The best new things to see and do around Britain in 2020

Plan some exciting new days out in Britain with our list of the latest attractions and updates to favourite destinations.

There’s a good chance you’ve already ticked off most of Britain’s most established landmarks and favourite days out, yet new attractions are popping up all the time. From new museums and additions to historic sites to city surfing and scary rides, there are plenty of new things to look out for around the country in 2020.

1. Windermere Jetty: Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories

Housed in an impressive new building on the shore of Lake Windermere in the Lake District, Windermere Jetty is a great museum to check out for the surroundings alone. And inside is a fabulous collection of galleries, workshops and interactive exhibits that look at life of boats on the lake.

You can see old boats being brought back to life, head out onto the lake itself and sit back and enjoy a coffee with a wonderful view from the cafe.

Make the most out of 2020 with more ideas for days out

Take some time away from the world with these grown-up excursions

10 museums in London the kids will love

The latest attractions in London

2. Whitby Abbey

The ruins that inspired Bram Stoker to write his classic horror Dracula still make for an extraordinarily atmospheric site. However, there’s also some new blood at Whitby Abbey in North Yorkshire in the form of a plush visitor centre and museum, with some excellent information and dramatic displays.

You can also take advantage of a free interactive trail that takes you around the Abbey and further immerses you in the site’s riveting hidden history.

And as a Boundless member you can save on English Heritage membership, which gives you free entry to Whitby Abbey.

3. Alton Towers

Britain's most famous theme park, Alton Towers is always aiming to come up with new thrills for its visitors. The boat ride through the Dungeon delivers fiendish surprises and hilarious shocks aplenty no matter what time of the year you attend.

Alton Towers also has some quaint new accommodation in the form of stargazing pods where you can look up the stars all night long before or after your day at the park.

4. Walmer Castle & Gardens

A mix of fort and manor, home to royals and military heroes alike, Kent’s Walmer Castle is as imposing as it is grand. The gardens are a big part of this Kent attraction, and now you can explore beautiful rejuvenated areas that were inaccessible for a century using brand new paths and trails.

There’s also plenty on site to keep the little historians engaged on these paths with purpose-built trees to climb and wobbly bridges to cross. Use your Boundless discount to save on English Heritage membership.

5. The Wave

Bristol might not be the first place you think of when it comes to surfing, but thanks to brand-new surfing centre The Wave you can learn to ride the sea without going anywhere near it.

With six different zones generating different levels from ripples to huge waves, it’s suitable for all ages and abilities including those stepping onto a board for the first time.

6. Tintagel Castle

The heralded birthplace of the legendary King Arthur isn't new by any stretch, but a new feature allows you to explore it more easily. The impressive footbridge connects the two halves of the coastal ruins at Tintagel Castle, allowing you to delve into the history of the Cornish ruin, its mythical occupants and appreciate the spectacular scenery.

Remember to use your Boundless English Heritage discount too.

7. Chessington World Of Adventures

Another great theme park with a new attraction, Surrey’s Chessington World Of Adventures has brought one of the country’s favourite books to life in a fun and educational new experience. Featuring characters and scenes from Room On The Broom, A Magical Journey takes visitors through the pages of the book step by step, finding lost items as you go, climbing aboard the broom and keeping an eye out for dragons.

8. Sutton Hoo

The Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon burial site is famous for its Dark Age horde that includes an iconic decorative helmet and ship has a multi-million-pound revamp. You can scale a new tower to get impressive views across the whole site, while a centre includes a sculpture of the 27-metre long ship and displays and video presentations of the amazing treasures at the National Trust site in Suffolk.

9. Moat Brae

There could be few better places to house a museum for children's literature than Moat Brae, the home of Peter Pan himself – not Neverland, but rather its creator JM Barrie's childhood playground that inspired the stories.

After being restored the Georgian town house in Dumfries is aiming to focus on all children's literature, but for the time being you can explore the displays in the house and garden that tell the story of the author and his literary hero, as well as attend many of the cool events happening there.

10. Silverstone Heritage Experience

The home of British motorsport now has a new museum, the Silverstone Heritage Experience, to chronicle the history of the Northamptonshire race track and fast cars in general, many of which you'll be able to see up close.

Interactive displays will help tell the stories of the people and vehicles involved, housed in an old RAF hangar from Silverstone's role in World War II. Essential for racing fans and a great experience for all visitors alike.

And remember, as a Boundless member you can save 20% on Virgin Experience Days, which include the Silverstone Experience for two.