From ancient needlework and a glorious musical to 90s fashion and exquisite landscapes, our finest galleries and theatres are offering a bumper crop this season. Book these highlights now and prepare to be entertained and diverted right through the winter.
Bayeux Tapestry
British Museum, London
An unflattering nickname – the Bayeux Bores – has sprung up for those people who have managed to get tickets to this rarest of shows at The British Museum. Nevertheless, as this is the first time in almost 1,000 years that the giant embroidery has returned to England, it surely is our civic duty to try to see it. You will be unexpectedly thrilled by 1066, medieval boats, bloody battles and the sheer magnificence of the tapestry. 10 September 2026 to 11 July 2027.
Book it (if you can).
Jesus Christ Superstar
Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London
After Jesus Christ Superstar’s sell-out summer at the London Palladium, this production, starring Sam Ryder, is transferring to the restored Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Camp, fun and catchy, this is one resurrection you don’t want to miss. 16 October 2026 to 9 January 2027.
Book it.
Renoir & Love
National Gallery, London
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Dance at the Moulin de la Galette, 1876, Oil on canvas, 131.5 cm x 176.5 cm, Gustave Caillebotte Bequest, 1896 © Musée d'Orsay, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Patrice Schmidt
This tender, romantic and pretty show at The National Gallery will lift the spirits throughout the coming winter. A particular highlight is Renoir’s Bal au Moulin de la Galette, which comes to the UK for the first time. 3 October 2026 to 31 January 2027.
Book it.
A Child’s Christmas In Wales
Theatre Royal, Bath
Book this charming play now for a festive treat for all the family. In it, Dylan Thomas’s cosy and nostalgic piece of Christmas prose, which was first recorded in 1952, comes to life at Theatre Royal Bath. With music, puppets and candles, this is an excellent way to spark the festive spirit. 9 December 2026 to Thursday 24 December 2026.
Book it.
The Lives Of Others
Adelphi Theatre, London
The 2007 film from which this play has been adapted won an Oscar. Expect the stage version, at The Adelphi Theatre, to hit just as hard. Set in East Germany in 1984 and starring Keira Knightley and Luke Thompson, it explores censorship, surveillance and the tension between art and politics. From 14 October 2026 for a limited run.
Book it.
Marc Chagall: The Circus
Hepworth Wakefield in West Yorkshire
This exhibition brings together Chagall’s celebrated circus lithographs with paintings and archival material, revealing the nostalgia, joy and melancholy lurking beneath all that apparent gaiety. Definitely worth the trip to the stunning Hepworth Wakefield in West Yorkshire, where the joy of several other exhibitions also awaits. 21 November 2026 to 25 April 2027.
Book it.
The 90s: Art & Fashion
Tate Britain, London
A shiver of recognition will come over most of you as you weave your way through this fabulous new show at Tate Britain. Steel yourself for a deep dive into the decade that gave us Britpop, the YBAs, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Kate Moss. 8 October 2026 to 14 February 2027.
Book it.
Eric Ravilious And The Artists Of The Chalk Downs: Ancient Landscapes, Modern Times
The Holburne Museum, Bath
This pretty exhibition at The Holburne Museum in Bath will steal your heart and make you yearn to up sticks to the countryside. As well as work by Ravilious there are paintings, drawings and prints by artists including Paul Nash, John Nash, Tirzah Garwood and Peggy Angus, all inspired by the stark beauty of the chalk downs. 3 October 2026 to 10 January 2027.
Book it.
FAQs: Autumn 2026 Culture Hits
What are the best exhibitions and shows to see in London in 2026?
London has a particularly strong cultural line-up for autumn and winter 2026. Highlights include the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum, Renoir & Love at the National Gallery, The 90s: Art & Fashion at Tate Britain and the stage adaptation of The Lives of Others.
What are the best London exhibitions to see in autumn 2026?
For autumn 2026, the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum is the unmissable exhibition, while Renoir & Love at the National Gallery offers something altogether more romantic. The 90s: Art & Fashion at Tate Britain is the pick for anyone who remembers – or wishes they remembered – the decade of Britpop, supermodels and the Young British Artists.
Where can I see the Bayeux Tapestry in London?
The Bayeux Tapestry is being exhibited at the British Museum from 10 September 2026 to 11 July 2027. It is the first time in almost 1,000 years that this extraordinary medieval embroidery has returned to England, making it one of the major cultural events of 2026.
What is the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition in London?
The British Museum is hosting the Bayeux Tapestry, the famous medieval embroidery depicting the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. At around 70 metres long, it is one of the world's most remarkable surviving medieval artworks.
What are the best Christmas shows in the UK in 2026?
For a traditional festive outing, A Child's Christmas in Wales at Theatre Royal Bath is a particularly charming choice. Dylan Thomas's nostalgic Christmas prose is brought to life with music, puppets and candlelight from 9 to 24 December 2026.
Is Jesus Christ Superstar coming to London in 2026?
Yes. Following its sell-out summer at the London Palladium, Jesus Christ Superstar transfers to the restored Theatre Royal Drury Lane, starring Sam Ryder. The production runs from 16 October 2026 to 9 January 2027.
What are the best theatre shows in London in autumn 2026?
The autumn 2026 London theatre season has plenty to tempt culture lovers, including Jesus Christ Superstar at Theatre Royal Drury Lane and The Lives of Others at the Adelphi Theatre. The latter stars Keira Knightley and Luke Thompson and is adapted from the Oscar-winning 2007 film.
What is The Lives of Others play about?
The Lives of Others is a stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning 2007 film, set in East Germany in 1984. It explores surveillance, censorship, politics and artistic freedom, with Keira Knightley and Luke Thompson leading the London cast.
What art exhibitions are on in London in winter 2026?
Winter 2026 brings some particularly appealing exhibitions to London, including Renoir & Love at the National Gallery, The 90s: Art & Fashion at Tate Britain and the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum. Together they offer everything from Impressionist romance to medieval history and 1990s nostalgia.
Where can I see Renoir in London in 2026?
Renoir & Love opens at the National Gallery on 3 October 2026 and runs until 31 January 2027. The romantic exhibition includes Bal au Moulin de la Galette, which is coming to the UK for the first time.
What are the best art exhibitions outside London in 2026?
Two particularly tempting exhibitions outside London are Marc Chagall: The Circus at The Hepworth Wakefield and Eric Ravilious and the Artists of the Chalk Downs at the Holburne Museum in Bath. Both offer an excellent excuse for a cultural day trip.
Where can I see Marc Chagall's circus paintings in the UK?
Marc Chagall: The Circus opens at The Hepworth Wakefield in West Yorkshire on 21 November 2026 and runs until 25 April 2027. The exhibition brings together Chagall's circus lithographs, paintings and archival material, exploring the joy, nostalgia and melancholy behind his colourful circus world.
What is The 90s: Art & Fashion exhibition at Tate Britain?
The 90s: Art & Fashion at Tate Britain explores the art and fashion of the 1990s, the decade of Britpop, the Young British Artists, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Kate Moss. It is likely to be particularly irresistible to anyone who lived through the decade and is ready for a shiver of recognition.
What is the Ravilious exhibition in Bath about?
Eric Ravilious and the Artists of the Chalk Downs: Ancient Landscapes, Modern Times at the Holburne Museum explores the distinctive English landscapes that inspired Ravilious and fellow artists including Paul Nash, John Nash, Tirzah Garwood and Peggy Angus. It is a particularly lovely choice for anyone who loves British landscape painting and the countryside.
