Great reasons to holiday at home
From revamped Roman Baths to virtual pop concerts, exciting new attractions open in the UK this year, says SARAH MARSHALL
DESPITE Omicron’s best efforts to halt our winter plans, there are still plenty of reasons to be optimistic and look forward to better times ahead in 2022.
New events, attractions, venues and exhibitions are planned for the coming months, giving more reasons to holiday closer to home this year.
Here are some highlights...
New light on Bath’s ancient spas
Beloved by the Romans, one of England’s greatest historical attractions has been given a new lease of life.
Free to enter, a World Heritage Centre in York Street will provide tourists with an introduction to Bath, while a light and sound show will recreate the ancient spa experience in a revived ‘gym’ and ‘laconicum’ – now open to visitors.
Later in the year, restoration work at Bath Abbey will be unveiled. Along with a multi-million pound investment to save the building’s historic flooring, and a Discovery Centre to teach visitors about the former Benedictine monastery.
Visit bathworldheritage.org.uk and bathabbey.org
The story of the Titanic
The Titanic’s final voyage is undoubtedly one of the world’s most tragic tales. Sailing from England to New York in April 1912, the ocean liner struck an iceberg and sank.
The story of those who lost their lives is told through photographs, handwritten letters and personal keepsakes, displayed as part of Titanic The Exhibition.
Held in Dock X in London’s Canada Water, the show features life-size recreations of the ship’s interior – including a luxurious first-class suite – and 200 objects never before on display.
Tickets from £27.90. Visit titanicexhibitionlondon.com
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! a new ABBA concert
Demonstrating why they really are pop music’s Super Troupers, iconic Swedish band ABBA stunned the world by announcing a reunion after 40 years apart. Their 2022 get-together is virtual, giving fans multiple opportunities to enjoy the show. Staged in a custom-built 3,000-person capacity arena in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, digital projections of Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Annifrid will perform 10 new songs, accompanied by a digital 10-piece band.
Tickets for Voyage, opening at the end of May, can be booked now. From £31.95. Visit abbavoyage.com
Easier access to sea dips
Britain’s seaside enjoyed a revival during the pandemic but not everyone is willing to brave our chilly seas.
Opening in summer 2022, the new Sea Lanes in Brighton is a happy compromise, allowing swimmers to enjoy coastal views from a 50m heated pool and offering open-water swimming events, triathlon, sea safety and lifeguard courses.
Visit sealanesbrighton.co.uk
On the trail of iconic birds
Declared a puffin paradise, thanks to its cliffside breeding birds, East Yorkshire celebrates one of the world’s most charismatic creatures with a trail of 40 giant puffin sculptures.
Launching in May 2022, the Puffins Galore! public trail will run through Bridlington and Hornsea.
Anyone wanting to see the species in their feathery form should head to Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve and the Flamborough Headland, regarded as one of the best places to see puffins in the UK during breeding season (April to July).
Go to visiteastyorkshire.co.uk