As 2025 approaches, you might be looking for ways to fill your calendar with fun experiences for you and your friends or family.
Luckily, there’s an exciting array of events happening across the UK next year. From popular sporting events like the British Grand Prix to the anniversary events for iconic locations such as The National Railway Museum, there is something for the whole family.
Read on to discover seven incredible events that you can look forward to in 2025.
1. The Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival
The Dark Skies Festival is a chance to explore the beauty of the night sky and learn more about the universe we live in – and the event is celebrating its 10th birthday in 2025!
From 14 February to 2 March, experience the stunning night sky of the National Park free from light pollution and enjoy the many events hosted by local businesses to encourage people to get under the starry skies.
Events and activities include:
- Expert astronomers
- Night-time fell running
- Canoeing in the dark
- Rocket making
- Nocturnal wildlife talks
- Dark Skies crafts.
Bigger and better than ever before, there’s something for the adventure seekers and the children of your family.
2. My Neighbour Totoro
If you’re a fan of the famous Studio Ghibli film, you’ll be excited to hear that My Neighbour Totoro is coming to the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London from 8 March 2025.
This adaptation of the beloved 1988 animated feature film tells the coming-of-age story of two sisters in an exploration of the magical fantasy world of childhood and the transformative power of imagination.
Winner of six Olivier awards and the Critics’ Circle Theatre Award, this whimsical musical is a must-see for any theatre or film fans next year.
3. V&A East Storehouse
Spanning four levels, and bigger than 30 basketball courts, the V&A East Storehouse is a brand-new public space opening in a section of the former London 2012 Olympic Media Centre.
As well as providing a purpose-built home for over 250,000 objects from the V&A’s collections, it will also allow guests the unique opportunity to peek behind the scenes of a working museum to learn more about why they collect certain items, how they are cared for, and what they can tell us about the world.
With exhibitions ranging from Elton John’s costumes to mid-century furniture, the V&A East Storehouse will open in May 2025.
4. British Grand Prix
This action-packed four-day festival is unlike any other sporting event in the country. From 3 to 6 July 2025, the electrifying races will be taking place with famous faces both in the crowd and in the cars.
But the races aren’t the only reason you might want to take a trip to Silverstone. Its three stages will be packed with global artists to entertain you across the weekend, and there will be several interactive events and behind-the-scenes tech talks for anyone interested in learning more about the sport.
Plus, you can visit the incredible Fan Zone, which brings together a fantastic celebration of motorsports with exciting experiences such as racing simulators and displays of unique and famous cars.
5. Women’s Rugby World Cup
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup is being held in England this year for the first time since 2010.
England’s team, the Red Roses, will be doing everything in their power to get their hands on the trophy for the third time. Although they’ve made it to the final a few times since, the last time England won was in 2014 when they beat Canada in the final.
Teams from Scotland and Wales will also be competing, and both seeking to take home the title for the first time.
The matches will be held around the UK from 22 August to 27 September.
6. Inverness Castle Experience
This brand-new visitor attraction is opening in the centre of Inverness in mid-2025.
The existing castle buildings and esplanade gardens are being transformed from their previous purpose as a prison and court into a celebration of Scottish history by taking you on an interactive and sensory journey inspired by real stories.
You’ll be guided by a seanchaidh – storyteller – through the South Tower who will help you reveal stories and uncover hidden secrets. In the North Tower, the beautiful Ceilidh Rooms offer a place for you to share the best of Highland music, food, and drink.
7. The National Railway Museum
Next year, The National Railway Museum will complete its Vision 2025 project.
This £55 million transformation of their two museums in York and Shildon will convert them into the World’s Railway Museum and will culminate in the opening of three more exhibits. Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery in York and New Hall in Shildon opened to the public recently, but Central Hall will open in York in 2025 to connect the past with the present to inspire the innovators and engineers of tomorrow.
2025 is also the 200th anniversary of railway passenger travel, so the museum is putting on a year-long programme of celebratory events with more guest locomotives and interesting talks than ever before. The peak of the celebration will happen throughout September and October if you’re looking for the perfect time to visit!
