Beyond London: Culture, Sports and Scenic Britain for Indian Travellers

Indian travellers often know Britain for its iconic landmarks, royal heritage, and the energy of London. But beyond the capital, the country reveals misty highlands, dramatic coastlines, lively cities and rich culture.

This wider, regional Britain is attracting more and more Indian travellers who want richer and more memorable experiences.

From the sporty energy of Manchester and Liverpool, with their music and football culture, to the natural beauty of the Lake District, North Wales, and the Scottish Highlands, Britain offers a mix of city life and peaceful and picturesque escapes.

Where Fiction Meets Reality

Britain often feels familiar even to first-time visitors, owing to its strong presence in films and television. From global TV series and Hollywood films to Bollywood and online streaming hits, many of its locations have become famous on screen. Walking through old streets, stunning coastlines or green countryside can feel like stepping into a scene you’ve already watched.

Northern Ireland is a must-visit for film and TV lovers. It is best known as a key filming location for Game of Thrones. Places like the Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour and the Antrim Coast brought the world of Westeros to life. 

Other parts of Britain also shine on screen. London appears in everything from Harry Potter and James Bond to Bollywood films. Scotland’s Highlands have featured in Outlander and Skyfall, while historic cities like Oxford and Durham often double as magical or medieval worlds.

A Country That Speaks Through Sport

Sport is another strong connection for Indian travellers visiting Britain. Football is at the heart of life in many cities across England and Scotland. Clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are known around the world and their stadiums are major landmarks. On match days, entire areas come alive, giving visitors a real taste of local passion and culture.

Beyond men’s football, women’s international cricket is growing rapidly in popularity. This year Britain is hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, a major international tournament where the world’s best teams will compete across iconic grounds such as Lord’s, The Oval and Edgbaston, making it a thrilling opportunity for cricket fans from India to witness the tournaments live. Britain also continues to host international men’s cricket, including Test matches and limited-overs games, across historic venues around the country.

In addition to cricket and football, there is more to explore, Wimbledon for tennis and world-famous golf courses along the coasts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and other major sporting events throughout the year. 

Travelling Beyond London

While London remains one of the world’s great global cities, the modern Indian traveller especially the Gen Z is increasingly choosing to go further. Cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast are emerging as standalone destinations and as gateways to surrounding regions. Improved air access, efficient train networks and the ease of self-drive travel allow visitors to design holidays that feel both flexible and personal.

Belfast mixes modern culture with powerful history, while nearby beaches, cliffs and castles create some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe.

Seasonality also plays a role. Britain’s summer offers a welcome contrast to Indian heat, while winter and shoulder seasons bring quieter cities, cultural festivals and excellent value, particularly for theatre, dining and accommodation.

Gary Robson, Deputy Director for Europe, the Middle East and India, VisitBritain, suggests that travellers visit the country during winter, noting that it offers vibrant experiences at affordable costs.

India And Britain Forging Stronger Travel Connections

A media roundtable was recently hosted in New Delhi by the British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, along with Gary Robson and Ritu Varma, Country Head, India, VisitBritain. The session brought together media representatives to discuss the future of Britain’s tourism relationship with India.

The discussion highlighted India’s growing importance as one of Britain’s most valuable inbound tourism markets.

Ritu Varma said 2026 is set to be a strong year for tourism, led by major sporting events such as the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Wimbledon, the men’s ODI series in England, and the continued popularity of the English Premier League among Indian travellers. While London remains a key attraction, the focus is increasingly on regional Britain, supported by improved air connectivity, including direct IndiGo flights to Manchester. 

She added that Indian travellers are high spenders with a growing interest in luxury and immersive experiences, and with arrivals already crossing 650,000 and spend reaching GBP 911 million, Indian visitor spend is expected to exceed GBP 1 billion by 2026.