Museums & Galleries

Maritime Museum exterior from Queen's Gardens

Anticipated reopening date announced for Hull Maritime Museum

After a six-year closure, the museum will reopen to the public on 8th August after a multi-million-pound renovation and will feature a globally significant scrimshaw collection.

David Bowie's first instrument, a Grafton Alto saxophone, ca.1961.

V&A’s remarkable David Bowie archive will tour five UK venues

More than 100 highlights from the V&A’s David Bowie archive are set to tour the UK, giving groups a rare behind-the-scenes look at the iconic star’s creative world.

GLT readers outside the American Museum & Gardens

American arts & Somerset views made for a fantastic Reader Club trip

Rob Yandell joins GLT readers for a Reader Club trip to the American Museum & Gardens, just outside Bath, and discovers a compelling group destination.

Exterior of Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house

Blackwell celebrates 125th anniversary with special exhibition

Marking 125 years of the Arts & Crafts House and the 25th anniversary of it opening to the public, an exhibition dedicated to designer M H Baillie Scott will open in September. 

London Museum

London Museum opening date announced for Smithfield

London Museum has confirmed when it will open its new free permanent galleries in Smithfield’s General Market, marking the 50th anniversary of the world’s largest city museum following a £437m transformation.

Quentin Blake at House of Illustration

Quentin Blake Centre opens with debut exhibitions

The newly opened centre offers group discounts and debut exhibitions including a rare showcase of Sir Quentin Blake’s theatrical works.

A tour of Shropshire Museums Collections Centre

Discover hidden treasures in new behind-the-scenes tour

Groups are invited to delve into Shropshire Museums’ collections, exploring thousands of fascinating objects, as part of a new behind-the-scenes experience. 

Science Museum

Science Museum marks American Independence with historic exhibition

The exhibition, opening in October, will explore how science and technology shaped the United States of America, 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery

Marilyn Monroe exhibition now open at National Portrait Gallery

A major exhibition celebrating Marilyn Monroe’s life has opened at the National Portrait Gallery. Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait features previously unseen photographs and iconic artworks. 

Handel Hendrix House

Hendrix archive unveiled at Handel Hendrix House

A treasure trove of previously unseen documents revealing the everyday life of rock legend Jimi Hendrix will go on permanent display at Handel Hendrix House in Mayfair. 

Evening Gowns, Ian Thomas, c.1970s.

King’s Gallery showcases the fashion and style of Queen Elizabeth II

The largest exhibition of the late Queen’s fashion is on display at The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace and has been extended until April 2027 due to high demand. 

British Museum trustees

Bayeux Tapestry to be displayed flat for first time

The British Museum will display the historic Bayeux Tapestry flat and in one continuous 70-metre length for the first time when its landmark exhibition opens in September. 

St Paul's Cathedral, London

U3A group pairs St Paul’s with Tate Modern for their London visit

Sue from Potters Bar U3A shares how a conversation at the GLT Show led to a successful 47-strong group visit to two of London’s most iconic attractions.

A man lies over an art installation of a vortex in front of St Paul's Cathedral

Vortex appears in London to mark Museum of Illusions opening

The new permanent attraction on Tottenham Court Road is the second UK location for the mind-bending museum chain.

A woman stands beside a display case containing Coronation outfits

Major King’s Gallery exhibition explores Edwardian glamour

The exhibition, which runs until December, features a never-before-displayed portrait of Queen Mary, along with more than 150 paintings and items. 

People dress up in authentic dress at the Eden Camp in Yorkshire

Eden Camp announces immersive events for groups

The modern military museum in North Yorkshire has unveiled an action-packed line up of events for the year, bringing wartime history to life for visitors.

Inside V&A East Museum’s Why We Make galleries.

V&A East Museum opens with landmark music exhibition

The V&A’s newest museum has opened in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with its landmark exhibition, The Music is Black: A British Story, celebrating 125 years of Black British music. 

The main entrance to The Royal Mint in Wales

The Royal Mint Experience celebrates 10 Years of discovery

Sponsored by

The Royal Mint Experience in Wales marks its tenth anniversary in 2026, celebrating a decade of award-winning tours while showcasing pioneering sustainability initiatives. 

Dr Adam Parker with the Melsonby Hoard at the Yorkshire Museum.

Largest Iron Age hoard ever discovered to go on display

Visitors will be able to see the Melsonby Hoard at the Yorkshire Museum, with horse harness adornments and weapons included in a collection of more than 800 objects.

National Tramway Museum

Rebranded National Tramway Museum marks exciting new chapter

Crich Tramway Village has become the National Tramway Museum in a move that celebrates more than 60 years of tramway heritage. 

The Royal Mint Experience

Royal Mint visit proves a hit after GLT Show meeting

GTO Joyce Cook describes her successful visit to The Royal Mint Experience with 100 U3A members, following a meeting with the attraction’s team at the Group Leisure & Travel Show.

Continuum Attractions aquire Eden Camp

New owners for Eden Camp Modern History Museum

After more than 40 years as a family-run business, York-based Continuum Attractions has taken the reins of the prisoner of war camp turned modern history museum.

Eurovision Song Contest Basel 2025

National Science and Media Museum celebrates 70 years of Eurovision

An exhibition opening at the museum in Bradford in May will explore the technical innovations that helped Eurovision to become a global phenomenon.

Science & Innovation Park guided tour

Science and Innovation Park expands behind-the-scenes tours

The Wiltshire venue has increased tour availability to explore over 300,000 objects from science, technology, engineering and medicine, with private tours available for groups.

Dining Room at Handel Hendrix House

See Mozart’s music up close at Handel Hendrix House

Visitors to the London home of two of the greatest influences on music will be able to see a piece penned by Mozart in a display running until September.

American Museum & Gardens

American Museum Reader Day: intriguing stories, textiles and design

Readers may be surprised at how much there is to see and do at this wonderful attraction just outside Bath. (Applications are now closed).

IWM Duxford

Experience the life of a fighter pilot at IWM Duxford

Three rooms at the preserved wartime airfield have been transformed with historic objects and interactive elements to present the life of pilots during World War Two. 

The Arab Hall at Leighton House

Celebrating 100 years of the Arab Hall at Leighton House

A landmark anniversary programme at Leighton House will give groups the chance to discover the story behind London’s stunning Arab Hall. 

The new entrance hall at the National Portrait Gallery.

Lucian Freud’s drawings and paintings on display in London

The National Portrait Gallery will host an exhibition bringing together 170 drawings, etchings and paintings by the 20th century art icon.

Vivienne Westwood exhibition at Bowes Museum

Bowes Museum hosting Vivienne Westwood’s style and impressionist art

The museum has announced its 2026 exhibition programme, including a focus on the career of one of Britain’s most famous designers and never-before-seen impressionist masterpieces.

Jewry Wall Roman Museum

Discover Leicester’s history at Jewry Wall Roman Museum

We chat to Kieron Attwood, operations officer at Jewry Wall Roman Museum in Leicester to find out what groups should look out for during a visit. 

Wallace & Gromit visit Young V&A, Bethnal Green

Young V&A to host major Wallace & Gromit exhibition in 2026

The display celebrating 50 years of Aardman Animations will open at Young V&A in February, featuring over 150 objects including never-before-seen models. 

External view of Sheep Field Barn at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens

Renovated barn space explores Henry Moore’s life and work

Sheep Field Barn at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens will re-open on 1st April 2026 and feature a presentation on the sculptor and a changing exhibition programme. 

Sir David Attenborough at the Natural History Museum (c) The Trustees of the NHM

Sir David Attenborough-led exhibition extends in London

Our Story with David Attenborough at the Natural History Museum, South Kensington has been extended until August 2026 due to popular demand.

Inside the Grand Egyptian Museum

Grand Egyptian Museum opens with complete Tutankhamun collection

The world’s largest museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian civilisation has opened near the Pyramids of Giza, featuring the complete Tutankhamun collection displayed together for the first time since 1922.

Museum of Royal Worcester

Museum of Royal Worcester launches new group experiences

The Museum of Royal Worcester has introduced a range of new group experiences including flower demonstrations, entertaining factory tours and exclusive painting sessions with original porcelain artists.

Windlesham and Camberley Camera Club on Hidden London tour

GTO heads underground on Hidden London tour

Jenny Hillman reports back from her group’s guided tour of the tunnels beneath London’s streets which she won as part of the Group Leisure & Travel 30th anniversary celebrations.

Theatre Picasso at Tate Modern

Iconic Picasso works on display at Tate Modern exhibition

Theatre Picasso is a major exhibition running into spring 2026, marking the centenary of Picasso’s The Three Dancers, which was produced in 1925.

Overview of the David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse.

David Bowie Centre opens to public with over 200 items

The David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse is now open, spotlighting key moments from Bowie’s influential career including never-before-seen items.

An exterior of the Shoemakers Museum

Somerset’s Shoemakers Museum to celebrate 200 years of Clarks

A landmark new museum celebrating 200 years of shoemaking heritage is set to open in Somerset this September, offering visitors an immersive journey through the history of the iconic Clarks brand.

The Royal Mint Experience

Unusual uses of coins on display at Royal Mint exhibition

The Secret Life of Coins is a temporary exhibition at The Royal Mint Experience in Wales, exploring how we use coins for everyday and surprising tasks.

People dress up in authentic dress at the Eden Camp in Yorkshire

Eden Camp’s group rates offer for 2026 bookings

Eden Camp Modern History Museum in North Yorkshire is offering groups the chance to secure 2026 visits at 2025 prices if booked with a deposit before a December deadline. 

Behind the scenes of the Dressed for Departure exhibition at The Bowes Museum

Museum exhibit explores fashion’s evolution through railway history

A new exhibition at The Bowes Museum explores how the Stockton and Darlington Railway shaped transportation, fashion, culture and everyday life.

King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester

A medieval Christmas and feasting at the King Richard III Visitor Centre

King Richard III Visitor Centre is offering a festive package to experience Christmas as it was celebrated in medieval times, complete with a feast and museum access.

John Lennon Rolls Royce at British Motor Museum

John Lennon’s Rolls-Royce stars in ‘Beep-Beep, Yeah!’ exhibition

The exhibition at the British Motor Museum examines everything from the engine rumble to the rhythm of our favourite tune and why sound can influence the way we drive.

An image of photographer Cecil Beaton on display at the National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery stages first major ‘King of Vogue’ exhibition

The exhibition will be the first dedicated to the ground-breaking fashion and royal photographer Cecil Beaton. 

Nick Park, Aardman

Wallace & Gromit exhibition spotlighted at museum reopening

Following a £19 million transformation, The Harris museum in Preston will reopen its doors with the Wallace & Gromit in a Case at the Museum exhibition.

Walker Art Gallery

Local treasures and iconic hairstyles among Liverpool exhibitions

National Museums Liverpool’s autumn and winter programme is celebrating archaeological finds from the region, Liverpool’s obsession with hair and contemporary artwork.

Bayeux Tapestry on display at the Bayeux Museum.

Bayeux Tapestry heading to British Museum in UK first

The Bayeux Tapestry will be moved to London in a historic loan and is due to go on display in the UK in the autumn of 2026 for the first time since it was made, nearly 1,000 years ago.

Sound and Vision Galleries at National Science and Media Museum

Early photography and film tech showcased at galleries in Bradford

The National Science and Media Museum has opened its new Sound and Vision galleries, showcasing collections of photography, film, television, animation, gaming and sound technologies.

Beyond Van Gogh

Van Gogh and Monet immersive experiences to tour UK

Immersive art exhibitions about the masterworks of artists Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh are set to visit major venues in cities across the UK.

Pike by Ted Edley at Beaulieu

Beaulieu sculpture exhibition open for summer visits

Work by 47 sculptors is on display in the house and gardens at Beaulieu in Hampshire, with visitors able to explore the exhibition until 14th September 2025.

Life-sized 3D model of a megalodon, featured in GIANTS.

Mammoths and megalodons to tour UK museums

Giants will feature life-sized 3D models and nearly complete skeletons of creatures from 66 million years ago to the present day.

Smithy's Volvo 850s Estate at the National Motor Museum

Cars used in Gavin & Stacey feature at Beaulieu exhibition

Three cars from the iconic BBC comedy series will join a display of vehicles that have featured on screen at a newly refurbished exhibition at Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum.

Nelson Mandela on display at the National Portrait Gallery immersive experience.

Iconic figures shine in Brought to Life exhibition

Stories - Brought to Life opened at MediaCity, Greater Manchester on 2nd May, transforming portraits of iconic figures into an immersive experience.

Two reindeer drawn on bone

Rare Ice Age art on display in special exhibition in Bradford

Ice Age Art Now is a British Museum partnership with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and Bradford District Museums & Galleries, opening at Cliffe Castle Museum on 21st June.

The 90s

Leading British artists among 2026 Tate exhibition highlights

Exhibitions exploring the culture of the 90s and focussing on notable artists are among the highlights announced across Tate Modern and Tate Britain in 2026.

Edwardian portraits and clothing from magnificent court events

Lavish royal lives on display at The King’s Gallery

The Edwardians: Age of Elegance explores the lives of the Edwardian royals and features Queen Alexandra’s gold coronation dress and family photos.

The main entrance to The Royal Mint in Wales

The Royal Mint: step into history and innovation on a visit

Sponsored by

A visit to The Royal Mint is not just a trip - it’s a journey through more than 1,000 years of history, craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation.

Visitors with the Austin Allegro

Palace House rooms and interactive car exhibition open at Beaulieu

Visitors will be able to look around themed rooms inside Palace House, along with an exhibition exploring cars from the past which hold fond memories at Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum.

Mod fashion on four manequins

A nod to the Mods: exhibition in Brighton explores fashion and culture

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is turning back the clock to 1960s Britain with its exhibition, The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1958-66.

Public realm at The Stage

Museum of Shakespeare will transport groups back in time

Opening this year, the Museum of Shakespeare will be an immersive and interactive permanent experience in London, transporting visitors to the 16th century to walk in the footsteps of William Shakespeare.

Hopetown Darlington, County Durham

Hopetown Darlington: what can groups expect?

Sponsored by

Hopetown Darlington is an award-winning railway-heritage attraction which offers a range of exhibits and the chance to view live engineering in action.

Render of the new gallery at the Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum to open major gallery which explores our planet’s future

The Fixing Our Broken Planet gallery at the Natural History Museum in London will aim to inspire people to help protect Earth for future generations and is the first new permanent space to open at the South Kensington attraction in nine years.

Florence Nightingale Museum, London

9 London museums with connections to famous names

London is full of great museums of all sizes and these celebrate important historical figures and famous people from the past across everything from the arts to the sciences. 

Start of Age of AI Exhibition at Bletchley Park

Discover the past, present and future of AI at Bletchley Park

The Age of AI is a new exhibition at Bletchley Park that explores the impact of artificial intelligence on our everyday lives, from its depiction in the media to its use for medical purposes.

London Museum Planning Image - Proposed General Market basement gallery

Plans revealed for the new London Museum

London Museum will open in 2026 in Smithfield, four years after the closure of the original museum at London Wall.

Silverstone Interactive Museum

Silverstone Museum: racing heritage and interactive exhibits

We chat to Beki Challoner, head of visitor experience at Silverstone Museum in Northamptonshire, about what’s coming up this year and why non-racing fans can enjoy the experience.

Group tour of the National Gallery in London

Exclusive group tours launched by the National Gallery

London’s National Gallery is welcoming groups to experience a tour like never before after the introduction of three new options which bring this historic collection of paintings to life.

Mudlark Alessio Checconi examines the foreshore

Explore treasures of the Thames at London Museum Docklands

Groups will be able to book at a discounted rate to visit the museum’s first major exhibition on mudlarking, exploring finds from the Thames foreshore, including a Tudor wool hat, Medieval gold ring and a Viking era dagger.

View across the Collections Hall at V&A East Storehouse

New V&A site featuring over half a million pieces to open in May

V&A East Storehouse will offer behind-the-scenes access to over half a million creative works, with a second site, V&A East Museum, scheduled to open in spring 2026.

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858), Ferry on the Fuji River

Japanese and Indian culture in focus at British Museum

Groups will be able to tour Hiroshige: artist of the open road and Ancient India: living traditions at the British Museum, with discounted group booking rates available.

A guided tour of the Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum: afternoon tea and group guided tours

The Natural History Museum is inviting visitors to go behind-the-scenes on a specially curated guided tour, followed by a nature inspired afternoon tea – as part of a new experience package.

Still life under the lamp, 1962

British Museum to showcase never-displayed Picasso works

Special rates are available for groups of ten or more booking to visit Picasso: printmaker, which will include never-displayed pieces. 

The new forecourt outside the National Portrait Gallery, London.

Oasis star among icons on show at National Portrait Gallery

Noel Gallagher is one of over 100 famous faces from the worlds of art, fashion, business and entertainment on display as part of a new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Clapham South Hidden London Tour

Explore wartime Britain in Hidden London tour

London Transport Museum has released group tickets for its revamped tour of Clapham South’s deep-level wartime air raid shelter, located 11 storeys underground. 

A Spitfire and Hurricane plane outside the Bentley Priory Museum

Bentley Priory Museum was a great find for our group

GTO Carol Swiecicka reports back from an interesting group visit to Bentley Priory Museum. 

Brenda Alexander at Beamish Museum

Beamish Museum: what's new and group booking advice

Brenda Alexander at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North in County Durham on what’s new for groups and booking advice.  

Making the Modern World gallery at the Science Museum

Science Museum to open historic exhibition

A new exhibition at the London museum will unveil the stories of science at Versailles with objects on display for the first time in the UK. 

Mail Rail at The Postal Museum in London

Quirky places in London to take your group

From unusual museums to a journey underground, we explore some of the alternative options for your next visit to London. 

The new entrance to the National Portrait Gallery, London

National Portrait Gallery to display rare Francis Bacon portraits

The exhibition, opening at the London gallery in October, will be the first in 20 years to focus on the artist’s portraits. 

Exterior view of the Land of Iron in Cleveland

5 fascinating heritage attractions in the north

Pick up inspiration for your future group visits with a look at several intriguing attractions in the north of England. 

A book of coins as part of The Royal Mint's Coins and the Seas exhibition

New Coins and the Sea exhibition at The Royal Mint Experience

From shanties to shipwrecks, the display dives into the history of coins and their journey across the high seas. 

Visit Hull guided tours

Free group guided tours of Hull’s museums

Visit Hull has launched a new initiative that allows groups to pre-book free guided tours of the city’s museums to learn more about its history and links to British culture.

Members of The Arts Society Cranleigh during their trip to The D-Day Story, Portsmouth

A poignant trip to The D-Day Story ahead of 80th anniversary

Gwen Wright, group travel organiser for The Arts Society Cranleigh, tell us about her moving visit to the museum in Southsea, Portsmouth. 

An impression of the Goods Shed at Hopetown Darlington

Hopetown Darlington will offer groups an immersive experience

Sponsored by

Hopetown Darlington will be a 7.5-acre site encompassing a railway museum, exhibitions, festivals, events, café and shop, a railway-themed adventure play park and time travel immersive experience ride, and the chance to view live engineering in action.

The exterior of the Royal Mint Experience, Wales

Award-winning tours and exhibitions for groups at The Royal Mint

Sponsored by

There’s something for all groups during a day out at The Royal Mint Experience in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales.

Members of Lincoln Retirees Group at Great Central Railway

Group enjoy Leicestershire visit after GLT Show encounter

Keith Jordan had an excellent day with his Lincoln Retirees Group all because of who he met at the Group Leisure & Travel Show.

ABBA winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest

Exhibition celebrates 50 years since ABBA’s Eurovision win

Groups are being invited to celebrate ABBA’s iconic milestone through a new display at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. 

Echoes of the Blitz: Underground shelters in Ukraine and London exhibition

London Transport Museum display shows role of the Underground in war

Echoes of the Blitz: Underground shelters in Ukraine and London explores how underground stations and metro systems provide shelter to citizens during periods of war, through a range of photographs.

A portrait of Princess Margaret by Cecil Beaton taken in 1949

King’s Galleries to showcase royal photos and historic artefacts

The Royal Collection Trust has revealed that the galleries formerly known as The Queen’s Galleries will reopen as The King’s Galleries with exciting new exhibitions.

Compton Verney Art Gallery & Park

Striking sculpture park opens at Compton Verney

A major new sculpture park has opened in the grounds of Compton Verney Art Gallery in Warwickshire, featuring striking works by modern and contemporary artists from around the world.

Collector and independent curator Liz West at the Hundreds and Thousands art installation she created for The Tide in Greenwich

Girl Power! British Music Experience display celebrates 30 years of the Spice Girls

Girl Power! Spice Girls at 30, running at the British Music Experience in Liverpool from February to September, will chart the history of the girl band with outfits from Liz West’s collection. 

Yoko Ono, Tate Modern

Tate Modern to explore the life of Yoko Ono in huge exhibition

The UK’s largest exhibition celebrating the life and work of artist and activist Yoko Ono will open at London’s Tate Modern.

Aircraft on display at the de Havilland Aircraft Museum in London Colney

Fascinating group day out at de Havilland Aircraft Museum

Chris Behrendt and Jennie Savage from the Milton Keynes U3A group report back from a brilliant experience at the de Havilland Aircraft Museum in London Colney. 

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

8 must-visit cities for museum and art lovers

With so many iconic European cities to choose from, here are some of the best hotspots for museum and art lovers.

Visitors look at one of the exhibits at the Faith Museum in Bishop Auckland (12). Photo The House of Hues

New museum in Bishop Auckland takes groups through 6,000 years of faith

The Faith Museum in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, leads visitors on a journey through British history and how faith has shaped lives and communities.

The Royal Mint Experience

The Royal Mint invites groups ‘beyond the glass’ in new tour

The Royal Mint Experience is inviting visitors into the factory for a fascinating insight into coin-making on a new tour for groups.