2023 BRITAIN TRAVEL GUIDE: New Hotel Openings, Dining, and Annual Events

With Halloween behind us and the winter holidays right around the corner, the new year is swiftly approaching and Britain has no shortage of offerings for visitors in 2023. Next year we are encouraging travelers to see Britain differently and discover new locations all while revisiting their favorite, classic spots. From annual events, new hotel and restaurant openings, unique festivals, sporting events, and beyond – Britain has no shortage of excitement in 2023. Immerse yourself in British culture this new year and explore a new side of the very best that Britain has to offer.

Annual Events in Britain in 2023

From engaging festivals to royal celebrations and sporting events, Britain has loads of annual events that keep visitors returning year after year. Dive into the culture of Britain’s most memorable experiences with some of our favorite annual events coming up in 2023.

• St. David’s Day (March 1) – Wales: St. David’s Day is a celebration of all things Welsh. Expect plenty of red dragons adorning Welsh flags, as well as parades of daffodils, leeks and flags of St. David himself.
• Glasgow International Comedy Festival (March 15 – April 2 ) – Glasgow, Scotland: The largest event of its kind in Europe, this comedy extravaganza features a lineup of both big league players and emerging talent around Britain and beyond, performing in venues throughout the city.
• Chelsea Flower Show (May 23 – 27) – London, England: One of the best-known Royal Horticultural Shows, the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show returns with even more unforgettable floral and horticultural displays. 
• Isle of Wight Festival (June 15 – 18) – Isle of Wight, England: This popular music festival on the famous island situated off the south coast of England has an impressive musical heritage stretching back to Bob Dylan (who performed here in 1969) and Jimi Hendrix (who took to the stage in 1970). Recent headliners have included Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Kasabian and Lewis Capaldi.
• Creamfields (August 24 – 27)– Liverpool, England: Regarded as an iconic dance music festival, every year this legendary event near Warrington showcases superstar DJs and artists from the music genres of EDM, house, trance, drum and bass and grime.
• Open House Festival (September TBC) – London, England: Celebrate London’s architecture, housing, and neighborhoods during a two-week festival spanning the breadth of the city from Greenwich to Westminster. Gain access to beautiful buildings, unique spaces, and landscapes as London opens its doors to visitors.
• Bonfire Night (November 5) – Britain-wide: Britain’s night skies light up with blazing bonfires and sparkling fireworks to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night. The unique British tradition, also known as Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire Night, or Fireworks Night, celebrates the foiling of the infamous Gunpowder Plot – a plan to blow up the Houses of Parliament on November 5, 1605.
• Hogmanay (December 30) – Scotland: Ring in the New Year the Scottish Way! The arrival of the New Year is always celebrated in style across the country. Fireworks, open-air concerts, and street parties make Hogmanay Scotland’s biggest party of the year.

Accommodation Update

From wellness retreats, exciting outdoor experiences, luxury hotels, and beyond, Britain has many new accommodations for every type of traveler in 2023. Here’s the lowdown on Britain’s newest openings, as well as the ones yet to open to keep your eye out for next year.

Recently opened…

• Grantley Hall – Yorkshire Dales, England: This luxury hotel and wellness retreat in North Yorkshire was recently named England’s AA Hotel of the Year 2022/2023, with an accolade marking its exceptional amenities and customer experience. The Yorkshire Dales’ hidden gem offers 47 guest rooms, five restaurants, two of which are Michelin Star experiences, and three bars as well as a Spa, Gym and wellness center.
• Pardor 44 – Cardiff, Wales: Bringing a dose of Spain to Cardiff, Parador 44 hotel is the creation from 44 Group, three Welsh siblings who opened their first venture – Bar 44 – 20 years ago. The nine-bedroom boutique hotel sits above its showstopper, the Spanish grill restaurant Asador 44. The hotel rocks several authentic Spanish touches, including a lavish residents’ lounge and an Andalucian-inspired rooftop terraza, and is just minutes from Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
• The Albion Aberteifi – Cardigan, Wales: Designed to honor the town’s deep maritime history and the legacy of the Albion brig’s historical voyage, the Albion Aberteifi is a modernized outdoor retreat located in the woods right outside of Cardigan. Each room is designed to honor the history of Cardigan. The retreat offers 12 bedrooms, with 11 additional guest rooms coming in 2023, with more features to come including an outdoor sauna and onsen.

Coming Soon…

• Forest Holidays (February 2023) – Garwnant, Brecon Beacons, Wales: Embark on a nature-infused adventure at Forest Holidays Garwnant set in 400 acres of Welsh woodland in the picturesque Brecon Beacons. Escape to one of 40 eco-sensitive timber cabins, from the ten-bed Golden Oak treehouses to intimate two-person Golden Oak hideaways. All cabins are pet friendly and can provide an idyllic stay for the eco-minded adventurer.
• The Broadwick Soho (2023) – Soho, London, England: This independent luxury hotel will bring a touch of gritty glamour to Soho and has been described by creator Martin Brudnizki as ‘your eccentric godmother’s Soho townhouse.’ Offering 57 rooms including nine suites and a penthouse, the Broadwick Soho will also feature an authentic Italian restaurant with a terrace and a rooftop cocktail bar with impressive views of central London’s skyline. *Pictured above 
• Eden Project Hotel (2023) – Cornwall, England: One of the most highly anticipated hotels will be housed on-site the world’s largest indoor garden. The hotel will have over 100 rooms, all with the highest standards of accessibility, energy efficiency and sustainability.
• W Edinburgh (2023) – Edinburgh, Scotland: The W Edinburgh will make its debut in Scotland with its upcoming Edinburgh property. Situated in the city’s exciting new culture and business hub, the St. James Quarter, the hotel will offer over 200 guest rooms and a rooftop bar and terrace which will offer 360-degree panoramic views of the Edinburgh skyline.

Dining Updates

Whether it’s tucking into international fiery flavors, tasting the spices of the Middle East, or getting the inside scoop on exclusive residencies, there are endless restaurant options throughout Britain. Here are some of the latest openings where visitors can get their food fix when visiting Britain in 2023.

• YOPO at the Mandrake Hotel – London, England: Located in the heart of Fitzrovia’s boutique hotel, the Mandrake, recently reopened its doors with a new modernized South American menu with European influencers. Visitors can expect to discover new and innovative dishes such as snacks of Crab, Fennel, Caviar Brioche or Sweet Potato, Goat’s Cheese Tostada or interpretations of classic Spanish tapas and beyond.*Pictured above
• Mama Shelter – Shoreditch, London: Located in the heart of Shoreditch with a menu curated by head Chef James Green, there’s a real focus on bringing Mama’s international venues to life through their tastes drawing inspiration from Mama Shelter’s locations around the world. Whether it’s alfresco signature cocktails, delicious vibrant dining, late-night live music or even karaoke, Mama Shelter is sure to bring the party.
• The Tent (at the end of the universe) – London, England: Once an exclusive, members-only restaurant, The Tent opened its doors to the public this August. The tent offers a unique menu of Chef John Javier’s take on modern Middle Eastern gastronomy. The weekly changing menu features dishes including the likes of lime-infused hummus, Carabineros prawns with Baharat spices, and Secreto schnitzel, providing a unique twist to the popular Israeli dish.
• The Azalea – Glenapp Castle, Scotland: Among the greenery and florals of Glenapp Castle’s unique Walled Garden, step into a paradise of horticulture and cuisine at The Azalea. This concept restaurant brings home-grown flavors to diners’ dishes, as they can enjoy curry plants and rhubarb that have all sprouted up from the ground around them.