Museums & Galleries

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.

The poster store at London Transport Museum's Depot in Acton Town

London Transport Museum’s new gallery explores the history of posters

The new Global Poster Gallery, set over two floors, will explore the history and impact of the poster from the 1900s to the modern day. 

Ian Bean, from Beamish, the Living Museum of the North

Beamish’s penny-farthing rider on his love of the museum

We hear from Ian Bean, an engager at Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, about how his role has changed over nearly 40 years of working at the heritage venue.

A woman studies a portrait in the new Blavatnik Wing at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

The new-look National Portrait Gallery is a sight to behold

We went along to the new-look National Portrait Gallery in London which has reopened following its biggest transformation of all time. 

Artist David Hockney paints singer Harry Styles

Harry Styles portrait unveiled for new David Hockney exhibition

More than 30 new portraits, painted at the artist’s Normandy studio, will be displayed for the first time when the National Portrait Gallery opens David Hockney: Drawing from Life. 

British Motor Museum, Warwickshire

British Motor Museum explores the future of the car in latest display

The British Motor Museum has opened an exhibition which looks at the technologies that are bringing cars into the future and the effects on the world. 

The Queen's Gallery exterior at Buckingham Palace

The Queen’s Gallery: Holbein’s Tudor court portraits to go on display

A major exhibition at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, will bring together more than 100 works from Henry VIII’s court by Hans Holbein the Younger.

Florence Nightingale Museum, London

Florence Nightingale Museum: “She was more than just a Lady with the Lamp”

We spoke to Hannah Smith, visitor experience and collections manager at the Florence Nightingale Museum in London, to discover more about what awaits groups on a visit.

Openings across the UK

New 2023 openings: exhibitions, museums and historical sites

We take a look at some of the biggest new openings for groups to consider…

Windrush portrait display

Windrush portraits commissioned by the King to go on display

A series of ten portraits will go on public display for the first time at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, then moving to the National Portrait Gallery.

Beamish, Living Museum of the North

Sisters recreate childhood home at Beamish Museum

Two sisters have unveiled their childhood home at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North as part of the attraction’s 1950s town.

A family explores the new exhibits at the Loch Ness Centre in Scotland

Reimagined Loch Ness attraction opens after major transformation

One of Scotland’s most famous attractions has reopened after a £1.5 million transformation project from Continuum Attractions to engage, entertain and inform visitors about the mysterious Loch Ness Monster. 

Bomber Command Exhibition at the RAF Museum London, various aircraft on display in the hangar.

RAF Museum’s Bomber Command display marks Dam Buster’s 80th anniversary

A permanent exhibition has been unveiled at the RAF Museum in London telling the stories of individuals who played crucial roles in the famous ‘Dam Busters’ raid. 

The cast of Call the Midwife opened the new gallery and tour at the Historic Dockyard Chatham.

Call the Midwife cast open new gallery and location tour

The Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent has created a new gallery and relaunched its official location tour to celebrate the BBC’s Call the Midwife, with stars of the show at the official opening.

Sam Ryder’s iconic Eurovision jumpsuit is now on display at the British Music Experience in Liverpool.

Sam Ryder’s Eurovision Space Man suit on display in Liverpool

Liverpool’s British Music Experience is now the home of Sam Ryder’s Space Man outfit that he wore when performing at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest. 

Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum’s director on what groups can expect from a visit

Esme Ward, director of Manchester Museum, tells GLT about her favourite items on display at the new-look attraction and what she hopes people will take away from a visit.

Roman Baths, Bath

New openings and top outings in 2023

There are a number of new openings, exhibitions and outings for groups in 2023. Here’s a look at what’s best.

The Royal Mint Experience

Memorable group visits to the Original Maker… The Royal Mint

Sponsored by

Unlock 1,100 years of history at the UK’s oldest mint and see the skill and craftsmanship that go into making the coins in your pocket.

Madame Tussauds, London

Video: corgis run riot to officially open Madame Tussauds’ royal palace experience

To mark King Charles III’s coronation year, London’s Madame Tussauds has opened The Royal Palace experience with the help of four troublesome corgis.

The Tank Museum, Dorset

Handle tank rounds and see hidden vehicles on exclusive tours at the Tank Museum

The Tank Museum at Bovington in Dorset is offering groups the opportunity to dig deeper into history with a selection of guided tours. 

Natural History Museum, London

Annual stats show a surge in visits to museums and galleries

The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) has released visitor figures from its members for 2022, with museums and galleries among those reporting an increase in numbers. 

Beamish, the Living Museum of the North

The Grand Cinema, police houses and miner homes make up new-look Beamish

Beamish, the Living Museum of the North in County Durham is preparing to open several new attractions as part of its biggest ever development project. 

Manchester Museum

The result of Manchester Museum’s once-in-a-lifetime transformation

We went to Manchester Museum to explore the ‘sense of belonging’ created for visitors after a major £15 million redevelopment project. 

Sandcastle Girl by Banksy

Huge art exhibition in Suffolk to display works by Banksy

West Suffolk will host one of the country’s biggest modern art exhibitions this year featuring several artworks by street artist, Banksy.

King Richard III Visitor Centre

A new view of the past at King Richard III Visitor Centre

Sponsored by

Special group rates and a new exhibition gives even more reasons to visit the centre which marks the tenth anniversary of the rediscovery and reinterment of King Richard III.

The Postal Museum, London

Rare treasures and new King Charles III stamp on display at The Postal Museum

A new exhibition has opened at The Postal Museum in London, displaying treasures dating back to 1840 and culminating in the newest design for the reign of King Charles III.

Frameless London

Frameless London: where art breaks free from the canvas

We went along to London’s Frameless experience to find out why it offers a quirky addition to your group itinerary. 

Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth

‘Dive under the waves’ to experience the Mary Rose like never before

1982 – Dive the Mary Rose will be a 4D immersive theatre experience which showcases the untold story of the finding, excavation, and recovery of Henry VIII’s favourite ship.

Museum of Land Speed

A look at some of the most intriguing new attractions and displays for groups in 2023

Whether it’s exciting exhibitions, terrific tours or awesome attractions, here’s a round-up of just some of the big new openings on our radar this year. 

Golden Mummies of Egypt exhibition, Manchester Museum

Ancient Egypt to be explored inside the new-look Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum will reopen its doors from 18th February following a three-year, £15 million transformation project, with its debut exhibition highlighting a lesser-known period in Ancient Egypt’s history. 

Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians

Georgian life and style to be explored in major exhibition at The Queen’s Gallery

A display at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace will reveal life in the 18th century through the fashions of the day, featuring more than 200 works from the Royal Collection.

Ad Gefrin Exhibition Concept art

Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery to open in Northumberland

Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery will launch in spring 2023, bringing to life the hidden history of the 7th Century Anglo Saxon Royal court of Northumbria discovered at Yeavering.

Injecting Hope exhibition at the Science Museum

Injecting Hope at Science Museum explores Covid vaccine story

A new exhibition now open at the Science Museum explores the worldwide effort to develop a Covid-19 vaccine at a speed to beat the pandemic. 

V&A's Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto exhibition

V&A highlights include Chanel fashion first and major Donatello display

Groups visiting the V&A in 2023 have plenty to look out for including the first UK exhibition dedicated to the work of French couturière, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel. 

National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

Beaulieu’s head of visitor experience talks exhibitions, group highlights and landmark milestones

We caught up with Jon Tee, head of visitor experience and operations at Beaulieu to discuss what groups can expect on a visit and the National Motor Museum’s 50th anniversary exhibition. 

Aerospace Bristol

Lunch underneath Concorde as part of Aerospace Bristol's anniversary tour

Aerospace Bristol, home to the last Concorde ever to fly, has announced a special group package to commemorate 20 years since the iconic supersonic passenger jet touched down for the final time.

Paradise Mill

Cheshire museums launch ‘Silk and Salt’ day package for groups

The day itinerary includes tours of the award-winning Silk Museum and Lion Salt Work Museum in Cheshire as well as lunch and refreshments. 

King Richard III Visitor Centre

How group visits bring history to life at the King Richard III Visitor Centre

We spoke to Lisa Harrison, sales co-ordinator at the King Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester, about the highlights to look out for on a visit and why groups are important to the attraction.

Austin Seven exhibition at the British Motor Museum

British Motor Museum celebrates 100 years of the Austin Seven

A special exhibition called Small car. Big history: 100 years of the Austin Seven explores the impact of the iconic car over the last century. 

Strange Clay: Ceramics in Contemporary Art at Haywards Gallery

Strange Clay exhibition at London’s Hayward Gallery celebrates the abstract

A new exhibition will explore how contemporary artists have used clay in inventive ways to create striking sculptures.

Frameless Digital Immersive Art Experience - Luke Halls Studio

Visitors will be invited to step ‘inside’ iconic paintings as part of immersive Frameless experience

Set to open in London this autumn, Frameless is a new multi-sensory attraction which invites visitors to actually step inside the artworks themselves. 

1950s Front Street terrace at Beamish Museum

What’s new for groups at Beamish Museum?

A 1950s Front Street terrace (complete with hairdressers and chippy), new park and Field Farm are among the new exhibits and attractions to open at Beamish Museum. 

World War One exhibition at Aerospace Bristol

Visit Aerospace Bristol: ‘The Best Museum for Groups’

Sponsored by

Winner of Best Museum or Gallery Award at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards 2020 and 2021, Aerospace Bristol takes groups on a fascinating flight through aerospace history, including the special opportunity to step aboard the last Concorde ever to fly.

First Light Pavilion, Jodrell Bank

Jodrell Bank’s striking First Light Pavilion opens to visitors for the first time

Jodrell Bank’s newest attraction, the First Light Pavilion, created to bring the UNESCO World Heritage site’s story to life, has opened its doors to visitors for the first time. 

Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, Hertfordshire

Group itineraries unveiled at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens

Henry Moore Studios & Gardens in Hertfordshire is welcoming group visits back, with a host of exclusive offers, to experience the life and work of the famous sculptor. 

Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre

Hayward Gallery unveils major exhibition at the Southbank Centre

In The Black Fantastic, an exhibition running at the Hayward Gallery within the Southbank Centre in London, is said to be the UK’s first major exhibition dedicated to the work of black artists.

The Mansion at Bletchley Park

Bletchley Park unveils major permanent exhibition showcasing personal stories

Bletchley Park’s largest ever exhibition, The Intelligence Factory, will open in a newly restored wartime building at the heart of the World War Two codebreaking site in Buckinghamshire, alongside a new gallery for temporary displays. 

The National Gallery, London

Explore over 700 years of history on new National Gallery group tours

The travel trade team at the National Gallery in London has announced new and exclusive group tours to offer visitors a more personalised experience than ever before, with out-of-hours access available. 

Museum of Brands

Historic royal souvenirs to go on display at Museum of Brands

A new display celebrating more than 200 years of royal-inspired packaging and jubilee souvenirs will open at the Museum of Brands in London’s Notting Hill to mark The Queen’s 70th year on the throne.

Museum of Brands, London

6 quirky museums that may surprise you

We’ve picked out six, one-of-a-kind museums across the UK to inspire your next cultural trip, from nostalgic visits to engineering and humorous spots.

The Burrell Collection

Esther Dugdale reveals highlights for groups visiting The Burrell Collection

We hear from Esther Dugdale of design agency Event, which oversaw the redesign of The Burrell Collection in Glasgow, about the museum’s long-awaited reopening and what groups can expect on a visit. 

The Burrell Collection

Group tours on offer at the Burrell Collection following major refurbishment

The Burrell Collection in Glasgow’s Pollok Country Park will offer group tours when it reopens following a £68m transformation which will see its specialist collection of 9,000 objects displayed to the public after the building was closed in 2016.

Bridgerton, Bath

Experience the ‘Bridgerton effect’, David Hockney and Cleveland Pools on a visit to Bath

With 2022 promising to be a vibrant and busy year for Bath, here are some highlights of new openings, events and exhibitions taking place in the World Heritage City.

National Museum of Food

Museum of East Anglian Life to relaunch as National Museum of Food

The Museum of East Anglian Life in Suffolk will become a multi-sensory attraction to help visitors to learn about the culture and heritage of food and the impact of our choices past, present and future.

British Motor Museum

British Motor Museum unveils over 30 shows for 2022

The British Motor Museum has announced a programme of more than 30 motoring shows including several new events for 2022, including the Ultimate BMW Car Meet and the Rootes Heritage Day.

National Space Centre, Home Planet exhibition

New interactive gallery underway at National Space Centre in Leicester

Work to develop a new gallery dedicated to Earth at the National Space Centre in Leicester has begun, with the display said to explore how satellite data is vital for managing our relationship with the air, water and land of our home in space. 

Turner Contemporary, Margate

Antony Gormley sculptures among new exhibitions at Turner Contemporary in Margate

Turner Contemporary is marking its reopening and tenth birthday with a raft of exhibitions and projects for 2022 and beyond at its Margate gallery and offsite, featuring commissions by British sculptor Antony Gormley and local artists.

Stonehenge

Landmark Stonehenge exhibition to open at the British Museum

The British Museum has announced an upcoming major exhibition on Stonehenge which will see over 430 objects brought together from across Europe in a special spectacle on the history of the ancient monument. 

King Richard III Visitor Centre

Feast and festivities at Leicester’s King Richard III attraction

The King Richard III Visitor Centre in the city of Leicester has launched a new group talk, Feast and Festivities, which showcases food in the medieval period and the importance of it in celebrations. 

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

New 1950s terrace to open as part of Remaking Beamish project

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North is set to open a 1950s terrace to visitors as part of Remaking Beamish, the biggest development in the museum’s history.

Doctor Who: Worlds of Wonder

Doctor Who display and Tudor paintings among 2022 highlights in Liverpool

National Museums Liverpool has announced it will be hosting a world premiere Doctor Who exhibition and a display of the finest Tudor paintings among other highlights.

Museum of Oxford

Museum of Oxford ‘triples in size’ after £2.8 million refurbishment

The Museum of Oxford, which is dedicated to telling the history of the city and its people, has reopened following a £2.8m redevelopment.

World of James Herriot desk

World of James Herriot shares video to encourage group visits

The World of James Herriot in Thirsk, Yorkshire, has released a video to welcome back groups to the house where the famous vet used to live and work.

Bond in Motion - No Time To Die exhibition

James Bond – No Time To Die exhibition unveiled at Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum

Lord Montagu of Beaulieu has unveiled a display of iconic cars, gadgets and costumes from the latest James Bond film No Time To Die at a special event attended by the filmmakers in Hampshire. 

The Royal Mint Experience

“The job simply wouldn’t be the same without group visits” says Royal Mint manager

Dan Johnson, visitor attraction manager at the Royal Mint Experience in Wales, explains how good it has been to welcome groups back after Covid restrictions eased and his favourite coins to look out for on a visit.

Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein

New experience dedicated to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein opens in Bath

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, said to be the first ever visitor attraction dedicated to the author’s work, has now opened in Bath. 

Hidden London

London Transport Museum’s Hidden London exhibition extended until 2023

The Hidden London exhibition at London Transport Museum has been extended until the end of 2023 due to popular demand. 

Birmingham Museums Trust

Birmingham Museums Trust launches flexible tailor-made packages for groups

Birmingham Museums Trust has announced that groups will be offered flexible visits across nine venues including Aston Hall, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Weoley Castle Ruins.

David Livingstone Birthplace Museum

David Livingstone museum to reopen following major transformation

The David Livingstone Birthplace museum in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, is to reopen this month following a three-year regeneration programme including a new interactive exhibition, a refurbished shop and café and a children’s play park.

British Motor Museum - welcome gallery

British Motor Museum’s latest exhibition will uncover the stories of the motor industry

A new exhibition, which has opened at the British Motor Museum, aims to uncover the stories behind the motor industry and the people who worked and lived around it.