Europe’s culture is one to be experienced. For those clients who had trips cancelled, or those who could use a virtual transportation, these cultural experiences will have them aching to book their next trip.
Through the destination’s online channels including @LoveGreatBritain and VisitBritain.com, VisitBritain is bringing travelers recommendations for British film and TV, music, and literature, and live West End shows that can be streamed on your phone, plus virtual attractions that can be visited from your couch such as Banksy’s murals. Visitors can plan for better days ahead as they listen to suggested playlists on Spotify, stream world-class theatrical performances, or try recipes for classic British drinks and dishes for a taste of the warm welcome that Britain will extend again soon.
Virtual Tours
Video Tours by Real British Guides—Using Google Maps and other images, London-based Blue Badge Guide Katie (@Look_UpLondon) streams guided tours of central London. Locations you can watch now include Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, and Mayfair.
Manchester-based tour guide Hayley (@SkylinerMCR), one of the city’s best tour guides, has created select tours of Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter, focusing on the history of the area and its vibrant art scene. She offers alternative “anti-tours” and virtual tours to subscribers to her Patreon account. Virtual content is available for as little as $1.10 per month.
Virtual Experiences of Museums and Attractions
Explore the collections of the British Museum, the V & A London, or The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh from home.
The British Library’s Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition is online for you to visit anytime. The perfect mix of fun, fascinating and education that will keep you and your family spellbound.
Highclere Castle is one of England’s most beautiful Victorian Castles, home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, and the real-life location of TV’s “Downton Abbey.” Learn about this beautiful estate through the Highclere Castle app. Narrated by Jim Carter, who plays Carson the Butler in “Downton Abbey,” the app allows you to explore the history of the Castle, its rooms and treasure to discover what it’s like to live and work there.
Explore one of London’s most iconic landmarks through the Buckingham Palace Virtual Tour.
Hopeful visitors to Bristol can experience the sights, sounds and culture of the city from their sofas thanks to a bundle of virtual tours, podcasts and playlists. See Banksy’s street murals, wander the decks of the SS Great Britain, listen to a podcast that delves into Bristol’s past, tour a Poldark filming location and hear playlists of Bristolian beats on Spotify—without getting up from your armchair.
British Entertainment to Inspire Your Next Visit
The National Theatre is launching “National Theatre at Home,” Featuring full length plays every Thursday, free on YouTube for a week until the next play is released.
The Royal Opera House is offering a free programme of curated online broadcasts as part of their #OurHousetoYourHouse series. Full-length productions, musical masterclasses and glimpses behind the scenes can be seen for free any time. Broadcasts will be available on demand, for free, via their Facebook and YouTube channels.
Binge watch your favorite series at home, then plan your next trip to Britain to explore the popular filming locations from “Downton Abbey,” “The Crown,” “Outlander,” and “Harry Potter.”
Get Learning and Eating!
A new campaign has launched to bring inspiration and activities from King’s Cross, London to the world—digitally. The #KX2U learning series has everything from shoe designing to terrarium building to cocktail making. There’s even an at-home workout for your face–which should make it all the better for smiling with when you can visit the brilliant King’s Cross development in person again.
Bread Ahead, part of London’s famous Borough Market food hall, is going live daily at 2pm BST/ 9am EDT Instagram baking lessons. Check their website for schedule and the ingredients you’ll need to get baking along with this leading London bakery. And, next time you’re in Britain, be sure to visit this can’t-miss food market, one of the oldest and largest in London to taste the real treats.
For more virtual tours to inspire your clients, click here.
