Britain Calling for August 2023

Done watching from the sidelines?

Time to pack your bags and experience the home of football
After a historic FIFA Women’s World Cup that has seen a nation swept up in Matildas mania, Britain invites Aussies feeling inspired by this year’s tournament to come experience the home of football and celebrate the beautiful game year-round.

With 10 Matildas playing in England’s FA Women’s Super League (WSL) - from Sam Kerr (Chelsea) to Mary Fowler (Manchester United), Steph Catley (Arsenal), and many more - there are still plenty of ways for Aussie football fans to see some of their favourite players in action during the upcoming 23/24 season of the WSL which kicks off 29 September. For unmissable moments on and off the pitch, check out our ten top football experiences in Britain and explore Britain's footballing cities.

Celebrating culture

One of the world’s biggest cultural events will soon descend on Sydney’s shore when South by Southwest (SXSW) arrives in October, so we’re turning a spotlight on Britain and the many events, experiences and icons that make it an everlasting beacon of culture.

Britain’s cities are culture powerhouses and Leeds is no exception. Continuing its year-long celebration of culture with LEEDS 2023, the West Yorkshire city is pulling out all the stops to showcase its beating creative heart and homegrown talent with a huge range of cultural activities taking place all over the city. Over in Manchester, the city has reinvented its industrial past into a new trendy and thriving present. And the city’s arts, music and culture scene is in full creative swing with several exciting new openings and redevelopments, including the highly anticipated opening of the north’s flagship culture centre, Factory International (opened June 2023) and soon to open, the UK’s only music-first arena, Co-op Live (opening 2024).

Beyond the northern cities, there are plenty of ways to get your culture fix across Britain. From a captivating lineup of music and cultural festivals to a jam-packed roster of pioneering new exhibitions and world-class theatre to striking outdoor art displays and London’s myriad of free cultural offerings, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to culture in Britain.

London’s luxury hotel boom

For five-star hotels London is hard to beat and travellers looking to make the most out of their next trip should keep their eyes peeled for a wave of new luxury accommodation arriving in the capital. With several international brands set to make their debut, as well as other brands expanding their portfolio with new properties, here’s a snapshot of what’s recently opened and what’s to come:

• 1 Hotel Mayfair – opened July 2023
• The BoTree London – opening September 2023
• Raffles London at The OWO – opening September 2023
• The Peninsula London – opening September 2023
• Mandarin Oriental Mayfair – opening autumn 2023
• The Broadwick Soho – opening November 2023
• Park Hyatt London River Thames – opening Q1 2024
• Six Senses, London – opening 2024
• The St. Regis, London – opening 2024

To discover all the latest news on hotel openings and refurbishments in Britain, don’t forget to check out our recent accommodation updates.

* VisitBritain Australia's Press Team, Amelia: amelia.robertson@visitbritain.org