fun home uk tour

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Monday - Saturday: 7.30pm

(except 27 June, 27 Aug)

Wednesday & Saturday Matinees: 2.30pm

(except 20, 23, 27 June)

Approx running time: 1hr 40min with no interval

Tickets for Fun Home are now sold out. Limited tickets are available through a TodayTix Lottery and we are operating a returns queue before every performance.

£10, £20, £30, £40

Previews:  (18 - 26 June) £10, £20, £25

This production is generously supported by Mr Bruno Wang & Pure Land Foundation.

★★★★★  ' A groundbreaking masterpiece'   The Independent

★★★★★  ' Quirky, haunting, heartbreaking'  The Telegraph

★★★★★  ' Sam Gold's production is remarkable'  The Observer

★★★★★  ' Tremendous. A dazzling musical'  FT

★★★★★  ' A jaw-dropping, tear-jerking musical'   Time Out

★★★★  ' Beautifully performed - takes musicals in new directions'   The Guardian

★★★★  ' A finely woven blend of yearning and euphoric fantasy'   Evening Standard

★★★★  ' A milestone in musical theatre'   Sunday Express

Winner of 5 Tony Awards, this electrifying Broadway version of Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel took America by storm.

Meet Alison at three stages of her life.  

Memories of her 1970s childhood in a funeral home merge with her college love life and her coming out.  

Looking back on her complex relationship with her father, Alison finds they had more in common than she ever knew...

★★★★★  ' An incredibly radical show - quietly revolutionises the musical form'   The Stage

★★★★★  ' It reaches a level of emotional honesty that other musicals just don't begin to touch'   What’s On Stage

Alison Bechdel in conversation with Sofie Hagen

Direction Sam Gold

Choreography Danny Mefford

Set and Costume David Zinn

Light Ben Stanton

Sound Kai Harada

Orchestrations John Clancy

Music Supervisor Chris Fenwick

Musical Director Nigel Lilley

Casting Julia Horan CDG

Associate Director Portia Krieger

With Kaisa Hammarlund ,  Eleanor Kane ,  Jenna Russell ,  Ashley Samuels ,  Cherrelle Skeete ,  Zubin Varla and Brooke Haynes, Eddie Martin, Charlie McLellan, Ramsay Robertson, Archie Smith, Harriet Turnbull

Alison Bechdel discusses what to expect from the hit musical based on her graphic novel with The Sunday Times

Fun Home playwright Lisa Kron explains why time has been on Fun Home 's side with the BBC

Hear Alison Bechdel reflect on the creation of Fun Home on Radio 4's Woman's Hour

Cast member Cherrelle Skeete talks to Afridiziak about playing Joan in Fun Home .

Jenna Russell on why we need more lesbian characters on stage and the power of musicals as an art form. Read her interview with The Independent  here

Composer  Jeanine Tesori spoke to The Stage about her career and influences, and adapting Fun Home  for the stage - check it out  here

Production photos are here! Take a peek on What's On Stage

'Let’s hope proper lesbian representation continues for long enough to stop being a “moment”' - read about how Fun Home is putting lesbian narratives centre stage in The Telegraph

Time Out says  Fun Home  is one of the top ten shows to look out for this month here

Fun Home  makes the Evening Standard's top ten shows in June - read more here

Rehearsal photos for  Fun Home  are here! Have a peek on Broadway World

' Why do lesbians remain largely invisible in theatre?'  Fun Home  mentioned in this Evening Standard piece on queer representation - read more here 

Fun Home is one of the Evening Standard's top musicals for 2018 - read more here

Fun Home creator Alison Bechdel on turning a tragic childhood into a hit musical. Read her interview with The Observer here

Fun Home  to have UK premiere as part of Young Vic’s new season. Read more on The Stage

Fun Home dates confirmed for new Young Vic season. Read more on  What's On Stage

Captioned performance 19 July, 7.30pm

Audio described performance  27 July, 7.30pm

Click here to visit our Access page .

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Fun Home review – Alison Bechdel memoir-musical adaptation burrows its way into your heart

Roslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney Behind the image of a picture-perfect family is a father’s torment and an artist’s attempt to grasp at the truth

Memory is a funny, beautiful thing. One minute its immediacy can catch you by surprise, the next it can leave you wondering if things really happened that way at all.

In Sydney Theatre Company and Melbourne Theatre Company’s wondrous co-production of Fun Home, the elations and pains of cartoonist Alison Bechdel’s personal recollections are laid out bare on stage, as her fictional self grapples with burning questions of identity and truth – particularly pertaining to her relationship with her closeted and gay father.

Adapted by Jeanine Tesori (music) and Lisa Kron (book and lyrics) from Bechdel’s eponymous 2008 graphic memoir, the show opened on Broadway as the first mainstream musical to feature a young lesbian protagonist, collecting five Tony awards, including best musical. That watershed moment merely touched upon the show’s innovative approach to its subject material, and this gorgeous Australian premiere, under the direction Dean Bryant, is a production infused with the sweeping emotion of its source material.

The scene is set in the family home in small-town Pennsylvania, where Alison spent her childhood but also where her parents ran the family business, the Bechdel Funeral Home. In one of the first musical numbers, Welcome to Our House on Maple Avenue, the family – consisting of Small Alison (played by Karelina Clarke, a role also shared with Katerina Kotsopoulos and Mia Honeysett), her siblings, Christian and John (shared by six actors), alongside mother Helen (Marina Prior) and father, Bruce (Adam Murphy) – sing: “Everything is balanced and serene / Like chaos never happens if it’s never seen.”

It’s an image of a picture-perfect family trying to hold it together, inside an old house restored to 19th century perfectionism. But it’s an image quickly shattered thanks to Bruce’s quick temper, the family’s lives revolving around his charming yet erratic personality.

The show plays out in nonlinear fashion at 100 minutes, switching between three versions of Alisons at different ages: the nine-year old Small Alison, the 19-year-old Medium Alison starting out in Oberlin College (Maggie McKenna), and as a 43-year-old cartoonist (Lucy Maunder). Adult Alison retrospectively tries to piece together her old journal entries and fragmented recollections, preserving them in her cartoons because she “can’t trust memory”.

She hangs back, watching her younger selves, sometimes inserting witty commentary; other times, she contradicts herself. “Caption,” she says over a childhood memory of Bruce lifting Small Alison up on to the balls of his feet. “My dad and I were exactly alike,” she says, then changes her mind. “My dad and I were nothing alike.”

With Bryant at the helm, the production holds dearly on to Fun Home’s depiction of an artist’s attempt to grasp at the elusive reasoning behind her father’s death – an incident that opens the show. It’s a harrowing place to begin, but it’s tactfully and shrewdly pulled apart by the director, his cast and creative team.

The show finds candid sincerity in Alison’s desperate endeavours to discover and probe into the parallels between her father and herself, especially within her own illuminating journey of coming out – and later, learning about the shame surrounding his sexuality. Tesori and Kron’s light touch lets the work soar to sky limits. It shifts remarkably between light and shade, sweet and aching moments, haunting dissonance and perfect harmony.

Musical director Carmel Dean’s tight control of her seven-piece chamber orchestra allows each of her instruments to sing out, from the strings’ pizzicato to the English horn’s recurring motifs. The songs play occasionally at a slower tempo than the original Broadway cast recording, which, while drawing out the musical’s pacing slightly more than necessary, brings a new clarity and detail to the score.

The three Alisons, though, are the shining lights of this production. Clarke conveys a pure innocence to Small Alison, who bursts in adoring identification with a butch delivery woman in Ring of Keys. McKenna is a joy to watch in Medium Alison’s fumbling adolescence, embodying her giddy exhilaration after having sex with a woman for the first time (Changing My Major). And Maunder warmly brings out a mature, yet equally devastating realisation of slipping time and heart-wrenching loss in Telephone Wire.

As Bruce, Murphy finely carries the balance between his character’s captivating charisma and his repressed vulnerability. Prior’s performance elegantly nails his wife’s frustrations at her unhappy marriage, though her stiff delivery sometimes gets in the way of her strong vocals, especially in the moving 11 o’clock ballad expressing this long-suffering regret, Days and Days.

Alicia Clements’ set design is spectacular, transforming the Bechdel house into 360-degree turning grandeur. On Broadway, the show made use of theatre-in-the-round to capture the intimacy between the audience and the family circle. In the Roslyn Packer Theatre in Sydney, Bryant’s staging artfully navigates Clements’ design with his own characters’ emotional states: the space feels increasingly bigger and emptier as adult Alison grows more uncertain of the picture she had of her father.

Because we’ve been made privy to Alison’s memories, Fun Home doesn’t just find a way to worm itself into your heart, but with its wholesome love and ambiguous imperfections, it also manages to stay there.

• Alison Bechdel
• Comics and graphic novels

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Fun Home at the Gate Theatre review – a stunningly remade gut-punch of a musical

Róisín McBrinn’s revival of the Tony Award-winning show runs in Dublin until 26 August

A truly great musical can withstand a variety of interpretations (think Sondheim and the Rodgers and Hammerstein canon) and Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron’s quirky but searing modern classic undoubtedly deserves that description. Róisín McBrinn’s breathtaking Fun Home for Dublin’s Gate Theatre could hardly be more different from Sam Gold’s original New York and London versions, aside from some visual choices dictated by Alison Bechdel in her autobiographical graphic novel upon which this Olivier-nominated and Tony-winning Best Musical is based, but is every bit their match. This new production hits home with the same sense of shattering catharsis and exquisitely honed regret.

Visual artist Alison Bechdel grew up with the suspicion that her father Bruce – a teacher, an aesthete and a funeral director – was gay, only to have that confirmed when he took his own life within months of her own coming out, and she committed her unconventional family history to a pictorial novel that is part exorcism, part exploration. The title is the jokey name the Bechdels gave to the family undertaking business (funeral home = fun home). Kron’s fine script depicts Alison in triplicate: the older woman, played here by Frances McNamee, an artist sitting at her drawing table, summoning up images and figures from her damaged past, the college kid (Orla Scally) joyfully discovering love and her own sexuality for the first time, and the child, exuberant but watchful (Chloe Cody at the performance I saw, but the role is alternately played by Jodi Kaye). It’s a neat, dramatically satisfying concept and one that becomes almost unbearably moving when the three of them interact, as they do in “Flying Away”, the luminous, releasing finale.

Tesori has provided the music to three of the greatest American musical theatre scores of the last twenty years (the others being Caroline, or Change and current Broadway triumph Kimberly Akimbo ) and her work is so eclectically in tune with the requirements of situation, character and time period that it almost doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Fun Home pastiches the 1970s TV themes that Bechdel grew up with, mixes it up with folk and pop, and then cross-fertilises with a lyrical beauty and edge that recalls Sondheim at his most interesting. Kron’s lyrics and book make the transition between speech and song barely noticeable. They’re witty, trenchant and heartfelt. One tenet of good musical theatre writing is that characters burst into song when they have no other means of expressing themselves, and Fun Home is a prime example of that. The score has an epic sweep combined with a delightful specificity and, at times, an endearing oddness, as we get to peek into these lives; it’s almost a musical for people who think they don’t like musicals.

The visual aesthetic is artist’s blank canvas meets a sepulchre, on Paul Wills’s pallid, impressionist set, rooted into reality at intervals by the introduction of realistic furniture and props, including at one point an actual coffin. We don’t get the extraordinary reveal of the house that was so thrilling originally but this version is so clear and urgent that it doesn’t feel like a great loss. On the Gate’s wide but shallow stage, McBrinn’s staging is grandiose but intimate, infused with a riveting dreamlike quality. David Hayes’s magnificent five-piece band is suspended above the action, and the only flaw is that the acoustics are sometimes a bit muffled.

The casting is world-class. McNamee’s voice has a folky sweetness that fits this score like a velvety glove but which can transform into a Brechtian harshness in moments of extreme distress. Her acting is generous, allowing her fellow performers to shine while she puts herself through hell remembering traumas past. She’s simultaneously everywhere yet entirely unobtrusive. It’s a quietly stunning performance, one that haunts long after the show is done.

Chloe Cody’s Small Alison heartbreakingly conveys the serious watchfulness of a child who has seen way more than a person of so few years ever should have, and she nails the iconic “Ring of Keys” number where the little girl gets an inkling of her authentic nature (“Why am I the only one who sees you’re beautiful? No, I mean…handsome”).

Medium Alison is perhaps the least difficult of the roles in that she gets to experience her emotions first-hand without the varnish of memory or childhood, but Scally is just wonderful, so open and confused, then enraptured before imperceptibly toughening up as she realises her own survival may depend on drawing a veil over her troubled home life. As Joan, the rebellious student who becomes Alison’s first love, Jade Kennedy is sassy perfection, suggesting both a safe haven and an irresistibly ripe sexuality. The supercharged “Changing My Major to Joan”, sung by Alison in a state of post-coital exultation (“I’m changing my major to Joan, with a minor in kissing Joan, foreign study to Joan’s inner thighs”), has seldom made so much sense.

Nichola McEvilly’s unwilling matriarch Helen is an intriguing creation. More obviously bohemian than her predecessors in the role (the character is a retired actress), she uses artifice as a coping mechanism, striking attitudes like an American version of a Coward leading lady, when in reality she is really more like Mrs Alving from Ghosts . She’s more brittle and glamorous, less resigned. It’s a compelling, valid choice and if it means that her big solo “Days and Days” feels less like the cri de cœur 11 o’clock number it did in the hands of Judy Kuhn and Jenna Russell, it’s impossible to take your eyes off her.

Killian Donnelly, in a performance entirely devoid of vanity, delivers career-highlight work, his dashing leading man charisma and trademark ringing tenor kept firmly in check in service of one of the most problematic leading roles in all musical theatre. Donnelly invests Bruce with a child-like quality that suggests a soul permanently tethered to an earlier version of himself, one where living an authentic gay life should have been a possibility. This makes his seduction of much younger, indeed underage, men no more palatable but at least comprehensible, while also making clear the cause of his unsettling outbursts of incandescent rage. He’s at odds with himself, and his family, and the sense of a man who imposes painstaking rigour and precision on his restoration of artefacts and antiques to mask his messy and murky inner life is very keenly felt. He finally gets to unleash his voice on “Edges of the World”, the howl-of-distress aria Bruce has just before his suicide, and it is devastating.

As the various men seduced and captivated by Bruce, Riain Cash is so versatile I had to check my programme to make sure they hadn’t cast several actors, and there’s terrific work from Trystan Rhys Bruen and Ethan O’Connor (who alternate with Seán O’Callaghan and Harley Cullen Walsh) as Alison’s younger brothers.

This is a major event, and the legions of admirers in the UK who still mourn the fact that the brilliant (and sold-out) Young Vic production of 2018 never received the West End transfer it deserved need to get themselves over to Dublin pronto. It’s remarkable how something so unremittingly sad can prove so completely and utterly exhilarating, with that shaft of light that illuminates the darker recesses of the human soul and the divine seasoning of artists at the top of their game. A beautiful gut-punch of a musical, stunningly remade; I loved every painful, tear-soaked second of it.

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Fun Home Tickets

About Fun Home

Meet Alison at three stages of her life.

Memories of her 1970s childhood in a funeral home merge with her college love life and her coming out. Looking back on her complex relationship with her father, Alison finds they had more in common than she ever knew...

1hr 40mins (no interval)

18th June, 2018

1st September, 2018

Young Vic (Main House)

Location: Fringe/Off West End Railway station: Waterloo Bus numbers : Pocock Street (Stop V) 40, 63 Car park: National Car Park Ltd

Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.

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Fun Home Tickets

One of the most groundbreaking productions ever to hit Broadway,  Fun Home  is the winner of five 2015 Tony Awards  including Best Musical. Based on Alison Bechdel's best-selling graphic memoir,  Fun Home  features music by Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by Lisa Kron and direction by Sam Gold, whose work on this production earned them Tony Awards for Best Score, Best Book and Best Direction.  Fun Home  introduces us to Alison at three different ages, revealing memories of her uniquely dysfunctional family – her mother, brothers and volatile, brilliant, enigmatic father – that connect with her in surprising new ways. This intimate and emotional theatrical experience is performed entirely in the round, bringing audiences closer to Alison’s story than ever before. A refreshingly honest musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes,  Fun Home   is “a blazingly original heartbreaker and a nonstop treasure of invention

This show is closed.

Performances ended on Sep. 10, 2016.

News & Features

About fun home on broadway, video & photos.

One of the most groundbreaking productions ever to hit Broadway, Fun Home is the winner of five 2015 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Based on Alison Bechdel's best-selling graphic memoir, Fun Home features music by Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by Lisa Kron and direction by Sam Gold, whose work on this production earned them Tony Awards for Best Score, Best Book and Best Direction. Fun Home  introduces us to Alison at three different ages, revealing memories of her uniquely dysfunctional family – her mother, brothers and volatile, brilliant, enigmatic father – that connect with her in surprising new ways. This intimate and emotional theatrical experience is performed entirely in the round, bringing audiences closer to Alison’s story than ever before. A refreshingly honest musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes, Fun Home  is “a blazingly original heartbreaker and a nonstop treasure of invention

"A fresh musical that hooks you instantly with its honesty and beauty. Few shows are as moving, relatable and funny." Associated Press Mark Kennedy

"This show is breaking new ground and it succeeds because it strikes at something so honest. Its material has been mined for universal truths about love, acceptance and compassion. 'Fun Home' demonstrates how much our world has changed and reflects just how far we’ve come." The Wall Street Journal Eric Sasson

"A rare beauty that pumps oxygenating fresh air into Broadway. This impeccably shaded portrait of a girl and her father tries to solve the classic mystery: Who are these strange people who made me? I can’t think of a recent musical — or play, for that matter — that has done a better job at finding theatrical expression for the wayward dynamics of remembering. Heart-gripping and cathartic, 'Fun Home' occupies the place where we all grew up, and will never be able to leave. We're home. " The New York Times Ben Brantley

Cast & Creative

Two-time Tony winner Michael Cerveris made his Broadway debut as the title character in The Who’s Tommy . He won a 2004 Tony for his portrayal of John Wilkes Booth in Assassins and a 2015 Tony for his portrayal of Bruce Bechdel in Fun Home. His other   Broadway credits include  Sweeney Todd , LoveMusik , Hedda Gabler,   In The Next Room, or the Vibrator Play and Evita.  Cerveris regularly performs with his band Loose Cattle. 

Kuhn is best known for her Tony Award-nominated portrayals of Cosette in Les Miserables , Florence in Chess and Amalia Balash in She Loves Me .

Beth Malone was nominated for a 2015 Tony Award and Grammy for her game-changing role of “Alison” in Fun Home . Malone most recently starred as the titular character in the world premiere of The Unsinkable Molly Brown , directed by Kathleen Marshall at the MUNY. She originated the role of June Carter Cash in Ring of Fire on Broadway, as well as the roles of Betty Jean in The Marvelous Wonderettes and Alison in Bingo off-Broadway. Other off-Broadway and regional credits include Fun Home (The Public Theater), Annie Get Your Gun (CMT) and Sister Act (Alliance Theatre). On film, Malone can be seen in Taylor Hackford’s The Comedian , co-starring opposite Robert DeNiro and Edie Falco. Other film credits include Hick with Eddie Redmayne, Twist of Faith, The Interview  and the upcoming Brittany Runs A Marathon opposite Jillian Bell. Her television television credits include Braindead, Bull, The Good Wife, Reno 911, Judging Amy, Laying Low, What’s On?, One Minute Soaps  and the Fox pilot Second Nature .

 To come.

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• Fun Home on Broadway

Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori, adapted from the graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel

When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires.

Winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Original Score, Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, original musical about seeing your parents through grown up eyes.

This amateur production of FUN HOME is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

This production will run for 100 minutes without an interval.

This production is suitable for ages 12 and over.

The ADC Theatre is Britain's oldest University playhouse, today administered and maintained by the University of Cambridge . Plays have been presented on the site since 1855, when the Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club (CUADC) was founded, and the society met and performed in the back room of the Hoop Inn, which s tood almost exactly where the ADC Theatre stands today.  Today, the ADC Theatre is the centre of University drama in Cambridge, run almost entirely by students with no Faculty involvement.  Access

When you arrive at the   ADC Theatre , there are power assisted doors to the Box Office. In the foyer there is a lift which leads up to the bar and auditorium. The accessible toilet is located on the ground floor across the foyer. Further information can be found here .

If you are booking a wheelchair seat in the ADC auditorium for the first time, please call the Box Office on 01223 300085 or email [email protected]. We will then alter the permissions of your ADC account so that you can access the wheelchair seats on our website when you book in the future. 

Complimentary tickets are available for full-time carers.

The   ADC Theatre   and   Corpus Playroom  is  fitted with an infra-red audio system designed to help deaf and hard of hearing patrons. If you are using the system for the first time, please arrive early and seek advice from our Front of House team.

Assistance dogs are welcome in both of our venues. Please call the Box Office or email the above address when booking to ensure you are seated appropriately.

The Park Street car park, which is typically used by customers of the ADC Theatre, is closed until August 2024. We recommend that you park in the  Grand Arcade car park  (10 minute walk) or the  Castle Hill car park  (15 minute walk).  Parking in City Council car parks is free after 6pm. You can find out more information  here .

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Short breaks.

Go on an escorted tour of Britain's beautiful historic estates with JustGo! Holidays, an official partner of Historic Houses

Take a wonderful short break holiday to discover some of Britain’s most special historic houses, castles and gardens. With specially tailored itineraries each four, five or six day escorted tour allows you to easily discover beautiful and extraordinary historic houses, castles and gardens around Britain.

On these fascinating tours we uncover the secrets and stories of the families who have lived in these special places and get a glimpse into the lives of those who still do, with many owners offering exclusive access or intriguing behind-the-scenes tours for guests.

Each tour includes fine architectural treasures, superb collections and stunning interiors, with many properties represented by Historic Houses considered iconic symbols of Britain’s unique heritage. A range of travel options are offered including return coach travel, making your own way or a door to door travel service.

The tours are run by Just Go! Holidays, one of the UK’s leading coach holiday specialists.

Charming Houses of the Cotswolds

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds is a pastoral landscape of gently rolling hills, idyllic views and quintessentially English market towns and villages of honey-coloured stone where time seems to have stood still.

Hidden Houses of the Lake District

Recently recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District boasts some of England’s finest scenery. Awash with glittering midnight blue lakes, jagged fells and lush valleys, we are transported into a bucolic abundance of natural beauty.

Kent’s Most Beautiful Gardens

Kent isn’t described as the garden of England for nothing. Within Britain’s oldest county lies the perfumed landscape of fruit-laden orchards, rolling hills and a treasure trove of country estates and enchanting castles.

A Taste of the Stately High Life in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country as well as a wonderfully rich and fascinating heritage. We delve into the past with a look around some of the county’s most impressive historic houses, many...

Castles & Churches of Northumberland & the Borders

The rugged county of Northumberland is steeped in history, with a host of ancient castles, ruined abbeys and picturesque stately homes dotting the scenic countryside. We learn more about the intriguing stories behind the powerful castles that dominate the landscape,...

Homes of Edinburgh’s Landed Gentry

Scotland’s vibrant capital city of Edinburgh is surrounded by important estates and fine houses, owned by the landed gentry of generations past who often had connections to royalty or the politics of their day. These fascinating places boast an eclectic...

Special Houses & Gardens of North Norfolk

North Norfolk is not only renowned for its big skies, wide horizons and sandy beaches but also for its fascinating heritage and abundance of beautiful historic houses, ranging from Tudor moated manors to Arts and Crafts homes. Many are spectacular...

A Grand Tour of Oxford & the Home Counties

The pastoral landscapes of the Home Counties provide a beautiful backdrop to some of Britain’s most impressive houses and manors. We uncover the fascinating stories of these magnificent places with their wonderful mix of architectural styles and fine treasures within,...

Longleat Festival of Light & South West at Christmas Time

There is nothing quite like the countdown to Christmas in the enchanting South West! Soak up the wonderful yuletide atmosphere with festive market stalls, iced with glittering fairy lights and a stately home boasting the most impressive statuesque Christmas trees.

An Indulgent Tour of the Festive Castles of Kent

The Garden of England is Britain’s oldest county, steeped in thousands of years of history and full of treasures, from medieval manors to romantic castles adorned with enchanting Christmas decorations of yesteryear.

Natural Beauty & Architectural Splendours of Suffolk

Beautiful Suffolk has plenty to discover, from a glorious coastline to rolling countryside and picturesque towns. On this fascinating break we visit some of the most interesting and diverse houses of the county, as we uncover secrets of the family...

Jane Austen Festival

Jane Austen is famed for her fiction which explores the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century, and we delve into her world during this fascinating long weekend break. We head to Bath, which was Jane Austen’s...

An Exclusive Tour of Northern Ireland’s Finest Houses

Northern Ireland is not only renowned for the beauty of its countryside and coastline but also for the number of stunning country houses and magnificent castles that pepper the landscape. We learn more about the country’s rich heritage as we...

See all JustGo! Holidays Short Breaks

With specially tailored, bespoke itineraries, these fascinating short breaks allow you to easily discover beautiful and extraordinary historic houses, castles and gardens around Britain – places where our nation’s history lives and breathes – all in the company of like-minded...

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House tours

From chocolate box cottages in the Cotswolds to super-sleek modern homes in the capital, we go behind the front door of houses up and down the country, and find out how the owners and renters created their dream homes, whatever their style and budget

Small but beautiful, this glam bathroom is packed with stylish features

Subtle gold fittings and a sweep of terrazzo tiling lift this narrow bathroom beyond the ordinary

Blue and white reign supreme in this modern Victorian home

The coastal palette of this Brighton terrace is inspired by its seaside location

By Alice Roberton

Decorated entirely with salvaged and vintage finds, this converted bakery is a lesson in creative upcycling

Secondhand isn't second best in the eyes of this homeowner

Upcycling and secondhand buys helped keep the budget down on this striking cottage renovation

In their gorgeous three-bedroom cottage in Norfolk, this family has created a truly welcoming home with a relaxed modern country feel throughout

By Marisha Taylor

An interior designer used this can't-fail trick to decide on the colours for her home

This Oxfordshire house wasn't always this colourful…

By Sara Emslie

Finding and renovating this Georgian farm cottage was the realisation of a dream the owner had for 25 years

Moving to the countryside and finding the perfect rural home had been years in the planning and finally became a reality

By Karen Darlow

DIY and upcycling has saved these style-savvy homeowners a fortune

Making their own furniture and using clever DIY hacks, these creative homeowners have nailed the Japandi-meets-rustic look

By Karen Wilson

These homeowners gave the family home in Scotland a modern Nordic vibe

After inheriting her late parents' property this homeowner realised it gave her the perfect blank canvas to create the Nordic look she loves

By Alison Gibb

This once cold and damp Cotswolds cottage has been made fit for a new generation

Having decided to love it rather than list it, the homeowner sensitively renovated this historic childhood home

By Stephanie Smith

This unloved cottage has been transformed into a stunning country home

Under Giselle De Hasse’s guidance, a dark, cramped, unloved cottage was transformed into a bright, welcoming home

By Anthea Gerrie

A neutral scheme with touches of soft green and pink creates balance in this beautifully renovated home

'Our light-filled neutral home makes us feel calm and happy'

'We wanted to achieve a balance of fun and comfort' - Industrial meets boho in this stunning Victorian townhouse

The mix of these two design styles is a match made in heaven

Colour and patterned textiles have brought this traditional Georgian farmhouse to life

Jewel-like vintage textiles mixed with contemporary pieces give this traditional Georgian farmhouse a cheerful aesthetic

By Ruth Corbett

These novice DIYers completely transformed their home with panelling and paint effects

Picking up new DIY skills as they went along has enabled these homeowners to transform their property on a budget

By Lisa Moses

This 1930s home has been injected with a lovely cottage feel through vintage details

This 1930s semi has been carefully crafted into a calming family home with soft tones and clever design

By Katie Sims

Amanda Holden and Alan Carr's Tuscan townhouse they bought for €2 is for sale on Rightmove

The duo's recent renovation was last month's most-viewed property

By Jullia Joson

The awkward configurations of this gatehouse put a lot of viewers off, but not these homeowners

'There isn't a straight wall in the house but it is absolutely bursting with character'

By Sara Bird

This gorgeous home is a calming haven nestled in the Scottish Highlands

A calming neutral palette in this Highlands home means the star of the show is always the view outside

The interior of this country house is as beautiful as its stunning surroundings

This country house has been given a sympathetic makeover, creating a relaxing, welcoming home in beautiful surroundings

‘Renovating this house has been a labour of love…but it puts a smile on my face every day’

Ditching dated décor and introducing rich colours and classic pieces has turned an unloved Victorian property into a luxurious yet homely space

By Laurie Davidson

This eclectic home embraces bold colour and texture combinations for an incredible effect

This Victorian home has been refreshed and revived with pattern and colour

You would never believe this beautiful family home was once several rundown bedsits

Once split into rundown bedsits, this house had stood empty for years but is now transformed into a stunning family home

By Jane Crittenden

'It's full of things we love' - 11 style ideas to steal from this luxe boho home

From dark and boxy two-bed 1950s council house to light-filled boho-luxe home

10 style tips to steal from our Houses Editor's own home, all decked out for the festive season

This house has gone from run-down period property to flexible space for both entertaining and family life

By Alison Lovett

This beautiful Victorian townhouse is the epitome of timeless elegance, and is full of sparkle for Christmas

This interior stylist has decorated her home in a timeless style that will grow with her family

By Nicky Phillips

9 design tricks to steal from this colourful and modern family home

This newly renovated home is decorated in a rich colour palette and packed with timeless ideas

By Maxine Brady

'I love a rustic Scandi look' – 12 style ideas that give this modern new-build home warmth and character

This modern home is sprinkled with textural seasonal details for a luxe festive look

You'll be dreaming of a white Christmas when you look round this beautiful Swedish home

Following a top-to-toe renovation this Swedish family house is perfect for festive celebrations

By Rachel Crow

Best scented candles UK – 12 fragrant buys to transform your home

Impress guests with one of the best candles for spring and summer, as tested by the Ideal Home team

By Molly Cleary

This beautiful 1930s semi has gone all out on a very vintage Christmas matching its post-war grandeur

Vintage finds and natural decorations fill this Edwardian home with faded grandeur at Christmas

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Discover London Through History

East London and the popularity of gospel choirs

The Jubilee Singers sang for Queen Victoria in 1873, but gospel choirs became popular only in the 1960s. Now they often sing with icons like Madonna.

Rare books: What makes them special and how to care for them

What makes a book rare? Tips on identifying special books, storage and safe handling techniques to preserve these literary artefacts.

Music icons, Soho fashion streets & the Swinging 60s

From The Beatles to The Rolling Stones, and from Carnaby Street to West End, here’s how music and fashion were intrinsically linked in 1960s’ London.

Disability: A child’s perspective from 1950s’ London

These photos of disabled children in specialist schools in 1950s’ London attempt to fill a crucial gap in documenting our history.

Reach every London schoolchild

Celebrate the London collection

A new museum for London

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Virtual tour: Victorian Walk

Explore our Victorian Walk gallery wherever you are – with challenges to do too!

Our immersive Victorian Walk experience recreates the winding streets of 19th-century London. We've captured it in 3D for you to explore!

• Click/touch the white circles on the ground to move
• Click/touch and drag above the ground to rotate your view
• Scroll your mouse wheel/pinch your fingers to zoom in and out.

Do a little window shopping at the toyshop, tobacconist, tailor or pawnbroker and get a taste of life in Victorian London.

Can you complete our six challenges?

You might find it easier if you click here to open a new page showing just these challenges :

1. Find the toy shop

Hint : Start and go forward five times. The sign above says 'TOYSHOP'.

Zoom in to have a good look at what's on display.

If you could buy one thing from the toy shop, what would it be?

What are some of the differences between Victorian toys and toys today?

In Victorian times, children from poorer families would save their money to buy ‘penny toys’.

2. Find the barrel organ

Hint : From the toy shop, turn left, go forward three times, turn left again, go forward once, look to your right.

Children who could not afford toys would make their own entertainment in the streets. They might listen and dance to the music of a barrel organ, which played a melody when someone cranked the handle on the side.

Do you know any other places where Victorian people could listen to music?

What ways can you listen to music today?

3. Find the tea and coffee warehouse

Hint : From the barrel organ, go forwards towards the post box, turn right, go forward. Look up and you should see the sign.

What do you think the large ‘wheel’ outside was used for?

Why do you think tea, coffee and sugar were very expensive in Victorian times?

4. Find a Victorian bicycle

Hint : With the tea and coffee warehouse on your right, go forward twice. It's on your right.

Do you know the proper name for this type of bicycle?

Here's a clue: P _ _ _ Y - F_ _ _ _ _ _ G

How is it different to a modern bicycle?

How do you think people might have got onto it?

The bicycle (or ‘velocipede’) was invented in the Victorian period and became very popular.

5. Find the grocer’s shop

Hint : From the bicycle, turn left and go through the archway, then go forward. It's on your right.

This is where people in Victorian times would buy tinned and dry foodstuffs – the sort of things we would buy from a supermarket or a convenience store today.

• What food can you see on sale?
• Try zooming in to read the labels. What brands can you see?
• Do you recognise any types or makes of food that we still use today?
• If you were shopping in this grocer’s, would you be able to get to what you wanted?
• How is a modern supermarket different?

Tinned food was introduced in the early 19th century and was very expensive at first.

6. Find the fancy stationer’s shop

Hint : With the grocer's shop on your right, go forward. It's right in front of you.

This sort of shop sold things like writing paper, greetings cards and envelopes.

Christmas cards were very popular with Victorian Londoners.

How many pictures of Father Christmas can you spot?

How is he different to pictures of Father Christmas you might see today?

Many winter traditions such as Christmas trees, crackers, giving presents and Father Christmas were introduced in Victorian times.

What else can you find?

You've made it to the end. Well done!

There's plenty more to see if you keep your eyes peeled!

What to do next

Why not try this creative Victorian activity?

Decorate your own penny plains

The Victorians loved decorating 'penny plains' – souvenir images of famous actors or heroes. Try it yourself using felt tips and colouring pencils – or embellish your pictures with sequins and glitter!

Also of interest

Fun learning at home

We love welcoming families to our museums, but you don't need to visit to enjoy the fun. Here are some great ways to play and learn at home!

Free, fun school resources

Explore our range of free tools for visits and classroom use! We can help with everything from prehistory to the present with apps, pocket histories and more

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Birthday parties, be the first to hear about new exhibitions and events.

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Evan Buliung and Hannah Levinson in FUN HOME Photo credit: Cylla von Tiedemann

Liam MacDonald, Jasper Lincoln and Hannah Levinson in FUN HOME. Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann 2018

The cast of FUN HOME. Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann 2018

Sara Farb and Laura Condlln (top) in FUN HOME. Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann 2018

David Mirvish Presents the Musical Stage Company Production of Fun Home

WINNER! 2015 Tony® Award

April 13 to May 20, 2018

Closed: May 20, 2018

CAA Theatre

651 Yonge St , Toronto

Running Time

100 minutes (no intermission)

Audience Advisory

Contains mature content and strong language. This production employs haze. Recommended for ages 13 plus. Babes in arms or children under the age of two (2) are not permitted in the theatre. Children older than two (2) should be able to sit quietly in their own seats throughout a performance.

Show Goers Rating

5 /5 - 2230 reviews

FUN HOME  breaks box office record for Off-Mirvish Series and has been   held over  to May 20   due to popular demand and critical acclaim! Based on the Graphic Novel by Alison Bechdel 

WINNER! 2015 Tony® Award Best Musical Best Book of a Musical Best Score

WINNER! Best Musical —New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, Obie Award, Lucille Lortel Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, and Off-Broadway Alliance Award. 

Alison, a 43 year-old lesbian cartoonist, struggles to untangle her complex relationship with her deceased father. Moving between past and present, Alison relives an unusual childhood growing up in a funeral home, her sexual awakening and unanswerable questions about her father’s secret life. 

This ground-breaking new musical based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir was the winner of 5 Tony® Awards, including ‘Best Musical’, and has received worldwide critical acclaim for its stunning musical score and heartbreaking storytelling.

Download our app and access our interactive digital programme

The 21 Best Motorhome Routes in the UK for an Amazing Adventure!

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

Motorhome & Campervan Holidays in the UK

What better way to travel in the United Kingdom than in a motorhome or campervan? Forget the big cities and make for the great British countryside, unlike anywhere else in the world. 

Head to all the amazing places to visit in the UK, in the comfort and safety of your home on wheels, following our favourite motorhome routes. 

Whether you own your own motorhome or are looking at first time campervan rental for a fantastic UK staycation , Great Britain and Northern Ireland are full of incredible places to visit and touring the UK by motorhome is a great way to see them all.

Motorhome Tours UK Map

From the hidden coves and glorious weather of Cornwall to the drama and mountains of Scotland, the UK has all the elements needed for a great motorhome holiday – we can’t guarantee great weather, but we know you’ll have a lot of fun!

Use our popular motorhome route planner for the UK to help plan your road trip itinerary. Whether you’re looking for motorhome holiday ideas, motorhome tour routes in the UK or just how to holiday in a motorhome, you’ll find what you need here, in our choice of the best motorhome and campervan routes in UK.

Let us take the hassle out of organising your trip with our UK motorhome itineraries

UK Motorhome Holiday Destinations

Cornwall, england.

This glorious part of the UK has some of the best beaches and campsites the country has to offer. Along with quaint seaside towns, beautiful landscapes and some  great Cornish attractions , this is one of our favourite amazing places in Britain and has all the makings of a great motorhome trip in the UK.

The drive down the M5 or A303 can be unpleasant, especially at the weekends when everyone seems to go on holiday. Try and head down mid-week and break up the journey if you can before you get to the A30, the main arterial road through the county. 

Visit the Eden Project  on the way, a fantastic stop and not to be missed when you’re passing so close by. Cornwall has lots of narrow lanes and many towns and villages are unsuitable for large motorhome traffic, be mindful of this when travelling and route planning.  

Highlights & Where to Stay

The Camel Estuary

With trendy Rock on one side of the estuary and pretty Padstow on the other, this is a fantastic destination. Try your hand at surfing in Rock or just have fun in the waves on a body board. Eat amazing fish in Padstow and enjoy strolling the harbour and town.

Stay at the popular  Padstow Touring Park  for great facilities and fantastic views. It’s within walking distance, or a short bike ride, of Padstow and an excellent base for exploring the area. This is one of the most popular places to go in the UK, so holiday there out of season if you can. If not, book your pitch early!

The quintessential Cornish holiday town, St Ives is blessed with a couple of fantastic beaches and a vibrant atmosphere. With shops, bars and restaurants open into the evening and several world-renowned galleries, St Ives has a cosmopolitan feel.

It can get busy here in the high season, visit before UK schools break up if you possibly can.

Stay at the simple and family-run  Ayr Holiday Park  which has a coastal path down to Porthmoer beach (where I’ve spent many happy hours as a child and adult with a body board!) and from there into St Ives itself.

Porthcurno & Around

Visit the end of the peninsula on your Cornwall road trip for amazing coves and beaches. Porthcurno is one of my all-time favourite beaches, overlooked by the spectacular and must-see Minack Theatre.  

Explore Sennen Cove and the tin mines at Botallack, for a taste of Cornish history and head east for charming Mousehole (pronounced Mouzle), one of Cornwall’s hidden gems  (as much as anything in this part of the world can be!).

Pretty Penzance and the splendid St. Michael’s Mount, accessible on foot when the tide is out, are all within a few miles if each other and well worth a visit.

Stay at  Trevedra Farm Campsite  for a back-to-nature feel, great beach access and a warm welcome for motorhome travellers from the farm owners.

RELATED POST: Cornwall Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips

Is this your first time visiting the UK? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Snowdonia & Anglesey, Wales

Head for spectacular Snowdonia in north Wales for drama, huge skies and outdoor adventures.

Cross the iconic Menai suspension bridge in your campervan, to reach the Isle of Anglesey. Home to some of the best beaches in Wales, fantastic coastal hiking and cycling paths and a good dose of remoteness, this is one of the best travel routes in the UK to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The A5 is easily accessible from the M6 and brings you right into the buzzy climbing town of Betws-y-Coed, on the edge of one of the  UK’s best national parks  and the gateway to Snowdonia. From there, it’s a hop and a skip to Anglesey. 

Snowdonia National Park

Test yourself by climbing to the peak of Snowden, the highest mountain in England and Wales, some 1,085m above sea level. If you still want to enjoy the views but don’t fancy the hike, take the train up and hike down!

Stay at  Bryn Gloch Caravan and Camping Park , surrounded by nature and right at the foot of Snowden itself.

Newborough Beach & Llanddwyn Island

Newborough Beach is our favourite beach on Anglesey, backed by the tranquil Newborough Forest, where you might see red squirrels.

Take a walk through the forest and dunes and out to the peninsula of Llanddwyn Island to see the fascinating pilots cottages and lighthouse. Newborough is a great starting point to head off around the coast in a campervan!

Stay on the grassy meadow of  Awelfryn Caravan Park , a mile away from the beach after a good walk through Newborough Forest.

Betws-y-Coed

Set in a beautiful valley, Betws-y-Coed is a typical mountain town, full of shops selling outdoor gear and companies offering outdoor adventures. Pubs are full of climbers talking about the day’s exploits and adventures.

The town is a great base for  outdoor sports and activities  such as climbing, hiking, abseiling, zip-lining and mountain biking. You’ll also find natural beauty spots such as Fairy Glen and Swallow Falls to visit on your much-needed rest days.

Stay at the  Riverside Touring Park  for excellent customer service, five-star facilities and easy access to Betws-y-Coed itself.

The Lake District, England

This rugged and scenic national park in Cumbria has something for everyone. Head for the busy towns of Ambleside and Keswick or find remoteness by one of the sixteen beautiful bodies of water and tarns in this stunning part of the UK.

The Lake District lies to the west of the M6 and is easily accessible to motorhomes but be prepared for some narrow and twisting country lanes which may be congested in summer once you come off the main A roads.

There are some spectacular mountain passes but they are not all suitable for large vehicles and you should check this prior to your trip, or go in a camper van!  Otherwise head for the the  stunning Peak District , which is motorhome-friendly and perhaps a road a little less travelled.

The second largest lake, Ullswater is nestled amongst some of the best fells the Lake District has to offer and is home to the stunning Aira Force waterfall, an easy Lake District walk .

With water sports, hiking and  Lake District wild swimming  amongst the lush green landscape (the setting of Wordsworth’s ‘Daffodils’ poem) on your doorstep, this is a perfect spot for motorhomers and campervanners to enjoy nature and outdoor activity and some of the  best Lake District hikes .

Stay at the family owned and run  Gillside Farm  at the foot of Helvellyn and close to the pretty village of Glenridding for excellent access to the surrounding fells and Ullswater itself.

Keswick is a busy market town with a mining history which lies between the imposing Skiddaw mountains and the natural beauty of Derwentwater.

Take a cruise on the lake and head up to the prehistoric Castelrigg stone circle, literally surrounded by fells and sky in every direction.

There’s also lots of great hiking in the area, including many easy trails like Catbells, which also has the added benefit of incredible views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

Wild camping in the Lake District for motorhomes is possible in the more off-the-beaten-track parts, but around the lakes and towns, it is likely you will be moved on pretty quickly, especially in summer.

Stay at  Derwentwater Camping and Caravanning Club Site , one of the best sites for motorhomes in the Lake District. You don’t have to be a member to stay, although the cost is discounted if you are. This friendly and popular site is a few minutes walk from Keswick and Derwentwater.

Honister Slate Mine

At the southern end of Derwentwater is the valley of Borrowdale, leading to the Honister Pass and the home of the Honister Slate Mine, the last working slate mine in Europe.

The mine has a visitor centre which provides underground guided mine tours and a range of adventure activities including a Via Ferrata (by ropes) course which is not for the faint-hearted!

The Honister pass is not suitable for large motorhomes and has a width restriction of 6’6″, although it is possible to get the bus there from Keswick.

Stay at  Chapel House Farm Campsite  in the Borrowdale Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and rushing streams to lull you to sleep at night.

RELATED POST: Motorhomers Choice – Top 10 Motorhome Campsites UK

The North Coast 500, Scotland

This iconic Scottish motorhome route had to make the list! The NC500 is a 516 mile spectacular route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle and passing through  some of the most beautiful places in Scotland . 

Tackle the whole route, for which you’ll need at least several weeks, or do a bit of it. Whichever, you’ll find incredible landscapes, legendary Scottish hospitality and the thrill of the open road.

This is surely one of the best motorhome routes in the UK and one of the best  driving roads in Scotland .

Both the start and finish point of your motorhome holiday in Scotland, this cultured and ancient cathedral city is full of history and interest. Go monster hunting on Loch Ness, take a trip to the haunting battlefield at Culloden and visit Inverness Castle.

Fans of the book and tv show ‘Outlander’ can also visit bucket-list destinations  in this region.

Stay at  Bunchrew Caravan Park  on the edge of Beauly Firth, in twenty acres of mature woodland and advertised as being free from midges, pretty unusual for motorhome holidays in Scotland!

One of the last great wildernesses of Europe, a large chunk of the NC500 passes through this raw and beautiful county. With the sea always on your right, the coast of this part of the route is unspoilt and diverse, from huge sandy beaches to the rugged and aptly named Cape Wrath cliffs.

There is a lot of Scottish wild camping for motorhomes in this part of the UK. Use  Park4Night  to find a great spot with a fabulous view and follow our wild camping tips for the best experience.

Stay at the stunning Clachtoll Beach Campsite right on the edge of the beach, which boasts crystal clear water and amazing snorkelling; we think it’s one of the best campervan sites in Scotland.

Home to John O’Groats and Dunnet Head, the most northerly village and northerly point respectively, Caithness is right at the top of the UK!  It is so far north that in favourable conditions, it’s possible to see the northern lights from here.

The coastline here features soaring sea stacks and towering headlands, home to puffins and other sea birds.

Stay at  Dunnet Bay Caravan and Motorhome Club Site . You don’t have to be a member to stay, although the cost is discounted if you are. This is a site for those who enjoy solitude, sublime views and long beach walks.

RELATED POST: How to Take a North Coast 500 Motorhome Trip

The New Forest, England

This historic forest in Hampshire, planted in 1079 by William the Conquerer, retains a strong sense of history and tradition.

Home to New Forest wild ponies, roaming pigs, Highland cattle and deer, this haven for wildlife offers peace and tranquillity to all who visit.

The forest is particularly special in autumn when the crowds have gone and the colours are spectacular.

The forest is also a hub for outdoor activity, including water sports, cycling and hiking, you can find the top  New Forest outdoor activities here .

Easily accessible via the M3 and M27, the main roads through the forest are all suitable for large motorhomes and there are lots of designated car parks and places to stop for lunch or a walk.

You cannot wild camp in the New Forest, there are active rangers who move on all vehicles at dusk. 

For a longer road trip, add  Dorset and the incredible Jurassic Coast  to your itinerary.

Brockenhurst

A charming village to the south of the forest and an excellent base for cycling and walking. With a few good pubs in the village and a seriously good  takeaway fish and chip shop , this is a great place from which to explore.

You can hire bikes in the village or bring your own; download this helpful map for routes.

Stay at  Hollands Wood Campsite  run by Camping in the Forest, who offer some of the best motorhome sites across the forest. Within walking distance of the village, this mainly wooded site is on the edge of the open forest.

New Forest Water Park

At the western edge of the forest, the New Forest Water Park offers wakeboarding and a giant inflatable aqua park, the best fun you can have in a wet suit! Try your hand at wakeboarding, kayaking and stand-up paddle before running the gauntlet on the aqua park course…its a lot, lot harder than it looks!

Stay at the  Red Shoot Camping Park   a few miles away and on the edge of the open forest. Situated behind the highly rated Red Shoot Inn, this is a friendly and family-run site.

Not technically in the New Forest, but right on the south-western edge, Lymington is a charming and bustling market town.  With a busy harbour and easy access to the Solent, this is a haven for sailors.

From your base in Lymington, take a trip to  Hurst Castle , built by Henry VIII and situated in a shingle spit stretching towards the Isle of Wight. On hot days, take a dip in the seawater swimming baths on the edge of Lymington town.

Stay at the tranquil retreat of  Harry’s Field  and enjoy their camping philosophy, complete with roaming deer, ponies and donkeys. A stay in a campervan here is good for the soul!

RELATED POST: Top 16 New Forest Outdoor Activities

UK Motorhome Trip Essentials

The Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland

The gorgeous and unspoilt Causeway Coastal Route is a part of the UK that may require a ferry crossing if you don’t live there. But, it is a motorhome coastal road trip in the UK that’s worth making the effort for.

From the breathtaking natural beauty of the  Giant’s Causeway  to the huge Benone Beach, the coastline is studded with Game of Thrones locations and pretty seaside towns.

End your trip in  Londonderry , a city that has overcome a difficult past to become a popular tourist destination in its own right, and if you have time, pop over the border into the Republic of Ireland and drive the dramatic Wild Atlantic Way down the west coast of Ireland.

We suggest getting the boat to the  busy and fun city of Dublin  before heading north, it’s not in the UK but if you’re crossing the water you might as well make the most of it! From Dublin, Belfast makes a natural stop on the road north – if you only do one thing in Belfast , visit the Titanic Quarter.

If you’re short on time though, depart from  Stranraer to Larne , for the quickest route north once you arrive in Northern Ireland, unless you live there of course!

The Giants Causeway & Around

Forged by volcanic nature some 50 to 60 million years ago, these 40,000 columns of basalt spilling into the wild North Atlantic have to be seen to be believed.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of  Northern Ireland’s best historic landmarks  and an awe-inspiring place that really gets you thinking about man’s insignificance in the grand scheme of things.

Climb the Shepherd’s Steps and hike along the clifftop trail for an aerial view of the dramatic causeway coast or take the road less travelled on an active five-mile hike along the stunning cliff-top path.  

Don’t forget to visit the cute harbour at Ballintoy (also a Game of Thrones location) but be mindful that there is very limited parking and you may struggle to turn in a larger rig. Just along the coast, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge  will test your head for heights!

Stay At Craig House Campsite , situated in an area of Irish outstanding natural beauty with magnificent sea views.

Portstewart & Portrush

Literally next to each other, both are pretty seaside, bucket and spade towns. With souvenir shops, restaurants and bars, Portrush is livelier and has a nightclub and amusements.

Portstewart has a lovely, laid-back feel and has some interesting boutique shops along the prom.

Both have great beaches and excellent golf courses. Take your pick depending on what you enjoy! If you like motorbikes, head here in May for the infamous  North West 200 .

Stay at  Juniper Hill Holiday Park  for access to both towns along the Port Path or catch the bus that stops right outside.

Benone Beach

A favourite of surfers, this huge beach stretches from Castlerock in the east to Magilligan Point in the west. From here you can visit the Mussenden Temple on the headland and the demesne at Downhill.

The mighty Binevenagh mountain sits to the south and is excellent for hiking, with stunning views of the coast and Donegal from the summit.

Stay at the  Golden Sands  and don’t forget to pop into the Sea Shed Cafe for amazing Spanish hot chocolate and homemade cake right on the beach!

RELATED POST: Causeway Coastal Route: The Best Road Trip In Ireland?

Norfolk, England

One of the most beautiful areas of east England, Norfolk enjoys an incredible and unspoilt heritage coastline, traditional seaside towns like Cromer , and the famous Norfolk Broads, where you will find huge skies and tranquillity, even in the height of summer.

A national park and a haven for wildlife and birds, the Broads are a nature lovers paradise and can be explored on foot or by boat.

The roads to Norfolk don’t go anywhere else, one of the reasons the county has remained a peaceful holiday destination. Take the A11 or A47 to Norwich, right in the heart of Norfolk.

The historic city of Norwich is a hidden gem and a must-visit if you’re in Norfolk. Considered the UK’s best preserved medieval city, you’ll find a Norman cathedral with the second highest spire in England, a vibrant bar and restaurant scene and the Norwich Lanes, a tangle of pedestrian streets full of interesting shops and independent boutiques.

For a fabulous day out just ten miles away,  visit BeWILDerwood , a magical adventure park that’s perfect for children, and the big kid in all of us!

Stay at the simple and relaxed  Whitlingham Broad Campsite just outside the city, an easy fifteen minute bike ride away. If you want to enjoy the broad, then you can hire kayaks and canoes a few minutes away from the campsite.

This quaint coastal village lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The nature reserve is a fantastic spacious landscape with salt marshes, sand and shingle spit, sand dunes and horizons stretching far out to sea.

Practice your crabbing skills on the harbour or take a trip out to Blakeney Point to see the Common and Grey seals that breed here in winter.

Stay at the natural paradise of  Highland Creek Camp Site  which is surrounded by salt marshes, woodlands, mud creeks and beaches. 

Sandringham

The royal estate at Sandringham is set in beautiful woodlands perfect for walking. Visit the house, gardens and transport museum before heading to see the St Mary Magdalene church where the King attends services when he is staying at Sandringham.

There are often events here too, such as farmers markets and craft fairs, check the Sandringham Estate website for details and dates.

Stay at the Sandringham Camping and Caravanning Club Site,  set amongst woodland and with the royal estate on the doorstep.

Helpful Motorhoming Resources

Motorhomers Choice – Top 10 Motorhome Campsites UK

Motorhome Wild Camping – Your Complete Guide

How to Take Your First Motorhome Trip

The Best Motorhome Holidays in Europe

Dorset, england.

The beautiful county of Dorset boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site coastline, pretty villages and towns and some great bucket and spade resorts.

The cliffs of the 95-mile-long  Jurassic Coast  contain millions of fossils and interesting rock formations and there is even a forest of fossilised trees.

With Bournemouth, Swanage and Weymouth providing good old-fashioned seaside entertainment, there’s a lot to recommend Dorset, making it one of the best campervan trips you can take.

Dorset is very accessible by taking the M3 and M27 from London before picking up the A31 into the county.

Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door

Lulworth Cove is an almost perfect circle and is considered one of the best examples in Europe of marine erosion.

Whatever the reason for Lulworth Cove, it really is a beautiful spot and perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddling. Stop at the  Boat Shed Cafe  for a relaxed lunch before hitting the pebble beach.

There are many fantastic  coastal walks in Dorset , with the walk from  Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door being one of the best, and taking around 45 minutes.

Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch in the sea, caused by millions of years of erosion. On hot days, the kids swim out here and climb up, before jumping off with glee. Durdle Door is backed by a truly beautiful beach with imposing limestone cliffs that the Jurassic coast is famous for, and for us, is one of the best scenic places in England.

Stay at  Durdle Door Holiday Park  for incredible sea views and easy access to both Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove beaches.

Chesil Beach & Around

The iconic  Chesil Beach  is an eighteen-mile-long shingle barrier beach made up of 180 billion pebbles and stretching from West Bay to Portland.

This wild and natural place seems made of sea and sky and being here clears your head and fills your soul.

Head for Abbotsbury Gardens for one of the best views of Chesil Beach from above, stretching miles in either direction and then pop in to see the mute swan colony at the swannery.

If you’ve got energy left after all that, head south to the iconic Portland Bill lighthouse at the tip of Portland, for more dramatic seascapes.

Stay at East Fleet Touring Park  for its stunning location overlooking Chesil Beach and the sea beyond.

Swanage & Around

A quintessential English seaside resort, Swanage was a hit with the Victorians when sea bathing became fashionable.

With a safe sandy beach, steam train, nearby Corfe Castle, great wreck diving and Durlston Country Park there’s a great deal to keep you entertained.

Throw in a bag of newspaper-wrapped fish and chips and you’ve got the perfect motorhome holiday destination!

Stay at the friendly and welcoming  Ulwell Cottage Holiday Park  for easy access to Swanage and its pretty surroundings.

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Famous for its glorious beaches, cliffs, islands and wildlife, the stunning coast of Pembrokeshire offers infinite opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and is one of the most beautiful places in the UK.

From the Victorian seaside town of Tenby to the puffins of Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire has something to suit everyone planning a Welsh road trip , nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.

Take the M4 west until you pick up the A40 which will take you into the heart of this beautiful and eclectic county. Why not take in the  prime walking country of the Cotswolds  or the awe-inspiring Brecon Beacons on the way?

Coasteering

Pembrokeshire is perfect for a Welsh motorhome trip and boasts that it invented coasteering, so how could we leave it off our list? The sport of cliff scrambling, jumping from land to sea and swimming between rocks will stretch you physically and mentally and give you hours of fun!

You can find a pace to suit you, there are courses and guided expeditions for beginners of all ages, some of which include marine biology education along the way!

Stay at  Pencarnan Farm Camping and Caravan Park , just up the road from St Davids, a coasteering hub, and with access to the gorgeous sandy Porthsele beach, safe for swimming and kayaking.

Skomer Island

The wild island of  Skomer  is a haven for migrant birds such as puffins, guillemots and razorbills.

You may also see seals here, which come to moult in April, along with owls, peregrine falcons and buzzards. In the spring, wildflowers carpet the island, making it a truly beautiful and fascinating place to visit.

Tickets are on a first come, first served basis and numbers are limited so make sure you get to Lockley Lodge visitor centre early!

Stay at the family-run  West Hook Farm Camping , with simple facilities and superb sea views, and just up the road from Lockley Lodge.

Tenby is one of the most iconic seaside towns in Wales, steeped in ancient history and surrounded by an imposing medieval stone wall.

With several great sandy beaches, a pretty and colourful harbour and narrow cobbled streets with a fantastic selection of gift shops, independent boutiques, cafes and pubs, this charming and lively town is perfect for a day out. 

If you base yourself here, you’re within striking distance of two of the  best castles in Wales , Pembroke and Carew, both well worth a visit.

Stay at  Meadow Farm , with fantastic panoramic views and easy access to Tenby, the coastal path and local beaches.

RELATED POST: Motorhoming & Campervanning in Wales – Complete Guide

Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye is Scotland’s second largest island, a 50-mile-long stretch of heather-covered moors, rugged mountains, clear sparkling lochs and dramatic sea cliffs.

This incredible landscape is the main draw, but there is plenty to do when the mist descends, including castles, museums and craft studios, as well as the odd pub or two!

Come here for real solitude and remoteness,  some of the best hiking in the UK , and to breathe the bracing air and remind yourself of why van life is good!

The driving route to Skye is spectacular . There are two main routes from Stirling, we would suggest the most southerly, taking the A84 north and skirting the Trossachs to your west before heading through Glencoe and Fort William, both worthy of a visit.

Take the road bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh or do it the traditional way on a ferry from Mallaig. The Isle of Skye makes for a good 7 day motorhome itinerary in Scotland.

Dunvegan Castle

In a beautiful position at the edge of Loch Dunvegan, Skye’s most famous historic building, Dunvegan Castle is the seat of the chief of Clan MacLeod and has been so for over 800 years.

The castle itself is fascinating and the formal gardens make a fantastic contrast to the stark beauty of the surrounding landscape. It’s a busy tourist attraction though, and best visited outside of the peak months of July and August.

Stay at  Kinloch Campsite , with a superb waterfront location and access to the local village of Dunvegan itself.

The Sleat Peninsula

Commonly referred to as ‘the garden of Skye’, the Sleat peninsula is home to lush gardens, dense forests and mountains surrounded by beautiful beaches and sparkling seas.

This eclectic corner of Skye not only has nature on its doorstep, it also has some of the best restaurants on the island and of course, a  whisky distillery !

Stay at  Camping Skye , well situated for the whole island and opened in 2018 with modern facilities in a peaceful woodland setting.

The Trotternish Peninsula

Trotternish is the most northerly peninsula and enjoys Skye’s most striking and dramatic landscapes. As you drive north your attention will be captured by The Storr.

This 719m summit rises above the east-facing cliffs that run down the centre of the peninsula. Sitting at the foot of these cliffs is a 50m high tooth of rock, the Old Man of Storr.

The Old Man is part of a distinctive rocky outcrop that lies below the cliffs and a fascinating sight.

Head for The Quiraing for some fantastic hiking and to see the best of these ancient landscapes in this remote and stunning part of the island.

Wild camping on Skye in a motorhome is possible if you are discreet, the Trotternish peninsula is remote and a good place to find a quiet spot.

Stay at  Torvaig Caravan and Camp Site   for amazing views of the Cuillin mountain range from your camper van, and easy access to Portree. 

RELATED POST: The Ultimate Guide to Motorhoming & Campervanning in Scotland

UK Motorhome Holiday Ideas

If you’re looking for more UK motorhome holiday inspiration, then check out these ideas of places to explore in your home on wheels:

North East 250, Scotland

The North East 250 is the perfect seven day motorhome tour of Scotland for lovers of mountains, coastlines and whisky.

Wend your way through the dramatic countryside and towns of Speyside, Royal Deeside, Cairngorms, the east coast and the Moray Firth coast, stopping to enjoy fantastic hiking, distillery tours and spectacular views.

Argyll Coastal Route

One of the most stunning motorhome holidays in Scotland , the Argyll Coastal Route will take you from stunning loch sides to sea shores and mountain tops.

The ultimate West Coast of Scotland road trip is for seafood gourmets, sunset lovers and those who want to get under the skin of Scotland and feel its turbulent history in the air and glens of the incredible landscapes. 

Starting in Glasgow and finishing in Inverness allows you to make the most of this linear route as you cross the Highland Boundary Fault and enjoy the gentle lowlands giving way to the dramatic and wild highlands.

Northumbria, England

This gorgeous and unspoilt area of northeast England is perfect for a motorhome holiday.

With huge empty beaches and pretty villages strung along the coast, Northumberland is a great place for a motorhome trip if you’re looking to get away from it all.

County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

The least populated of Northern Ireland’s six counties (and I have no idea why!), Fermanagh is dominated by lakes and waterways.

Lough Erne spreads over 80km long between the Upper Lough to the south of Enniskillen, and the Lower Lough to the north and is connected by the River Erne, which begins its journey in Ireland.

The jewel in Northern Ireland’s crown, Fermanagh is a great region for exploring with your campervan, enjoying water sports, hiking and nature. You’re also on the doorstep of Ireland, a wonderful country in which to take a motorhome or campervan holiday.

The Yorkshire Dales

In ‘God’s own country’ of Yorkshire, the roads snake between patchwork fields, glacial valleys, flat-topped hills and rocky outcrops. Every so often you’ll come across a picture-perfect village with a quaint pub and windswept hiking trails nearby.

There’s lots of history here too, in land that was once host to the War of the Roses, the bloody struggle between the royal houses of York and Lancaster.

Skirting the county of Lancashire, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a mecca for tour buses which cause major headaches both on the roads and in car parks at the most popular spots.

Avoid the summer months if you possibly can, or head into the North York Moors for the coast and wider roads!

The Peak District

Sitting pretty between the cities of Manchester and Sheffield is the wonderful Peak District.

Straddling the Pennines lie pretty stone villages, grand stately homes and rocky outcrops in every direction, but no peaks, despite the name.

To the north, the Dark Peak area is dominated by exposed moorland and gritstone ‘edges’, while to the south, the White Peak is made up of rolling limestone dales.

The diverse and soaring landscapes of the Peak District mean some seriously good drives, making for a great motorhome road trip.

The Cotswolds

The perfectly English Cotswolds are set in the lush rolling countryside of southwest England.

Sprinkled with honeyed stone villages set around duck ponds and greens, the winding country lanes are lined with stone walls and hedgerows.

The region is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers close encounters with wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities at the  Slimbridge Wetland Centre .

If you prefer a bit more activity, paddle boarding, kayaking and archery are all available at the  Cotswold Water Park , and there are lots of great cycling and hiking routes in the area. 

If you’re in a large motorhome, check your planned route as some roads here are narrow and you may struggle to negotiate them safely.

Suffolk is one of the six counties of East Anglia and is blessed with picturesque villages, fabulous churches and lavish Tudor houses.

To the west are the picture-postcard villages of Lavenham and Long Melford. Further north, historic Bury St Edmunds has a great market town atmosphere, while the appealing coastal resorts of Aldeburgh and Southwold overflow with charm and a laid-back holiday pace.

Devon’s beach-fringed landscape is studded with lively cities, historic homes and the wild moors of Exmoor National Park. Perfect for exploring by motorhome or campervan, you’ll find lots to do along the Atlantic Highway , especially if you’re travelling as a family.

From the historic cities of Exeter and Plymouth to the varied coastlines and abundance of AONBs, the popular English Riviera is packed with attractions.

The south-east England county of Kent really is the garden of England, even though it’s on the doorstep of London. Much of its border is coastal, and within this, you’ll find a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, fertile farmland and country estates.

Some of the best beaches near London are in the county, as well as orchards bursting with fruit, including the world-renowned Kent hops.

At its heart is ancient Canterbury, and its historic cathedral. You’ll also find beautiful coastal stretches, home to seaside towns and villages, from traditional Broadstairs to hipster Whitstable and everything in between.

Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is getting a bit of a reputation as a cool place to visit, and we can see why.

For decades this island anchored off Portsmouth was a magnet for family holidays, and it still has a lot of bucket and spade appeal.

But now the Isle of Wight Festival draws party lovers for live music, freshly caught seafood and cool camping.

Cowes Week also offers live music, parties and champagne for a week every year when the famous Cowes sailing regatta takes place.

Head here on one of the ferries from Southampton or Lymington for a week in your motorhome – and if you prefer not to party, you’ll still enjoy the gorgeous climate, outdoor activities and the island’s stunning shoreline.

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Tours Of The UK

Let Our History Be Your Guide

Tours Of The UK – Let Our History Be Your Guide

Welcome to tours of the uk, we are a multi-award winning tour company within the top 100 tour companies (as reviewed on tripadvisor) in london within the top 5% of tour companies in the uk.

Hover over the images to see tour titles and click the images for more information about the tours . 

Private Doctor Who Day Tour of South Wales

Private Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour Of London

Explore the Cotswolds Private Car Tour From London

Day Trip To Stratford-Upon-Avon, The Birthplace of William Shakespeare, From London​

Private Sightseeing Walking Tour of Central London, Whitehall, and Westminster

Private Welcome To Wrexham, and Beautiful North Wales Day Tour.

Private Day Tour of Cardiff, Including Cardiff Castle, St Fagan’s Museum and Cardiff Bay

Private Westminster, Whitehall, and Windsor Castle Tour from London by Train

Private Downton Abbey Day In The Cotswolds Tour

Private Day Tour of South Wales, Including Cardiff and Caerphilly Castle

Private Day In Cambridge From London Tour

Private Spy Tour Of London

Private Great London Pubs Tour

Private Half-Day Walking Tour of Cardiff

Private Sightseeing Tour of The City Of London Walking Tour

Private Fictional and Film Spy Walking Tour of London

Private Welcome To Wrexham Half-Day Tour

Private Tour to Stonehenge and Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)

Private Blenheim Palace, the Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Tour from London

Private Downton Abbey Tour, Including Bampton, Cogges Farm, and Highclere Castle Tour from London

Private Shakespeare Walking Tour Of London

Private Day in the Cotswolds Tour

Private Doctor Who Walking Tour of Cardiff

Private Doctor Who Walking Tour of London

Private Pottering Around London Tour – A Wizard Time in London.

Dylan Thomas: Swansea, Laugharne, And Llareggub

Private Sir Winston Churchill Walking Tour Of London

Private Doctor Who Tour of Cardiff and South Wales

Private Day Trip to Chartwell, Home of Sir Winston and Lady Churchill.

Private Beatles Taxi Tour Of London

Why book with us.

We think there is nothing worse than a boring tour -except perhaps a boring tour guide! This is why we try to make all of our sightseeing trips as interesting, informative and fun as possible. We want you to enjoy yourself and learn something new. So whether you are taking a 3-hour walking tour of some of London’s top tourist destinations, a day trip to Downton Abbey, or a local tour with one of our friendly guides we want you to enjoy every minute of our time with us.

We believe that spending a day on a tour led by someone who isn’t passionate about the subject they are talking about, or the places that you are visiting is hell on earth! In our opinion, lip service is as bad as receiving no service at all. This is why we take time to find guides who are genuinely passionate about the subjects they are delivering tours in. We only recruit guides who deliver both an engaging and interesting tour. We also take time to ensure that all of our guides meet our strict and rigorous standards, including an averages 5-star rating. This way we can guarantee that you, our customers, are loving every second of your tour with them. For us, the most important thing is that you have the best possible experience.

All of our friendly guides have big personalities and a bigger love of the tour subject that they are delivering. From passionate playwrights who will take you on tours of London’s Theatreland or around Shakespeare’s London, to local guides who know a city, its historic hotspots and its hidden gems. Our guides are there to make history your guide to a tour you will never forget.

Want to learn more about the people who work for us? Why not check our  ‘Our Guides ’ section and follow us on Twitter , Facebook or Instagram ?

At Tours of the UK, we take great pride in our work and the fun, friendly and informed attitude of everyone who works with us. We also pride ourselves on delivering the most accurate tour possible. To ensure this our scripts are written, researched, and cited as if they were academic texts by members of our team who possess a higher (graduate) degree such as a Masters or a Doctorate. This helps us, and our guides, combat the urban legends that have cropped up over time across the UK. It also means that should you want to learn more, our guide can point you to the research we used when creating the tour.

While insisting that our scripts are written and developed in this way can be time-consuming and sometimes difficult, this process enables us to keep up to date with the most recent of information and research. It also means that you have peace of mind about the accuracy of the information delivered during the tour. That said, our guides are always happy to share with you local stories, anecdotes, and rumour, and explain how when repeated often enough, these stories and half-truths can become accepted fact. After all, as the old Irish proverb says: ‘the truth never got in the way of a good story’.

Office Hours

Our London-based office is open daily between 09.00 and 18.00 UK Local Time. If you wish to call us, please do so between these hours.

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• 11 - 12 Oct 2024 Leeds Playhouse BOOK NOW
• 16 - 17 Oct 2024 Malvern Festival Theatre BOOK NOW
• 19 - 20 Oct 2024 Portsmouth Kings Theatre BOOK NOW
• 22 - 23 Oct 2024 Poole Lighthouse BOOK NOW
• 25 - 26 Oct 2024 Brighton Theatre Royal BOOK NOW
• 30 - 31 Oct 2024 Cheltenham Everyman BOOK NOW
• 2 - 3 Nov 2024 Dartford Orchard Theatre BOOK NOW
• 9 - 10 Nov 2024 London Blackheath Hall BOOK NOW
• 28 Nov 2024 - 5 Jan 2025 London Theatre Royal Haymarket BOOK NOW

MORE THEATRES TO BE ANNOUNCED

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