Fabulous staycation days out
OUR GUIDE TO CULTURAL STAYCATION DAYS OUT
YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK, WEST BRETTON, WAKEFIELD
Its 500 acres exhibits around 80 works by artists such as Ai Weiwei, Barbara Hepworth, Eduardo Paolozzi, Damien Hirst, Henry Moore and Antony Gormley. Tickets must be bought in advance. See ysp.org.uk
THE BEATLES STORY, LIVERPOOL
Lose yourself in the story of how four young lads formed the biggest band in the world.
Full of memorabilia, such as John Lennon’s glasses and exclusive photos, as well as replicas of Abbey Road Studios and The Cavern Club.
Book tickets at beatlesstory.com
NATIONAL HORSERACING MUSEUM, NEWMARKET, SUFFOLK
Explore behind the scenes of the horse racing world, with the chance to try out a race simulator.
If you prefer dogs, then you will love the Good Companions exhibition, featuring artwork of man’s best friend. See horse racingmuseum.org
BLENHEIM PALACE, OXFORDSHIRE
The birthplace of Winston Churchill is regarded as Britain’s greatest palace.
It houses one of Europe’s most significant collections of portraits, furniture, and tapestries.
Booking is essential at blenheimpalace.com
BEAMISH: THE LIVING MUSEUM OF THE NORTH, CO DURHAM
At Beamish you can browse shop stalls, a farm, a school, a pit village and many more sites all dating back to 1900.
Visitors may also brave the dentist’s chair, enjoy a pint in a pub or pop into a bakery. Pre-book at beamish.org.uk
THE ROYAL PAVILION, BRIGHTON, EAST SUSSEX
Surely no palace is more indulgent. Built as a seaside pleasure pad for King George IV, the pavilion mixes Regency grandeur with Indian and Chinese style. Free history talks on Thursdays. Book at brightonmuseums.org.uk/royalpavilion
WHETHER it’s a trip out from home or a diverting day away from the beach on your staycation, here’s our roundup of our favourite places to see beautiful history and art and indulge in highlights of sport, music and pop culture.
THE REAL MARY KING’S CLOSE, EDINBURGH
Edinburgh’s murky history is yours to explore in this warren of 17th-century streets underneath the Royal Mile.
Rooms that once accommodated Mary Queen of Scots and Edinburgh’s first plague doctor are among the highlights.
CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Visit the powerfully moving site of the 1746 battle – the last fought on British soil.
Relive the clash in the visitor centre’s battle immersion theatre, and see weapons and artefacts from both sides. www.nts.org.uk/ visit/places/culloden
THE ROYAL MINT MUSEUM, LLANTRISANT, SOUTH WALES
This museum covers over 1,100 years of history and is the only place where you can watch British money being made.
There’s a digital exhibition too for those who can’t get to the site, which has been awarded for its sustainability efforts.
SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
The Bard grew up in this house and spent the first five years of his marriage to Anne Hathaway here.
Fascinating items from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s collection offer an insight into his life and work. Book at shakespeare.org.uk
OSBORNE HOUSE, ISLE OF WIGHT
This is a royal house and estate like no other.
Bought as a seaside retreat for Victoria and Albert’s children in 1845, the rooms reflect the family’s interests and the Queen’s private beach is a short walk away. Book at english-heritage.org.uk
ANISH KAPOOR EXHIBITION AT HOUGHTON HALL, NORFOLK
Influential sculptor Anish Kapoor’s latest and largest exhibition includes the mesmerising Sky Mirror.
The house is closed, but the park, shop, cafe, Stone Hall and Red Saloon are open. Visit houghtonhall.com
NATIONAL FOOTBALL MUSEUM, MANCHESTER
Exhibits at the world’s finest collection of football artefacts include the largest curated collection of football shirts.
See outstanding contributions to the game in the Hall Of Fame. Book at nationalfootball museum.com FÉILE AN PHOBAIL - BELFAST (ONLINE)
Ireland’s biggest community arts festival is going virtual this year.
The programme from July 30 to August 9 will include concerts, highprofile debates, discussions, theatre and workshops. See feilebelfast.com
THE EDEN PROJECT, CORNWALL
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of rainforests in the tropical biome – the world’s largest greenhouse.
Outside, the 30-acre gardens boast hemp and other plants that could shape our future. Book at edenproject.com