The Manchester Flower Festival, Manchester, Saturday 23 – Monday 25 May 2026

What better way to mark the start of the summer than visiting a flower festival? Head to Manchester for the weekend to celebrate the new season at The Manchester Flower Festival. Expect fabulous floral displays, outdoor dining, talks, workshops and family fun - all that to be experienced in Manchester's bustling city centre.  While you're there, embark on The Manchester Flower Festival Floral Trail and make your way around the city’s shopping streets to discover the most beautiful and inspirational gardens and floral displays. Visit five professionally designed installations, all themed around Green Manchester - celebrating the city as a forward-thinking, sustainable and green destination. This year’s theme spotlights green initiatives across the city, including the Piccadilly Gardens redevelopment and Castlefield Viaduct, as well as Manchester’s green spaces and urban wildlife.

Find out more here The Manchester Flower Festival

Travel to Manchester from London Euston with Avanti West Coast in 2 hours and 6 minutes and from Stoke-on-Trent in 38 minutes. 

Chester, Chester Zoo, last entry 4pm. 

Looking for a family adventure that is just a train ride away? Cheshire's big day's out are ready and waiting to put a smile on your face this summer and the best way to start is at the Chester Zoo. With more than 3,000 animals and a pioneering conservation work, Chester Zoo has earned it's mark as one of the UK's top attractions. A day trip to the zoo will leave you and your folks wanting more - there is a lot of ground to cover, as Chester Zoo is one of the largest in the country. You have the option of an overnight stay at one of the zoo's lodges for those wanting a longer visit. And if you're a group of 15 or more, you'll get 30% off entry*. Go on, rally the troops for a totally roar-some day out!

Find out more here Chester Zoo | UK's best zoo

Travel to Chester from London Euston with Avanti West Coast in 2 hours and 7 minutes.

Liverpool Summer of Music, Liverpool, various dates throughout the summer. 

Liverpool has long earned it's title as the UK's city of music (starting with the famous four Liverpudlians, no less)! This year Liverpool celebrates it's tenth anniversary as a UNESCO city of music and kicking the party off with an amazing line-up of shows and events for Liverpool Music Month throughout May. We have all the details on all the hottest events here, so whether you are a fan of independent music festivals, favour classical tunes or high-energy electronic, house, techno or grime, look no further. Beyond May, the city is gearing up for standout events at Anfield Stadium, hosting On The Waterfront festival (with the iconic backdrop of the Three Graces) and welcoming Lewis Capaldi in Sefton Park in August.

And if you are yet to visit Liverpool for the first time, there is lots to discover amongst the establish and much loved music attractions such as The British Music Experience or The Beatles Story to get you into the sprit of what Liverpool is about.

Travel to Liverpool Lime Street from London Euston twice an hour in 2 hours 21 minutes.

Manchester - Unmissable Manchester, events throughout 2026

Manchester is a vibrant city, bursting with unmissable moments to experience in 2026, from music and sport to culture and food and drink. Known for its music scene, the line-up for 2026 events is set to be spectacular as the city welcomes both The BRIT Awards and the MOBO Awards. Don’t miss shows by some of the biggest artists around at the AO Arena or Co-op Live or discover emerging bands and underground artists at venues like YES or Night and Day.

The city is alive with arts and cultural experiences. You can discover the engines and ideas that changed the world at the newly re-opened Power Hall at the Science and Industry Museum. See award-winning classics brought to life with the Royal Exchange Theatre’s 50th anniversary programme and step into the light at Victoria Baths as Luke Jerram’s Helios comes to one of Manchester’s most beautiful landmarks.

And of course, one can’t talk about Manchester without mentioning football. Whether it’s a matchday or not, there’s always a way for fans to enjoy the beautiful game with tours of the city’s iconic stadiums, as well as the National Football Museum.

If that wasn't enough, Manchester is one of the UK's most exciting foodie destinations, with new openings, award-winning restaurants and bars, and unique food and drink tours. See the sights and sample the flavours of Manchester’s Chinatown with a brand-new Scranchester food tour or enjoy a restaurant safari around the city’s celebrated dining scene with a new Indie Restaurant Tour.

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

London, Vikings: The Immersive Experience at London's Dock X, Canada Water. 

Every season there is no shortage of exciting events on London's immersive experience scene and this Spring is no different. You will have the opportunity to journey through a full-scale Vikings forest, explore the towering Tree of Light, and get on board a real Viking longship in a breathtaking 360° cinematic show. With VR adventures, interactive displays, and stunning visuals, this cutting-edge experience brings the saga of Queen Kraka and King Ragnar Lodbrok to life like never before.

Book tickets now and dive into the epic saga of the Vikings: https://vikings-immersive.co.uk/london/?utm_source=Avanti&utm_medium=ThingsToDo&utm_campaign=Pre-opening&utm_id=Vikings

Avanti West Coast travel to London Euston from Birmingham New Street in 1 hour and 21 minutes and from Liverpool South Parkway in 2 hours 10 minutes. 

Birmingham & The West Midlands, a year-round destination

Fancy a weekend adventure that doesn't require boarding a plane? Hop on an Avanti West Coast train and in no time you can be in the heart of Birmingham and the West Midlands - region packed with adventures. Explore where the UK's favourite chocolate is made, Cadbury, step back in time and explore English history at Warwick Castle, or get hands-on at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre - these are just a few ideas that would do nicely as a half term day out and beyond. With experiences for all the family and attractions all within easy reach by train, the West Midlands is the perfect family day out or weekend away.

Whilst you’re here, explore the whole region. After all, the West Midlands spans across many culture-rich towns and cities, such as Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Wolverhampton and Walsall. Wander Coventry’s medieval streets, uncover Dudley’s Black Country heritage, and explore Sandwell’s parks and wildlife. Enjoy Solihull’s boutique shopping, Wolverhampton’s galleries and live entertainment, and Walsall’s renowned leathercraft. With great food, canals, and green spaces, the region is full of unforgettable UK breaks, so start your adventure today.

Find out more on the region's history, culture, shopping, food and drink scene and free museums and galleries here. 

Avanti West Coast travel from London Euston to Birmingham New Street in just 1 hour 23 minutes and to Coventry in 54 minutes and with up to three direct trains an hour*.

*Exclusions and limitations apply.

Coventry, FarGo Village, events throughout the year

Just a 15-minute walk from Coventry Railway Station, FarGo Village is the ideal place to explore the city’s creative quarter, and if we may say so - one of Coventry's best kept secrets.

Tucked away on the historic Far Gosford Street, FarGo is a reimagined industrial space bursting with independent spirit. This vibrant cultural quarter is home to over 40 unique businesses—from a craft brewery and artisan street food to vintage boutiques, a skateboard shop (complete with a ramp!), a Parkour centre, and even a quirky museum dedicated to Sgt. Bilko. Music lovers will also find one of the UK’s top independent vinyl record stores. 

There’s always something happening at FarGo, with a lively year-round calendar of events—think street food, alternative markets, live music, creative workshops, and fashion pop-ups. Whether you're a curious first-time visitor or a returning fan, you'll find something new to enjoy, both daytime and in the evening. 

Opened in 2024 is Indie Mart, an eclectic marketplace packed with handmade treasures, local crafts, and one-of-a-kind gifts—a must-visit for those who love to shop small and support local creatives. FarGo is dog-friendly too, so bring your furry friend along—everyone’s welcome at FarGo! Whether you're in town for the day or staying longer, make FarGo Village your creative gateway to Coventry. Check what's on now at FarGo: What's on at Fargo - FarGo Village.

London - Wright of Derby: From the Shadows exhibition, National Gallery, until 10^th May 2026

Head to the Sunley Room at London's National Gallery to witness how in an interplay of light and darkness, Joseph Wright of Derby conjures sublime pictures of discovery and learning. 'Wright of Derby: From the Shadows' is the first major exhibition dedicated to the British artist’s ‘candlelight’ paintings, celebrating his most admired works.

Illuminated faces gather around a variety of objects – from classical sculptures and scientific instruments to bones, bladders and animals. Through his unflinching scenes of people watching, Wright of Derby proposes moral questions about acts of looking. The strong light and deep shadows create drama, reminding us of great painters from earlier centuries like Caravaggio.

Challenging the traditionally held view of Wright of Derby as a figurehead of the Enlightenment, this exhibition contributes to the ongoing re-evaluation of the artist, portraying him not merely as a ‘painter of light’. More than virtuoso scenes of dramatic light and shade, Wright of Derby used the night-time to explore deeper and more sombre themes, including death, melancholy, morality, scepticism and the sublime.

With over twenty works, including other paintings, mezzotints, works on paper and objects the exhibition explores both Wright of Derby’s artistic practice and the historic context of scientific and artistic development in which they were made.

Watch, along with the people he paints, as his scenes of spectacle and wonder unfold. Find out more. 

Exhibition organised by the National Gallery and Derby Museums.

Detail from Joseph Wright 'of Derby', 'An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump', 1768. The National Gallery, London

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.