Simone Martini, The Angel Gabriel (detail), about 1326–34. Collection KMSKA - Flemish Community (public domain) / Photo Hugo Maertens

Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300-1350” exhibition, National Gallery (8 March – 22 June)

Step into Siena. It’s the beginning of the 14th century in central Italy.
A golden moment for art, a catalyst of change. Artists Duccio, Simone Martini and the brothers Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti are forging a new way of painting. They paint with a drama that no one has seen before. Faces show emotion. Bodies move in space. Stories flow across panels in colourful scenes.
We bring to life a vibrant city of artists collaborating, learning and looking. After centuries of separation, we reunite scenes that once formed part of Duccio’s monumental 'Maestà' altarpiece.
Panels from Simone Martini’s glittering Orsini polyptych come together for the first time in living memory.This local artistic phenomenon made waves internationally. Gilded glass, illuminated manuscripts, ivory Madonnas, rugs and silks show Siena’s creative energy spilling over between painters, metalworkers, weavers and carvers across Europe.
With over a hundred exhibits made by artisans working in Siena, Naples, Avignon and beyond, see some of Europe's earliest, most exquisite and most significant artworks.

Find out more here.

Birmingham - Discover the UK's second city with the West Midlands and Birmingham Pass (available now)

Planning a weekend away with family or friends and stuck for ideas? We've done all the research for you and are delighted to announce the newly launched West Midlands and Birmingham Pass allowing you to discover the best of the West Midlands and the UK's second city. This all-in-one digital pass opens the doors to the region’s top attractions, including the Cadbury World, Warwick Castle, Legoland Discover Centre, West Midlands Police Museum, and so much more. Beyond these must-see sites, you’ll enjoy exclusive discounts at local hotels, restaurants, shops, and unique experiences There is so much to discover and easy to tailor your trip - whether you are planning a quick one day trip or a long weekend away, there are plenty of ideas for a perfect getaway with a discount on top.

Find out more about the West Midlands and Birmingham Pass here.

We have an exclusive 10% off* the Birmingham and West Midlands Pass. Book before 31st March 2025 and enter the code Avanti10 in the basket.

*Discount is valid until 11.59 pm on 31 March 2025. 10% off the total basket value. Cannot be used in conjunction with other vouchers. 

Coventry: 'Collecting Coventry' at The Herbert

A one of a kind exhibition, Collecting Coventry explores a catalogue of objects managed by Culture Coventry Trust, that reflect 75 years of collecting efforts.

Covering art, archaeology, natural sciences and social and industrial history, the Herbert holds a range of incredible collections. Explore what they have in store through this fascinating exhibition packed full of objects and curiosities, from a 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite to a Covid testing kit. Visit old favourites like LS Lowry’s superb painting of Ebbw Vale and discover new items being shown for the first time. 

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum | Collecting Coventry Exhibition

London - Follow the trail of Paddington Bear

Whether you are looking for ideas on things to do with kids on your next London trip or planning the upcoming half term, we might just have all you need. A Paddington Bear day out in London provides the right combination of fun for kids and parents alike. The trail that resembles a treasure hunt, takes you on a discovery of Paddington-themed things to do in the capital including locations from the Paddington Bear books and films. There is lots to see and do. Starting with a photograph by the Paddington Bear mural on Sutton Walk outside of Waterloo Station, to seeing London through the eyes of the famous bear and embarking on Paddington bear Guided Walking tour that stops by the Portobello Market - a home of Mr Gruber's antique shop. You can stop for treats (marmalade sandwiches?) or take an afternoon tea onboard of a bus taking you to all the favourite spots of the beloved bear.

Discover more here.

Manchester - Unmissable Manchester (various dates throughout 2025)

Manchester is a vibrant city, bursting with unmissable moments to experience in 2025, from music to sport, culture to food and drink. This year, the city is taking centre stage whatever your idea of fun. Manchester might be synonymous with its football, and there is no shortage of football events on this year, amongst the always-on football tours, but look beyond and you will discover a plethora of unmissable things on offer. For culture-vultures we recommend 'Bigger and Closer' at Aviva Studios - where you can can follow David Hockney's captivating artworks and emmerse yourself in their rich colour. For entertainment seekers, ther is the AO Arena and Co-OP Live, both enlisting stars from Sabrina Carpenter to Peter Kay to make your heart beat that little bit faster. Foodies know that Manchesetr is an established global destination for food and drink, but have you heard of 'Where The Light Gets In: A Play in the City - a concept restaurant with an incredible foodie programme (and menu) claiming that 'A city is more than a place in space, it's a drama in time'.

Find out more about what’s on through our campaign with Visit Manchester.

Oxenholme Lake District - Beatrix Potter World and Hill Top Farm (from March)

With World Book Day falling on Thursday 6th March, why not celebrate by visiting some of the places that inspired most enchanting literary pages? Lake District is a great place to start if you’d like to mix culture with the great outdoors. Alight in Oxenholme Lake District and visit Hill Top farm – former home of Beatrix Potter where to admire the landscapes that inspired some of the much-loved children’s author’s books. The Hill Top farm reopens in March - do check for opening times as it is closed on Fridays outside UK school holidays.

If you are taking the kids with you, why not visit The World of Beatrix Potter where the author’s 23 stories are brought to life in 3 dimensions with sound, lighting, scents and touch screens. Fans of William Wordsworth can visit steeped in history village of Hawkshead, where the poet attended school, and then through the beautiful landscapes of the central lakes with lake and woodland views.

We recommend booking a trip with a knowledgeable guide through a local tour operator that will whisk you off from the train to the attraction and back. Plan your visit here.

London - The Formula 1^® Exhibition, Excel Centre (open until 2^nd March 2025)

London's Excel Centre kicked off last summer with the hotly anticipated Formula 1® Exhibition - a delight for racing fans and sports enthusiasts alike. The exhibition is more than a treasured collection from the world's fastest sport; it is an immersive experience that tells the tale of the world of Formula 1® through the stories of its greatest teams and drivers. You can get competitive riding a simulator or test your reflex at one of the interactive boards available at the exhibition. It is an experience not to be missed!

The Formula 1® Exhibition - London - Tickets | Fever

London - Starlight Express launch

The Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre welcomes the hotly anticipated Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express at the specially designed Starlight Auditorium to immerse you in the world of speed, song and storytelling. 

Starlight Express Musical Tickets | Troubadour Wembley Park