TRAVEL and tourism is bouncing back after the pandemic – and nowhere more so than here on our very own doorstep, with Brits expected to take 55 million homegrown trips this year.
I’ve spent the last couple of days at the British Tourism & Travel Show, staged annually to highlight new attractions, adventures and experiences to tempt us all to part with our hard-earned cash.
And, yes, of course we have castles, countryside and cuisine galore – that’s what we expect of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland after all – but there’s much more in store.
Here are 10 unexpected adventures and experiences highlighted at the show that you may not have heard about before, all ideal for fun family days out for culture vultures and outdoorsy types.
1 Go to see why Banksy is first at the races
Fifty fantastic modern art masterpieces are going on show at the National Horse Racing Museum in Newmarket, including Banksy’s famous Hula Hoop Girl, originally painted on a wall in Nottingham.
Other artists included in The Urban Frame’s ‘Mutiny In Colour’ exhibition, which runs from June 3 to October 1 include Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin – and the museum itself is well worth a look.
More info at www.nhrm.co.uk
2 Rhubarb, rhubarb! Wake up to Wakefield
It seems that just about everything has a festival devoted to it these days, but the Yorkshire city of Wakefield has cornered the market in … rhubarb.
Each year there’s a three-day fiesta that takes over the city centre with a food and drink market, street entertainers, demonstrations by leading chefs and all manner of family fun events.
More info at www.experiencewakefield.co.uk
3 Tuk-tuk in to gourmet grub on Guernsey
There are some great restaurants on the Channel island of Guernsey, several of them with AA rosette ratings – but dinner can be only part of a memorable gourmet getaway.
Now, you can book a tuk-tuk to take you from wherever you’re staying on the island to your chosen restaurant in a special package including a scenic tour in both directions.
More info at www.tuktukguernsey.co.uk
4 Dancing in the moonlight – on the seabed
While we’re in the Channel Islands, take a guided walk with a difference in Jersey. As the ocean recedes on a moonless night, watch for tiny creatures which glow and twinkle in the dark.
Lunar Tidal Walks lead guests along beaches covered by high tide twice a day, and you have the chance of watching breathtaking bioluminescence tracing patterns in the sea.
More info at www.jerseywalkadventures.co.uk
5 Make a mint – at the Royal Mint
The Royal Mint in Llantrisant has just produced the first coins to include the profile of King Charles III and, with the Coronation coming up fast, there’s never been a more fitting time to visit.
The Royal Mint Experience includes fascinating collections and hands-on exhibits for all the family, including the chance to strike your own coin – or take a VIP behind the scenes tour.
More info at www.royalmint.com/experience
6 Make your own pork pie in Melton Mowbray
Melton Mowbray pies are famous the world over for their chunky meat, hint of spice and crusty pastry – but now you can learn how to make your own in the town they’re named after.
Brockleby’s Pies offer three-hour workshops, during which you make your own pies, and have the option to take away a delicious ploughman’s lunch at the end.
More info at www.brocklebys.co.uk/workshops
7 Climb up an iconic Liverpool building …
The Royal Liver Building on Liverpool’s historic waterfront is one of those iconic pieces of architecture that crops up in many a must-see list and quiz show – but here’s a different viewpoint.
The Royal Liver Building 360 Tour takes you up to the 15th floor viewing platform, inside the clock tower for an immersive 4D special effects experience and into the visitor centre exhibition.
More info at www.rlb360.com
8 … and climb down an iconic Liverpool building
Liverpool FC’s Anfield is one of the world’s best known stadia, home to Premier League football, big European nights and cup excitement – but now there’s a new adrenaline adventure.
You can now abseil 100ft down the side of the Main Stand, passing the giant club crest as you go, after taking in panoramic views across the city from the rooftop.
More info at www.liverpoolfc.com/tours
9 Steampunk into the future at a stately home
Belvoir Castle in Grantham is renowned for its fairytale architecture, sumptuous staterooms and gardens. It has also doubled for Windsor Castle in the third series of TV hit The Crown.
But it’s not all about the past. Wide-ranging events this year include a Steampunk Weekend on May 14 and 15, exploring an alternative future powered by steam, top hats and ruffles.
More info at www.belvoircastle.com
10 Step in to Salvador Dali and see the big picture
There have been a number of high-profile immersive art tours playing round theatres and exhibition spaces but London’s new Frameless, in Marble Arch Place, brings the masters together.
Four galleries feature 40 masterpieces you can step inside, ranging from Rembrandt to Rubens, Klimt to Klee, Monet to Mondrian and the mind-bending brilliance of Dali, Munch and Bosch.
More info at www.frameless.com
The British Tourism & Travel Show at Birmingham’s NEC ends today but will return in Spring 2024. For news and updates head to www.tourismshow.co.uk. Top image: Frameless.
Paul Cole Travels 
Thanks, the art exhibition Frameless looks great, I need to visit it!
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