
The V&A Dundee will host their flagship exhibition, Tartan, from 1 April 2023. It takes centre stage as the first major exhibition curated by the must-visit museum. Discover the global story of this unique textile and its complex history, and look at loaned items from around the world including offerings from Dior, Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.
NG200, National Gallery, London, England
Photo by Cristiano Pinto on Unsplash
In 2024, the National Gallery will celebrate 200 years of bringing people and paintings together, with a suite of projects known as NG200 set to kick off in May 2024. Spread across the UK, 12 museums in 12 regions will celebrate the National Gallery’s bicentenary. There'll also be two travelling art studios touring the UK on an Art Road Trip, bringing workshops and learning activities to 200 communities. The highlight is bound to be the Summer on the Square festival held in Trafalgar Square, directly outside the London landmark (pictured).
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham, England
Photo by Jon Butterworth on Unsplash
The sad news is that Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery closed in 2021 for essential building work. The good news, though, is that when it reopens in 2024, many of the centre's beloved objects and artworks will return. In the meantime, a selection of their exhibits are temporarily housed at different museums; the Staffordshire Hoard – the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found – is currently on display at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent, for example.
Indoor mini-golf at LEGOLAND, Windsor, England
Photo by Aiva Apsite on Unsplash
Thanks to LEGOLAND, those inevitable rainy days in the UK are sorted with the addition of an indoor mini-golf course at their Windsor site. It's not due to open until 2024, but the new attraction will cover four themes (including pirates) and form part of LEGOLAND Windsor's other new addition, a hotel village.
To read the original article written by and for Love Exploring, please visit: www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/165402/the-best-uk-attractions-to-visit-in-2023
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