Manchester - Unmissable Manchester (various dates throughout 2025)

Manchester is a vibrant city, bursting with unmissable moments to experience in 2025, from music and sport to culture and food and drink. Manchester is synonymous with football, there’s no shortage of experiences on offer , including regular behind-the-scenes tours of both Manchester City and Manchester United Football Clubs. . For culture-vultures we recommend visiting the city’s free museums and galleries, with fine art, fashion and costume at Manchester Art Gallery, or enjoying an award-winning show at Palace Theatre or Lowry. For entertainment seekers, the AO Arena and Co-op Live both regularly play host to the biggest stars in the business, with Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and more still yet to come this year. Foodies know that Manchester is an established global destination for food and drink, with fine-dining at Michelin-starred Skof, to local eats and city treats on a Scranchester food tour.

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

Chester, Chester Zoo Lanterns & Light, until 3rd January 2026.

When the sun clocks off, Chester Zoo switches on. Lanterns and Light is back, and brighter than a disco ball in December.  Wander through glowing animal worlds, twinkling trails and brand-new installations - it is so much more that a Christmas lights trail. Lanterns & Light delight with an array of warmly glowing experiences that will stay with you throughout the festive season. Drift through the Ribbon Tunnel, lose yourself in the Laser Garden, stroll through the Bubble Walk or simply gaze at kaleidoscope stars. And if this wasn't enough, there are playful interactive animal puppets based on species that the zoo works hard to care for and protect to help them thrive and fairground rides for added fun.

To visit, book a time slot (entry slots start from 16.30 and finish at 20.00, with last entry slot available at 19.00 (right in time for bedtime if you are visiting with the little ones). Under 12 months and carers go free, toddles prices are £2.50 and a peak adult ticket will cost you £26. If you are planning to bring a group of 15 or more, please contact groups@chesterzoo.org. 

Chester Zoo members get a discount on tickets - they must call 01244 380280 to book with their discount. More details can be found on the event website at Lanterns and Light | Chester Zoo’s Christmas light experience

 or click here for direct bookings. Make sure not to miss it - it's hailed to be The North West's  must-see festive light experience. 

Avanti West Coast travel from London to Chester in 2 hours 9 minutes and from Crewe to Chester in 20 minutes. Arriving by train to Chester train station, step outside the station, find Stop 6 - S6 opposite, and hop on the X1/1 stagecoach bus (it operates after 10am), this will drop passengers at the zoo.

Chester, The Gladiators of Britain, until 25 January 2026. 

The Grosvenor Museum is stepping into the arena with Gladiators of Britain. Roll up for rare artefacts and ancient graffiti from fans who loved a good scrap.

Rare Roman artefacts are brought together at this standout touring exhibition created in partnership with the British Museum and Colchester and Ipswich Museums. Discover details of the brutal spectacle of gladiatorial combat in ancient Britain – including extraordinary finds from Chester’s own amphitheatre, the largest in the country.

We love the sound of the compelling stories that come to life at the exhibition; discover the altar dedicated to Nemesis, goddess of fate, erected by a Roman centurion after a mysterious vision. Witness ancient battles through a Samian bowl depicting gladiators in combat, found in the very arena where such battles took place. Read the graffiti of “Serano Locus” – a Roman spectator’s claim to his favourite seat, carved into stone nearly 2,000 years ago. These aren’t just museum pieces; they’re intimate glimpses into the lives of real people who witnessed the spectacle that defined Roman entertainment.

Find out more here A British Museum Partnership Exhibition: Gladiators of Britain | Events

Plus, you could WIN your own epic experience in our Gladiators - enter here.

Avanti West Coast travel from London to Chester in 2 hours 9 minutes and from Crewe to Chester in 20 minutes.

Warrington, Land of Lights, Lantern Festival at Gulliver’s World Resort, until 31 January 2026

Step into a world of wonder as the Land of Lights Lantern Festival returns to Gulliver’s World Warrington this winter! This spectacular outdoor event features a dazzling trail of giant lanterns, themed zones, and glowing installations that will delight visitors of all ages. Wander through magical worlds inspired by nature, fantasy, and global culture, all brought to life through hundreds of hand-crafted lanterns. It’s a festive experience filled with colour, creativity and light, perfect for families, couples, and groups looking for something truly unique. With seasonal food & drink, festive photo opportunities and a glowing atmosphere, Land of Lights is a must-visit event this winter.

Find out more here. https://warrington.landoflights.co.uk/

Avanti West Coast travel from London Euston to Warrington Bank Quay in 1 hour and 44 minutes and from Preston to Warrington Bank Quay in 22 minutes.

Blackpool, Christmas By The Sea, until 4 January 2026

It's time to get your skates on! Blackpool’s spectacular Christmas By The Sea village is returning for 2025.

VisitBlackpool announced that the hugely popular outdoor village will open on Friday 21 November with an exciting range of festive family attractions - plus a free skating rink which will open every day until January 4, 2026 (barring Christmas Day). If you are yet to visit, Blackpool is home to three Victorian piers: North Pier, Central Pier, and South Pier and seven miles of sand stretching across its seafront.  There is plenty to do in Blackpool during any season, find out more here - Christmas By The Sea | VisitBlackpool | Visit Blackpool.

Avanti West Coast travel from London Euston to Blackpool North in 2 hours and 52 minutes.

London, The Legend of The Titanic Exhibition, until 1 February 2026 

Step into history on your next trip to London with The Legend of the Titanic Exhibition - the award-winning experience that brings the world’s most famous ship to life.

Located at Dock X in the heart of London’s Canada Water, this exhibition is perfect for those seeking something unforgettable, combining cutting-edge technology with moving personal stories to capture the spirit, scale, and tragedy of Titanic’s maiden voyage. Whether you’re fascinated by maritime history, love immersive storytelling, have never tried on a VR headset or ventured into the Metaverse, or simply want a unique cultural highlight during your stay in London, this experience goes far beyond a museum visit.

Don’t miss the chance to journey back to 1912 and discover the real legend behind the Titanic. Book your tickets in advance and make it a highlight of your London trip this winter. 

Avanti West Coast travel from Warrington Bank Quay to London Euston in 1 hour and 44 minutes and from Coventry to London Euston in 54 minutes. 

London, The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition, until 15^th March 2026

One not to miss! Live at @Immerse LDN, Excel London Waterfront from 14th November 2025 for 16 weeks only is The Last Days of Pompeii - an immersive experience that will bring you closer to the once thriving town at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Witness history brought to life in The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition. Through stunning visuals, atmospheric soundscapes, and groundbreaking digital technology, this extraordinary experience transports you to the bustling streets of Pompeii in its final days before disaster struck.

From dazzling Roman villas to vibrant marketplaces, immerse yourself in the daily lives of the people whose world was forever changed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Combining archaeology, history, and cutting-edge storytelling, this exhibition offers a powerful window into one of the ancient world’s most captivating stories.

Don’t miss your chance to experience ancient Pompeii - book now!

 Avanti West Coast travel from Milton Keynes Central to London Euston in 36 minutes and from Manchester to London Euston in 2 hours 10 minutes. 

London, Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, until 1 February 2026

Dive into the world of Minecraft like never before with Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, the thrilling new immersive experience for fans of all ages. Gather your friends and family and prepare to embark on an epic quest where you’ll work together to save the villagers, solve puzzles, and overcome surprising challenges inside a life-sized Minecraft setting.

From towering block landscapes to hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered, every step takes you deeper into the heart of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or discovering the magic of Minecraft for the first time, the experience brings the adventure to life.

Don’t miss the chance to test your skills, unleash your creativity, and become the hero of the village. Book now and be part of the ultimate Minecraft journey! The experience is open at Corner Corner, Canada Water, London until 1^st February 2026.

 Avanti West Coast travel from Milton Keynes Central to London Euston in 36 minutes and from Manchester to London Euston in 2 hours 10 minutes. 

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.