A packed programme of anniversaries awaits group organisers in 2026, from the 250th anniversary of American Independence explored at Hillsborough Castle and Bowood House, to milestone birthdays for beloved literary characters.
The 250th anniversary of American Independence is being marked at Historic Royal Palace’s Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in Northern Ireland with a special display and series of tours this year.
The castle’s connection to the events leading up to the American Revolution isn’t widely known so this is a great chance to discover its role.
In 1771 Benjamin Franklin visited the castle to meet the castle’s builder and Secretary of State of the Colonies Wills Hill. The pair discussed American affairs but their goodwill was short lived.Hill later resigned and blamed Franklin for his political troubles.
From April groups will find out more about the historic meeting, see the room and an array of letters, portraits and other artefacts.
A new exhibition at Bowood House in Wiltshire will also mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 1776: Secrets, Spies and the American Revolution will delve into the world of 18th century espionage, something Benjamin Franklin, who was a friend of Bowood’s Lord Shelburne, played a huge part in.
Discover how the Americans and British both used ingenious methods to carry secret messages, from using invisible ink to hiding notes in unsuspecting places. Groups benefit from discounted rates, free coach parking and free admission for the GTO (self-guided visits only) and the coach driver (if applicable).
Happy birthday to some of our favourite characters
Winnie the Pooh turns 100 this year and to celebrate the centenary year of the much-loved A. A. Milne characters, a special exhibition will tour a number of National Trust sites including Nymans in Sussex, which will feature extracts and illustrations from some of the stories, Tatton Park in Cheshire and Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire.
28th July, 2026 marks 160 years since the birth of the world famous author and illustrator Beatrix Potter who was inspired by the Lake District where she spent most of her life. Visitors can explore her legacy and holiday home at the National Trust’s Hill Top House and see her stories and characters brought to life at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere.
It’s also 25 years since the release of the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone film. Warner. Bros Studio Tour is launching four new tours and experiences this year: Magical Mischief (spilling the secrets of the films’ special effects), a Philosopher’s Stone exhibition (promising magical surprises and spellbinding sets), Dark Arts (a Halloween celebration of Dementors and Death Eaters) and Hogwarts in the Snow (a festive makeover of the Great Hall).
Looking ahead, a new television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels is currently filming with its release planned for 2027.
75th anniversary programme for the Southbank Centre
The centre is celebrating 75 years of the Royal Festival Hall, the only permanent cultural building to come from the 1951 Festival of Britain, and the first chapter in the Southbank Centre’s story. The festival, which took place from May to September, was said to make way for the regeneration of the South Bank.
There are various events and exhibitions happening throughout the year, not least a takeover of the centre called You Are Here, directed and designed by Danny Boyle which takes place in May, and a landmark exhibition of sculptor Anish Kapoor’s art (June-October).
In addition, the team are taking the National Poetry Library collection, housed at the Southbank Centre, on the road. The specially designed mobile poetry library will visit 11 coastal locations throughout 2026 and host a range of activities such as workshops, readings and performances led by local poets and a chance for the public to submit their own poems. Locations include Great Yarmouth, Southend, Weston-super-Mare and South Shields.
Celebrating our coasts
The seaside town of Scarborough will celebrate 400 years since being designated a spa resort and Britain’s first seaside resort. Its modern-day journey is said to have begun in 1926 when a spring of medicinal water was discovered running down the cliff and into the sea.
The water was believed to heal ailments and a book published in 1660 about the spa waters was said to be a huge catalyst for tourists visiting ‘Scarborough Spa’.
There will be a range of celebrations throughout the year including heritage installations at the site of the original spa, events, art installations and a 10 day festival in mid-July. Visitors will also be able to explore a special exhibition at Scarborough Maritime & Heritage Centre this year which will delve into the story of how Scarborough came on the map.
Over in Morecambe, Lancashire, the town is gearing up to celebrate comic legend Eric Morecambe’s 100th birthday (14th May) with a series of events and commemorative activities.
In the south, the Jurassic Coast marks its 25th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering 95 miles from Exmouth in East Devon to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset, it was given UNESCO status in 2001 for its rocks, fossils and landforms.
And 2026 is the 200th year of the Cowes Week sailing regatta on the Isle of Wight (1st - 7th August). The event began as a single race for seven yachts and now attracts thousands of competitors from around the world. A Bicentary Exhibition will be housed at the Parade Village this year, telling the history of Cowes Week.
