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Cultural Holidays & Breaks in The UK
Our hotels across the UK are ideally located for visiting some of the country’s best galleries, museums and historic sites. Book a cultural holiday or break with Macdonald Hotels and enjoy the stimulating experience of discovering fascinating exhibitions, captivating art collections, and beautiful architecture.
From city breaks packed with cultural experiences to immersing yourself in the enthralling history of our manor house hotels, we have a range of inspiring places to stay and stimulate your curiosity.
Cultural breaks in Scotland
Aberdeen
Stay at Norwood Hall Hotel near Aberdeen city centre and spend time in Aberdeen Art Gallery as you explore one of the finest collections in the country.
The scale and variety of the exhibits here is bound to impress, with works by artists and designers spanning some 700 years part of a display regarded as a Recognised Collection of National Significance.
Edinburgh
Situated less than 20 miles from Edinburgh Castle, Houstoun House boasts a rich, intriguing history. Guests can enjoy easy access by car and public transport to Scotland's capital - a city that's famed for its annual arts festivals, renowned galleries and many statues. From the National Gallery to more independent exhibition spaces, like the contemporary art at Fruitmarket Gallery and photography at Stills Gallery, there’s something to please the ardent art enthusiast and those less familiar with the field.
Glasgow
A 30-minute drive from Crutherland House sees you at the centre of a city regarded as one of Europe’s most thriving cosmopolitan hubs for art and creativity.
Check out The Modern Institute and its reputation for nurturing a variety of Turner Prize winners and nominees or The Gallery of Modern Art located in the very centre of the city.
Explore art in the North of England
Chester
Fans of more intimate galleries and those showcasing local artists will delight in a break at New Blossoms in Chester city centre – right on the doorstep of contemporary and fine art displays for purchase. Watergate Street Gallery features a variety of original artists suiting seasoned collectors and those looking for their first artwork alike, while Castle Fine Art is set across two floors offering an eclectic mix of original and limited-edition pieces.
Greater Manchester
Kilhey Court places you near Manchester, which has produced some of the most famous names in the art world - namely LS Lowry and Thomas Armstrong. Testament to their influential legacy is a litany of art and museum spaces making for a perfect day out, including the escapism of Whitworth Art Gallery and its café among the trees highlighting an impressive building in keeping with its history and natural surroundings.
Cultural breaks in The Midlands
Birmingham
Visit one of England’s most enthralling and culturally diverse cities with a stay at The Burlington in the middle of Birmingham. The RBSA Gallery is just a 10-minute stroll from the hotel. Set up in the 1820s and with a number of famous presidents having presided over its works, the gallery can now be found on Brook Street and has a regular programme of impressive exhibitions and features over 800 art pieces.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Theatre lovers will relish a stay at Alveston Manor in Stratford-upon-Avon. There is a rich history to the property and it's believed that the first performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream took place outdoors in a location that is now part of the hotel’s grounds. With the Royal Shakespeare Theatre just the other side of the river from the hotel, make Stratford your next destination for a theatre break.
Indulge your mind in the South of England
Bath
Our elegant hotel in Bath overlooks the breath-taking Roman and Georgian architecture of the city. Top cultural attractions include Victoria Art Gallery on Bridge Street, which houses a thrilling variety of paintings, sculptures, and curated collections. Equally, the Bath World Heritage Centre celebrates Bath’s unique cultural offering as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Oxfordshire
Book a break at The Bear Hotel, a former 13th century coaching inn in the peaceful town of Woodstock and venture into the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ in Oxford – reachable in 40 minutes by public transport. Art devotees will look to Modern Art Oxford for all things contemporary art and culture. Alternatively, visit the prestigious colleges of Oxford University and discover the cultural impact graduates have had on the world.
Windsor
Windsor and the surrounding area is home to numerous iconic, culturally significant buildings. The jewel in the crown is undoubtedly Windsor Castle, which is just across the road from our hotel in the centre of town. As well as getting a glimpse into royal life, visitors to the castle can enjoy an ever changing array of exhibitions and a marvellous art collection.