Cheltenham Joins ABTA, JORVIK Viking Festival The Holiday & Travel Show and Many More to Offer Unforgettable Travel Experiences and Exclusive Insights for 2026 Adventures

February in the UK springs to life with a rich mix of cultural, historic, creative and family‑friendly events that transform cities and towns into immersive travel experiences. From Viking invasions in York to vibrant travel festivals and cutting‑edge film showcases in London, this curated calendar brings travellers unforgettable experiences. Whether you are planning a half‑term break, a culture trip or a creative getaway, this February travel itinerary will help you explore 8 travel and tourism events across the UK with insight on what makes each moment memorable.

1. Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show – London (1–1 February)

The year’s first travel‑inspired event kicks off at Olympia London with Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show — the UK’s biggest travel planning expo tailored for holidaymakers and explorers. Featuring more than 600 global travel brands and over 90 tourist boards, this event unlocks endless holiday ideas for 2026 and beyond.

What’s special: World‑class travel inspiration under one roof, from luxury escapes to adventure routes. Meet destination experts, attend live talks and access exclusive offers to help plan your perfect journey.

Itinerary:
• 10:00–12:00 Browse international travel stalls.
• 12:00–14:00 Attend expert talks and travel seminars.
• 14:00–16:00 Book tours and deals.
• 16:00–18:00 Networking with travel pros and industry insiders.

2. ABTA: Accessible Travel and Tourism Exhibition – London (3–8 February)

Accessible travel is a key theme this February with the ABTA: Accessible Travel and Tourism Exhibition in London. This event connects travel professionals, operators and consumers to the latest developments in inclusive tourism.

What’s special: Focuses on travel products and services that ensure everyone — including disabled travellers — can explore the UK and international destinations with confidence. Highlights include panel talks, assistive technology demos and networking sessions.

Itinerary:
• Daily Panels: Accessibility innovations and service design.
• Workshops: Travel planning for diverse needs.
• Meet & Greet: Operators specialising in accessible travel routes.

3. The Travel Festival – Cheltenham (21 February)

Bringing travel planning to life in the heart of the Cotswolds, The Travel Festival – Cheltenham invites travellers, adventurers and dreamers to discover new holiday ideas. This fast‑growing UK travel fair presents inspirational talks, travel photography showcases and expert advice on holidays and global trips.

What’s special: Inspiration from leading tour operators, lifestyle brands and travel community leaders in a local UK setting — perfect for planning your next adventure.

Itinerary:
• 10:00–12:00 Travel talks and photography exhibits.
• 12:00–14:00 One‑to‑one travel consultations.
• 14:00–16:00 Country‑focused presentations and deals.

4. JORVIK Viking Festival – York (16–22 February)

York’s medieval streets come alive during the JORVIK Viking Festival, one of Europe’s most iconic historical celebrations. Expect living history encampments, traditional crafts, feasts, battle reenactments and family activities over a full week.

What’s special: Europe’s largest Viking‑themed festival brings history to life with immersive performances, combat spectacles, craft workshops and the dramatic March to Coppergate.

Itinerary:
• Day 1 (16th): Viking encampment opens, leatherwork workshops.
• Mid‑Week: Blacksmithing and pottery craft experiences.
• 21st: Kids Barbaric Battle, Viking Games and parade.
• 22nd: March to Coppergate — the historic highlight.

5. BFI Future Film Festival – London (Dates TBC, February)

Youth creativity and the screen industry take centre stage with the BFI Future Film Festival in London. This vibrant four‑day celebration showcases films made by young people, offering masterclasses, screenings and creative workshops.

What’s special: A platform for emerging filmmakers and fresh voices, this festival mixes creativity with travel culture, bringing global stories to the UK screen.

Itinerary:
• Day 1: Opening screenings and meet‑the‑creators.
• Day 2: Animation and documentary showcases.
• Day 3: Filmmaking masterclasses.
• Day 4: Awards and closing gala.

6. Six Nations Rugby Championship – UK Stadiums (Various UK Venues, February)

Sporting travel spikes in February with the Six Nations Rugby Championship, where national teams from across Europe compete in iconic UK venues. Matches such as England vs Wales (Twickenham), Scotland vs England (Murrayfield) and England vs Ireland pack stadiums and energise fan travel itineraries.

What’s special: Historic rugby rivalries and world‑class stadium atmospheres make this a must‑see for sports travellers. Pair matches with local city exploration for an epic travel adventure.

Itinerary:
• Match Days: Pre‑game city tours and stadium experiences.
• Rest Days: Local sightseeing and culinary discovery.

7. UK Theme Parks Half‑Term Takeovers – Across England (14–23 February)

During the February half‑term break, UK theme parks and resorts host special entertainment takeovers. From pirate adventures at Alton Towers to K‑Pop shows, dance workshops and concerts at Drayton Manor, this seasonal lineup energises family tourism across the country.

What’s special: These themed experiences — including character parties, live music and immersive shows — turn ordinary theme park visits into extended holiday highlights.

Itinerary:
• Family Mornings: Activities and treasure hunts.
• Afternoons: Live shows and interactive fun.
• Evenings: Special performances and celebrations.

8. National Astronomy Week – UK Dark Sky Spots (Across UK, Early February)

Astronomy enthusiasts will enjoy National Astronomy Week, a spotlight on sky watching events across the UK. With sunrise and night‑sky sessions, observatory visits and guided stargazing meetups, this event brings scientific travel appeal to dark sky parks and planetaria nationwide.

What’s special: Across a dedicated week, science and travel intersect as visitors explore celestial wonders with expert guides and cutting‑edge telescope setups.

Itinerary:
• Night 1: Intro to stargazing and telescope use.
• Mid‑Week: Planet tours and astrophotography.
• Final Night: Live observatory events and sky talks.

Plan Your February 2026 UK Travel Itinerary

To maximise your February experience, combine events into a tailored travel route:

Day 1–2: Start with travel planning inspiration at Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show in London, followed by accessible travel insights at ABTA Exhibition.

Day 3–4: Head north to York for the JORVIK Viking Festival or stay in London for the BFI Future Film Festival.

Mid‑Month: Catch a Six Nations fixture — combine with city exploration in Edinburgh or Twickenham.

Half‑Term: Bring the family to themed events at UK theme parks.

Weekend: Finish with The Travel Festival in Cheltenham and night‑sky magic during National Astronomy Week.

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