ArtandCulture, Carlisle

When you enter the Victorian auditorium of the Blackpool Grand Theatre you will understand what people mean by ‘the glorious Grand’. There’s the incredibly ornate, gilded plasterwork, baroque ceiling, cavorting cherubs, cantilevered balconies allowing every seat a clear view of the stage and elegant new seats all creating a real ‘wow’ factor. Blackpool Grand Theatre is one of the few remaining theatres of great architectural character, designed by Frank Matcham. It has a magnificent 4-level auditorium with 1,100 seats. An all-year-round programme covering all live art forms. At Blackpool Grand Theatre, Lancashire's premier touring theatre and arts centre you will catch a wide-ranging programme of shows throughout the year. https://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/grand-theatre-44080/

Our diverse collections will take you on a journey of discovery through the history of Scotland and around the world, taking in the wonders of nature, art, design and fashion and science and technology – all under one roof. https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/

The National Monument of Scotland, on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, is Scotland’s national memorial to the Scottish soldiers and sailors who died fighting in the Napoleonic War. http://www.eyeonedinburgh.net/monuments/calton-hill/national-monument-scotland/

Edinburgh's Royal Mile is the heart of Scotland's historic capital. A short walk away is the Grassmarket, an area steeped in the city's colourful history. The Royal Mile runs through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, perched high on a base of volcanic rock, with the splendorous Palace of Holyroodhouse, resting in the shadow of Arthur's Seat. The Mile is overlooked by impressive, towering tenements, between which cobbled closes and narrow stairways interlock to create a secret underground world. Peppered with superb attractions such as The Real Mary King’s Close or the Scottish Storytelling Centre, historical sites including St Giles' Cathedral and some of the best eating and drinking spots in the city, the Royal Mile offers much to see and do. For a glimpse of recent history, be sure to visit the ultra-modern Scottish Parliament, a striking building boasting a cutting-edge design. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/royal-mile-and-grassmarket-p918401

Discover Edinburgh’s fascinating history through the Museum of Edinburgh’s wide and varied collections. In exploring the Museum’s maze of 16th-century buildings, you will see iconic items, beautiful objects and learn fascinating facts and gruesome tales. This free museum is easy to locate on the historic Royal Mile, with our companion Museum The People’s Story directly across the road. With a wide range of stories and objects, this museum has something for young and old, locals and visitors. In addition to the permanent collections, there is a regular programme of special exhibitions hosted at the museum. https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/museum-edinburgh

Standing proudly in Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is one of the most iconic Edinburgh landmarks, a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. Dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, it is one of the largest monuments to a writer anywhere in the world. Sitting proudly at the base of the monument is Sir Walter himself, carved in Carrara marble by Sir John Steel. This monumental statue, fashioned from a single piece of marble weighing 30 tons, took the sculptor six years to complete. It features Scott and his beloved hound Maida. Join one of the tour guides to find out who Sir Walter Scott was, why such an impressive monument was in his honour and enjoy the breathtaking views of Edinburgh from the third-floor viewing platform - a truly unforgettable experience! https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/scott-monument

The People’s Palace is set in historic Glasgow Green. It is home to a collection of objects, photographs, prints and film which give a unique view into how Glaswegians lived, worked and played in years gone by to the present day. https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/peoples-palace

The heart of the city, nestled between Glasgow City Chambers and Queen Street train station, is a sprawling square sporting a baker's dozen worth of statues. Ironically, the only statue missing is the titular George himself, King George III. Although one was originally planned, the planning and building of the Square itself coincided with the War of American Independence in the late 1700s. This caused many problems for the so called “Tobacco Lords,” Glaswegian merchants who made their fortunes in trade with the American colonies. This animosity was compounded by loss of the war in 1783, coupled with the fact that the monarch was gripped by insanity leading to his nickname, “The Mad King.” As a result, the powers in Glasgow decided instead to erect the first ever memorial commemorating Sir Walter Scott, the famous Scottish novelist. He is in good company, joined by fellow poets Robert Burns and Thomas Campbell, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Prime Ministers Robert Peel and William Ewart Gladstone along with MP James Oswald, army commanders Lord Clyde and Sir John Moore, with engineer James Watt and chemist Thomas Graham. http://www.discoverglasgow.org/statues-george-square/4578641110

Scotland's most visited art gallery and the centre for Glasgow's extensive modern and contemporary art collection. The gallery provides a thought-provoking programme including displays of local and international artworks from the City’s collection alongside temporary exhibitions and events with artists. There is also a permanent display that charts the history of the building. GoMA is part of Glasgow's civic museum service and has a changing programme of museums' collection and loaned-in exhibitions and associated public programme. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/gallery-of-modern-art-p1000361

Fun, excitement and intrigue with free interactive science shows, fun workshops like 'Flame On' and 'Hand's On DNA', the amazing BodyWorks exhibition and three floors of fascinating displays showcasing science and life. Glasgow Science Centre is a world of wonder beside the Clyde where you can. https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/things-to-do/top-attractions/glasgow-science-centre

The City of Glasgow owns one of the richest collections in Europe, displayed in 8* museums and galleries across the city. From paintings by Degas and Cezanne to Sir Roger the Elephant, Charles Rennie Mackintosh furniture to a real Spitfire, fabulous arms and armour to cutting edge contemporary art, Glasgow Museums have objects and exhibits to fire your imagination. https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/things-to-do/top-attractions/glasgow-museums

Kelvingrove Museum opened in 1901 and is a firm favourite with local people and visitors. It has stunning architecture and a family friendly atmosphere. xplore our 22 galleries and discover everything from art to animals, Ancient Egypt to Charles Rennie Mackintosh and so much more. We also have a changing programme of temporary exhibitions and displays. Enjoy an organ recital, a free tour or at weekends and holidays take part in one of our family activities. If you only have one day in Glasgow, Kelvingrove is a must see! https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/kelvingrove-art-gallery-and-museum

Harewood’s history is still evolving – always changing, always striving to stay relevant to the present day. It must be alive, cared for by the people who inhabit it and enjoyed by the people who visit it. Harewood is a living history, one with many stories still to tell. http://harewood.org/about/

Explore one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. Set in wonderful parkland along the banks of the River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey boast historic architecture amid a haven of wildlife and greenery. Kirkstall Abbey Visitor Centre tells you more about the lives of the 12th century monks and contains the touch table, a unique catalogue of images of the abbey from the 18th century to the present day. Kirkstall Abbey is directly across the road from Abbey House Museum, this is a great opportunity to make a day out for all the family. https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/things-to-do/thedms.aspx?dms=3&venue=1581272&feature=1

Leeds City Museum offers an exciting, fun and interactive day out for all the family. There are six galleries for you to visit. Come and find the Leeds Tiger in the Life on Earth Gallery or get interactive by camouflaging yourself. Discover the mummy of Nesyammun in the Ancient Worlds Gallery or try a game of Greek Gods and Goddesses Top Trumps. Explore the history of Leeds in the Leeds Story Gallery, from the first archaeological finds to changing community displays reflecting people’s lives in the city today. Investigate the varied collections of Leeds Museums and Galleries in the Collectors Cabinet Gallery. https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=3&venue=2191937

Opera North is England’s national opera company in the North and one of Europe’s leading arts organisations. https://www.operanorth.co.uk/about

Explore the national museum of arms and armour, with objects from across the world and through time over five floors of stunning displays. Experience daily live performances, including combat demonstrations, object handling sessions and talks. Check out the weapons and armour of warriors through the ages from early medieval knights to the modern-day soldier. Discover treasures from around the globe - explore the Ottoman Empire, the Wild West, Europe, Japan and India. Wonder at the fabulous arms and armour of the Japanese shoguns, the royal houses of Europe and the kings and queens of England including Henry VIII who reigns supreme in our Tournament Gallery. https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/things-to-do/thedms.aspx?dms=3&venue=1500165&festival=4306&feature=1

Spot the L.S. Lowry’s, Turner or Hockney and surround yourself with some of the best ceramic art in the world at one of the UK’s best regional galleries. Seascapes rose in popularity as a subject for artists around 1790 and can include anything from oceans and beaches to coastlines and nautical scenes. Over the centuries artists have been fascinated with telling the story of our relationship with the sea and, as an island nation, with a rich maritime history, this is especially important to our past stories. The gallery is also currently hosting some other amazing exhibitions The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour, Sounds Like Her, Michael Lyons: Ancient and Modern & Lucy Rie: Ceramics and Buttons. See The Triumph of Pan by Nicholas Poussin as part of the National Gallery’s Masterpiece Tour 2019. Alongside this striking canvas, we will be showcasing a wide range of works from York Art Gallery’s collections which explore the themes in Poussin’s work. https://www.visityork.org/explore/york-art-gallery-p793421

Nestled behind York Minster, all is not as it first appears. At one time divided into three houses, in the late 1800s wealthy Yorkshireman Frank Green created his version of a historic house to showcase his important collection. Find out about both sides of the story as he demolished parts of the house not to his liking, yet transformed a house of declining fortunes into a handsome property, with lavish interiors grand enough to entertain the future King, Edward VII. Treasurer's House is the first house to be donated to the National Trust complete with its contents. The remarkable collection includes antique furniture, ceramics, textiles and paintings from a 300-year period, collected by Frank Green as he travelled the world. At Christmas time see every room decorated with floral and fruit garlands, twinkling glittery remnants of a 1920s party alongside gifts and garlands. The award winning Christmas pudding scone is a popular addition to the festive menu. Little ones can book to don a hard hat and head out over the roof to see the man in red in his attic grotto. https://www.visityork.org/explore/treasurers-house-p793401

2000 years of history are brought to horrible life at the York Dungeon; an essential part of the complete York experience. Immersive sets, incredible actors and unique stories allow you to see, hear, smell and feel York's darkest history. Infamous rogues - such as Guy Fawkes and Dick Turnpin - lurk in the darkest depths of this award-winning attraction. Discover the TRUE terror of York's past. https://www.visityork.org/explore/the-york-dungeon-p793461

Welcome to the award-winning York Castle Museum - come and immerse yourself in over 400 years of York's past. Come and see hundreds of years of York’s history in one place – from recreated Jacobean dining rooms to infamous Victorian criminals and all the way to the Space Age and the swinging Sixties. Just as Britain is set to break up with the European Union, York Castle Museum brings a collection of stories and symbolic possessions to the city which relate to the ways we fall out of love. Always heartfelt, sometimes humorous and often deeply moving, the collections from the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, Croatia, will be enriched with objects from York’s collections which illustrate a key moment in a relationship breaking down. Step onto the cobbles of our Victorian street to meet the local characters, visit the authentic shops and discover the weird and wonderful collections from this bygone era - from luxurious costumes to tasty traditional sweets and the pharmacist's unlikely 'cures'. From the luxury of the rich to a darker world of poverty and disease, see how York's 19th Century residents lived, learned and entertained themselves. https://www.visityork.org/explore/york-castle-museum-p793441

One of the country's finest art collections in spectacular Victorian and contemporary surroundings. The gallery's £35 million transformations has enabled the collection to be presented to visitors in imaginative new ways. Highlights include outstanding pre-Raphaelite paintings, craft and design and early 20thC British art. Exciting exhibitions programme, there is a wide range of events, from talks and tours to hands-on activities for both children and adults. Superb visitor facilities include 2 cafes, large shop and full disabled access. For those with younger children, try one of our explorer tool belts for family groups with children aged three to six. There are plenty of tools to help you explore the gallery including binoculars, magnifying glasses, spot cards and much more. https://www.visitmanchester.com/things-to-see-and-do/manchester-art-gallery-p85311

Ordsall Hall is Salford's 'hidden gem'! Dating back over 600 years, it is one of the region's finest examples of an Elizabethan black and white half-timbered manor-house. Wander back through time soaking up the atmosphere of our fully-furnished Great Hall and Star Chamber Bedroom. Get the low-down on Tudor lifestyles; maybe reminisce in our Victorian showcase and kitchen; or unearth the wealth of new discoveries to be made in our exciting and informative family events and exhibitions programme. It's all happening at Ordsall Hall! https://www.visitmanchester.com/things-to-see-and-do/ordsall-hall-p85481

50 years after The Beatles first performed on its stage, the Cavern Club is still one of Liverpool’s top music venues. Today's club has two stages offering a wide variety of live music daily. The iconic stage beneath the brick arches in the front of the club is the image most people associate with the Cavern Club - and this is where visitors can enjoy live music from soloists and cover bands most afternoons and evenings. In addition, the Cavern Live Lounge with its state of the art sound system is the venue for tribute shows and unsigned showcase nights. For details of all live music events, please visit the website. https://www.visitliverpool.com/food-and-drink/cavern-club-p302931

The British Music Experience tells the story of British Music through costumes, instruments, performance and memorabilia. Whatever age you are, and whatever you are into, there is something here for you. https://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/british-music-experience-p395331

With the iconic Royal Albert Dock Liverpool being one of the prime locations to visit during a visit to Liverpool, visitors can take advantage of the impressive retail and leisure offering at the Dock, world class museums and attractions and some of the city’s finest independents. Visitors to Tate Liverpool will find British and international modern and contemporary art, activities for families as well as a Tate café and shop. Uncover objects from the Titanic, find out about life at sea and learn about the port of Liverpool at Merseyside Maritime Museum. The International Slavery Museum tells the untold stories of enslaved people and learn about historical and contemporary slavery. At the award-winning The Beatles Story, the world's largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to the lives and times of The Beatles, visitors can find everything they need to know about four lads from Liverpool who shook the world. https://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/the-albert-dock-p16143

The award-winning ‘The Beatles Story’ is the world's largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to telling the story of The Beatles’ rise to fame. Located in the Fab Four’s hometown of Liverpool on the stunning UNESCO World heritage waterfront at the Albert Dock, The Beatles Story takes visitors on an immersive journey through the lives, times, culture and music of the world’s greatest band. Join The Beatles on their journey; first conquering Liverpool, and then the world, through recreations of key locations from the band’s career including The Casbah Club, The Cavern Club, and Abbey Road Studios. A must for any music fan, The Beatles Story features an impressive collection of fascinating memorabilia including the band’s original instruments, John Lennon’s New York piano, Ringo Starr’s drum kit, rare album sleeves, photography and original lyrics. https://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/the-beatles-story-p8393

Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is the leading international centre for modern and contemporary sculpture. It is an independent charitable trust and registered museum situated in the 500-acre, 18th-century Bretton Hall estate in West Yorkshire. Founded in 1977 by Executive Director Peter Murray, YSP was the first sculpture park in the UK, and is the largest of its kind in Europe, providing the only place in the world to see Barbara Hepworth’s The Family of Man in its entirety alongside a significant collection of sculpture, including bronzes by Henry Moore, and site-specific works by Andy Goldsworthy, David Nash and James Turrell. https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/things-to-do/thedms.aspx?dms=3&venue=1583626&feature=4

Tatha Gallery in Newport on Tay, Fife, Scotland is passionate about Fine Art and has some of the best Twentieth Century and Contemporary British Art on display. Our unique art gallery has a strong focus on Scottish Art. The art on display, along with our location on the beautiful banks of the River Tay, opposite the V&A Dundee, makes a recipe for interest, excitement and excellence that very few galleries can match. We host an eclectic and changing programme of exhibitions showcasing Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture and Applied Art; supporting and promoting emerging, mid-career and established artists from Scotland and beyond. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/tatha-gallery-p1827911

Discovery Walk is a series of plaques honouring the achievements of scientists, innovators and social reformers of the past who either came from or had a strong connection to Dundee. The plaques are set into the pavements around Mary Slessor Gardens at the heart of Dundee's £1 billion Waterfront Redevelopment. There are currently nine plaques commemorating scientists, engineers, writers, artists, social reformers and philanthropists, plus a tenth plaque introducing the Walk. A crowdfunding campaign was launched in late 2016 to fund the addition of five further plaques. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/discovery-walk-p1468851

Mount Stewart, located on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down, is Northern Ireland’s much-loved family home. Following a three year £8 million restoration programme, this 19th- century house has been significantly transformed, making it a must-see attraction on the island of Ireland. Voted as one of the top ten gardens in the world, Mount Stewart reflects a rich tapestry of design and planting artistry bearing the hallmark of its creator. Edith, Lady Londonderry’s passion for bold planting schemes coupled with the mild climate of Strangford Lough allows rare and tender plants from across the globe to thrive in this celebrated garden. Each of the formal gardens exudes a distinct character and appeal. Mount Stewart is a delight for the senses with a series of formal themed garden compartments around the house including The Italian, Spanish, Mairi and Shamrock Garden. https://www.ireland.com/en-au/what-is-available/attractions-built-heritage/destinations/northern-ireland/county-down/newtownards/all/2-2873/

The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum, an award-winning Victorian, Gothic building, is home to Dundee's main collection spanning 400 million years and has been at the heart of art and culture in the City since 1867. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/the-mcmanus-dundees-art-gallery-museum-p245991

Discover the people, environment, history and wildlife of Broughty Ferry in this amazing 15th-century coastal fort, which houses a fascinating museum. Enjoy stunning views of Broughty Beach and the Tay estuary. Entry is free. This 15th-century coastal fort has faced many battles and sieges and was rebuilt in the 19th century as part of the River Tay's coastal defence system. It now houses a fascinating museum featuring displays on the life and times of Broughty Ferry, its people, the environment and the wildlife that lives close by. In 2019, the Castle celebrates its 50th anniversary as a museum! Don't miss the Orchar Gallery, featuring a selection of paintings from the amazing Orchar Collection. Enjoy the spectacular views over the River Tay from the observation post. You may even be able to spot a dolphin or two. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/broughty-castle-museum-p245761