17 Nov 2020
New ways to Escape the Everyday in England in 2021
Whilst the impact of this year has seen launch dates shift and events move, the innovation and passion of our home-grown tourism industry means there's a huge amount to look forward to in 2021. Restored castles steeped in legend; the Royal Horticultural Society unveiling the largest gardening project in Europe; an art-peppered treasure hunt along the south coast and the hope of music, theatre and dance taking over our cities, it's a year to discover England's rich heritage, delve into a thriving art scene, explore stunning landscapes, picturesque coastlines, and indulgent stays away.
Whilst many of our events, festivals and offerings are still putting final touches and final opening dates in place, it looks set to be a year bursting at the seams with brand new and unmissable experiences. Here's our roundup of England's top new offerings for 2021.
Become a history buff and discover England's important icons, ancient sites and remarkable relics
Nottingham Castle reopens its doors
Nottingham Castle, along with the Ducal Palace and sprawling cave system below, will reopen after a £29.4 million investment. Symbolising almost 1,000 years of British history, this castle has links to Robin Hood, Richard the Lionheart and the English Civil War. Rich in archaeology and human interest, and a beacon of power, protest and rebellion throughout the centuries. The restoration project will revitalise the wealth of the castle's history, the depth of its collections and the lives of the people of Nottingham.
Opening early 2021
Commemorating the voyage of the Mayflower, Plymouth
Primed to ignite the south-west's rich heritage are the postponed Mayflower 400 commemorations, marking 400 years since the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, taking the first pilgrims to America. The Mayflower International Festival will take place in July with a programme of exciting events including the Four Nations Ceremony, Military Muster and Rehabilitation Triathlon by the Royal Marines.
www.mayflower400uk.org/news/2020/june/plymouth-goes-large-in-2021-with-impressive-event-programme/
www.visitplymouth.co.uk/whats-on/major-events/mayflower-international-festival
Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein, Bath
A World First visitor attraction, the first horror experience dedicated to author Mary Shelley and her most infamous creation, Frankenstein is due to open in 2021. Mary Shelley wrote the majority of this timeless classic whilst living in lodgings situated in Abbey Churchyard, Bath, in 1816, where now is located the iconic Pump Room. Unearth the extraordinary author Mary Shelley's darkest past, as you explore her tragic and complex life and experience the story of Frankenstein, as relevant today as it was 200 years ago. The experience promises to be scarily atmospheric, multi-sensory and fully immersive.
Opening spring 2021
Bathe in Bath's new heritage and historical sites
2021 is the year to immerse in English history and Bath is offering it in abundance. The Archway Project will convert the former Victorian spa buildings close to the Roman Baths, with renovations creating new learning spaces for groups and schools, a World Heritage Centre exploring the internationally recognised historic city, and open previously unseen areas of the Roman Baths themselves – including a Roman sauna!
Opening dates to be confirmed
www.romanbaths.co.uk/archway-project / /www.romanbaths.co.uk/world-heritage-centre
New perspectives on global conflict with new galleries at Imperial War Museum, London
History buffs can have their curiosity piqued when the new Second World War and Holocaust galleries open. Spanning two floors, the £30.5 million investment will display an in-depth exhibition, thoughtfully analysing the conflicts and its horrors through personal stories, stark objects and engaging display techniques fit for a 21st century audience.
Launch date to be confirmed
www.iwm.org.uk/history/new-second-world-war-and-holocaust-gallery-plans-unveiled
Discover England's diverse and creative cultural scene with immersive arts and reimagined landmarks, or take a trip down memory lane in one of Britain's much-loved vintage cars.
North West's first dedicated poetry library in Manchester
Building on Manchester's UNESCO City of Literature status, the new Manchester Poetry Library will launch in 2021 – part of the new School of Digital Arts at Manchester Metropolitan University – it will widen public access to poetry and foster new creative writing.
Opening January 2021
https://www.mmu.ac.uk/poetrylibrary/
A world first for England's Creative Coast
Art buffs can embark on a brand new type of cultural treasure hunt along England's south coast, with England's Creative Coast. Developed in collaboration with galleries and arts organisations, the world's first art GeoTour trail will connect the area's exceptional galleries via geocaching on a global positioning system, creating a map of seven coastal artworks for visitors to discover – all by leading contemporary artists. Highlights include Margate's Turner Contemporary, Bexhill's De La Warr Pavilion and Hastings Contemporary.
April/May 2021
www.englandscreativecoast.org/
www.englandscreativecoast.org/new-digital-cultural-trail/
Coventry becomes UK City of Culture
Coventry will pick up the UK City of Culture gauntlet in 2021 promising a programme of art, theatre, dance and literature, kicking off in May with a stand-out event with a city-wide installation, showcasing Coventry's united energy.
More information and full events list will be announced at the start of the year.
May 2021
Art on the Estuary, South Essex and North Kent
The famous waterway of England will see another cultural injection in May, as the second edition of the Estuary Arts Festival is primed to inspire. Aiming to shine a light on the landscape and rich history of the Thames Estuary, spanning 133km of South Essex and North Kent coastlines, it will highlight stories from its port towns, seafronts, marshlands and significant heritage sites through art, music and literature.
May 2021
www.estuaryfestival.com/about.html
Greenwich to welcome a new cultural hub, London
A new riverside cultural hub will bring life to a restored collection of industrial buildings, housing a large-scale performance and events area, while sharing space with both local and internationally known creative companies, including a residency of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair and Chineke.
Opening spring 2021
www.woolwich.works/whats-happening/
Illuminated River Thames, London
The ambitious art commission will transform some of London's iconic bridges, aiming to add gloriously colourful lighting to the city's bridges, with displays along Blackfriars Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, the Golden Jubilee Footbridges, Westminster Bridge and Lambeth Bridge, adding a brand new dimension to an already iconic riverside walk in the capital.
Launching spring 2021
www.illuminatedriver.london/bridges
Great British Car Journey attraction, Derbyshire
Car fanatics will be thrilled to hear a new vintage car museum will open at the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site – famous for its industrial heritage. Set in a former wire factory, the museum will chart the history of British car manufacturing from the 1920s to the 1970s, with over 100 vintage vehicles on display. A number of experiences have been planned, giving you the chance to jump behind the wheel of a British vintage car and take it for a test drive.
Opening spring 2021
www.greatbritishcarjourney.com/
New theatre takes centre stage, London
Cue the dazzling lights, marvellous costume and pitch-perfect voices – theatre fans will be on the edge of their seats as 2021 celebrates much-loved classics and plans to welcome must-see new shows to the capital. In a year that will mark the 150th anniversary of the world-famous Royal Albert Hall, and 15 years of the spell-binding Wicked the Musical, 2021 will also welcome Monopoly, an immersive production based on the classic board game, as well as the Broadway hit, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, an opulent jukebox production set to arrive in the West End in autumn 2021.
www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/
www.moulinrougemusical.com/london/home/
Get Outdoors…
Big birthdays for three of England's National Parks
2021 is a stellar year for some of the nation's vast landscapes, as it marks 70 years since the official formation of three National Parks, with the Peak District, Lake District and Dartmoor National Parks all created in 1951.
www.nationalparksengland.org.uk/
England Coast Path nears closer to completion
Edging ever nearer to completion, the 2,700 miles long coast path will be the longest managed coastal walking route on the planet. Connecting people with nature; sandy beaches, towering cliffs, seaside cities and friendly fishing villages the length and breadth of the country. The next stretch of the path will open early 2021 with date for completion to be confirmed. The England Coast Path will allow people access through some of the finest and most important landscapes in England, opening up access to historic landmarks, natural wonders and breath-taking scenery, enabling more people to experience, recognise and value the benefits of the England's landscape and environment.
For further information on opening dates and access routes visit:
www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/england-coast-path-route-description-landing-page/
Rye Harbour Discovery Centre to open in Sussex
The new centre will transform the way visitors engage with the natural and cultural heritage of the reserve, with an exciting and innovative programme of activities, education, training and conservation projects. The 1,110 acre reserve is one of the most biodiverse places in Britain with 4,200 plant and animal species recorded, including over 200 rare or endangered birds and mammals. It is also home to a range of historic buildings; among them, Henry VIII's Camber Castle and the Mary Stanford Lifeboat House.
April 2021
www.ryeharbourdiscoverycentre.org.uk/discovery-centre-project
Europe's largest gardening project springs into life - RHS Bridgewater, Manchester
Horticulture lovers can plan to explore the brand new garden, set to join the prestigious RHS's portfolio next spring. The 156-acre garden will be the first to be added in 17 years, offering a tranquil escape in the grounds of the historic Worsley New Hall, near the bustling centre of Manchester. This will be the largest gardening project in Europe and includes a kitchen garden, heritage orchard, therapeutic garden and a historic 11-acre walled garden – one of the largest in the UK.
Opening May 2021
www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater
Stanmer Park, Brighton restoration project
With an investment of £5.1 million, the park will be a destination of heritage and environmental excellence, with 20 hectares of the vast 485-hectare park restored including the Walled Garden.
Opening date to be confirmed
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/stammer-park-restoration-project
Plan a trip away with safari style accommodation overlooking wildlife habitats, converted jails along the coast and luxury hotels opening, there's an abundance of new choice for wild nights and luxury days away….
Bodmin Jail to become a hotel, Cornwall
The four-star boutique hotel will sit alongside the brand new immersive visitor attraction of Bodmin Jail. The hotel will retain and enhance the unique atmosphere and sense of history that exists in the jail ruins. Expect to see bars on the windows, stone walls and the original guard tower. Holdings that date back to the 18th century are being used to create 70 spacious bedrooms with three cells to a room in the original civil, naval and women's wings. An exciting new restaurant concept is also due to open within the hotel, giving guests the chance to indulge in a traditional afternoon tea or sample some hearty British classics.
Opening February 2021
https://www.bodminjailhotel.com/
The Harper, North Norfolk
The development of the former Langham Glass site brings a luxurious boutique hotel to North Norfolk. The Harper North Norfolk, owned by The Bijou Collection, promises to be a contemporary, laid back and “appealingly unstuffy” country escape. The historic Norfolk brick-and-stone building will have 32 high-tech bedrooms with modern four-poster beds and high-spec bathrooms, two restaurants, a bar, a lounge and a luxury spa with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and treatments.
Opening March 2021
From £195 per room per night Bed and Breakfast
Leopard Creek, Kent
Nestled within a tranquil corner of the Port Lympne reserve, surrounded by landscaped gardens with sweeping views across the Kentish savannah and out to sea. Guests will be able to enjoy 24-hour viewing of their neighbours; a pair of critically endangered Amur leopards and two white rhinos. Offering a unique experience in stunning accommodation, suitable for all seasons and occasions.
Opening April 2021
Starting from £319 per night.
www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/short-breaks/leopard-creek/
The Wave Surfside Glamping, Bristol
From spring, inland surf pool The Wave will offer the chance to enjoy luxury surfside glamping. Safari tents sleeping up to eight people and complete with kitchen, bathroom, comfortable beds and a large private balcony will offer peaceful hideaways close to the surf
Opening spring 2020
www.thewave.com/opening-times-and-prices/surf-and-stay-accommodation/
The Londoner, London
Edwardian Hotels London will open a purpose-built hotel in the heart of London's West End. The Londoner, billed as “the world's first super boutique hotel”, is a landmark development near Leicester Square, which embraces the drama and heritage of its West End setting while offering five-star facilities and a pioneering approach to sustainable luxury design. The ambience is boutique yet the scale is staggering, with 15 storeys, 350 guestrooms (including 35 suites and a tower penthouse each with cityscape views), concept eateries, a state-of-the-art ballroom and a subterranean gym and spa. The two private screening rooms are an especially nice touch given the hotel's theatreland neighbourhood.
Opening early 2021
From £409 room only
Three Mile Beach accommodation, near St Ives, Cornwall
Fifteen luxury self-catering beach houses will open along the wilds and tranquillity of the north Cornish coast next spring. Beach houses come in two to four bed, suitable for those wanting to go off grid alone or families and groups of friends spending quality time together. All houses are hygge design and finish with private decks, sunken hot tubs and barrel saunas. Three Mile Beach will offer surf lessons, and private chefs to make your time away even more memorable.
Opening spring 2021
Graduate Hotels debuts first European properties in Cambridge and Oxford
Graduate Hotels are a collection of handcrafted hotels that reside in the dynamic university-anchored cities across the U.S. The UK hotels' design inspired by the unique heritage of the towns and university colleges of Cambridge and Oxford will open in spring 2021 with complete renovations of two existing properties; the Doubletree by Hilton, Cambridge City and the Macdonald Randolph Hotel in Oxford.
Opening spring 2021
Una St Ives Resort, Cornwall
Final touches are being put in place to open the £25m aparthotel, leisure facilities and 96 holiday villas at Una Resort in Carbis Bay. The site already has 29 contemporary self-catering eco-houses, extensive spa and leisure facilities and Una Kitchen, well known for its Mediterranean and wood-fired cooking. The development will bring a 55-roomed aparthotel, additional self-catering apartments, and expanded leisure, spa, restaurant and event space.
Opening spring 2021
THE PIG, West Sussex
Preparations are underway to welcome a new PIG to Home Grown Hotels' litter. The South Downs PIG will open in the Grade II-listed Madehurst Lodge, near Arundel. With sustainability, seasonality and fresh homegrown produce at the heart of the PIGs, the kitchen garden and restaurant will take centre stage, and anything that can't be supplied by the gardens will be sourced from the best producers within a 25-mile (40-km) radius.
Summer 2021
www.thepighotel.com/new-pigs-coming-soon/
The Broadwick Soho, London
An independent luxury hotel to complement the area's creativity, drawing inspiration from the gritty glamour, but also eclectic and diverse history of Soho, described as “your eccentric grandmother's Soho townhouse”. Serving up an authentic Italian restaurant and rooftop cocktail bar with stunning views across the Soho skyline.
September 2021
Rooms from £350 per night
Website pending
West Midlands Safari Park lodges, Kiddermister
Eight exclusive, luxury lodges, designed to give you an up-close and personal overnight wildlife experience like no other will open in 2021. Guests will enjoy spectacular views overlooking elephant and cheetahs in their habitats.
PEAK Resort Adrenaline World and Gateway Hub, Derbyshire
Phase one of the £100M project is to open in 2021. The hub will offer hotel accommodation of 850 rooms, services and transport allowing visitors to explore the Peak District in a more environmentally friendly way. As well as adrenaline filled activities to include zip lines, climbing walls, adventure golf, ninja courses, caving, trampolining, gold and go karting.
Eden Project Hotel, Cornwall
2021 will see a new £8.5m addition to the Eden Project: a 109-bedroom hotel. The unconventional structure will blend into the countryside and offer high levels of accessibility, energy efficiency and sustainability. Designed by Tate Harmer, one of the UK's leading architects for sustainability and natural environments, the new hotel will incorporate existing features such as old trees and stone walls, with the addition of meadow and orchard planted around the hotel.
Hambledon Vineyard's Visitor Centre, South Downs
Visitors will have the chance to enjoy some of the South Downs' finest tipples at the Hambledon Vineyard's new facilities. Located in 200 acres of lush countryside, the vineyard will welcome a brand new tasting room and visitor centre, giving guests the chance to savour a range of delicious wines and discover behind-the-scenes stories and techniques of one England's finest wines.
Opening date to be confirmed.
Visitors are advised to always check individual websites for the latest information, as events and openings are subject to change. National restrictions are currently in place. Check out www.visitengland.com for the latest guidance.
For further press information please contact the VisitEngland PR team:
Louise Ferrall / Claire Keenan / Patrycja Woda
Email: vepr@visitengland.org or visit media.visitengland.com www.visitengland.com
