Black Abolitionist Tour of London, 1 February (other dates are available)

Dr Hannah-Rose Murray (from the University of Edinburgh) leads a 90-minute virtual walking tour of London, highlighting five sites where African American activists made an important impact on the UK landscape.

Making space for nature – Royal Geographic Society, 3 February

The climate crisis and environmental degradation is driving an ecological crisis that threatens much of our wildlife and our way of life. Given the chance, nature can help to address and limit the impact of climate change but we need to make more space for nature.

In this talk, Brian Bleese, CEO Dorset Wildlife Trust, will discuss priorities and opportunities for rewilding and nature recovery networks.

Welsh Language Music Day (Dydd Miwsig Cymru in Welsh), Wales wide, 4 February

You can join the seventh annual Welsh Language Music Day/ Dydd Miwsig Cymru. It is the celebration of all the forms of Welsh Language music with gigs all over the country.

Let`s celebrate Welsh Language music.

LGBTQ+ History Month: From China to UK, Qiuyan Chen’s journey as a LGBTQ+ activist, 12 February  

Qiuyan Chen is an LGBTQ+ activist and artist. She is co-curator of the Queer Chinese Community Art Festival 2021 and a London School of Economics (LSE) Gender alumni. She initiated campaigns in China, ‘Say No to Homophobic Textbooks’ and ‘All Teachers out for LGBTQ+’, which called for equality.

Join in to get to know her story and build alliances.

Fort William Mountain Festival, 16 – 20 February

The Fort William Mountain Festival welcomes you to the Outdoor Capital of the UK. The festival is volunteer led by a team of passionate people who love the outdoors and equally as keen to make your experience of the festival the very best it can be.

The festival takes place over several festivals in Fort William and will include hiking, talks, podcasts and film screenings.

Curators Talk: Blue Sky Thinking, Ulster Museum, Belfast, 17 February

Blue Sky Thinking (2019) by Patrick Goddard is a powerful and visually impressive sculpture conceived as a floor-based installation – it is made up of 180 lead sculptures, with lead recycled from London roofs, each depicting the form of a Ring-necked Parakeet. The work addresses the scale and immediacy of climate emergency and explores themes of migration and naturalisation.

Annual Paisley Book Festival, 17 to 26 February

The Annual Paisley Book Festival will showcase some of the best and most diverse voices published today in Scotland and beyond. The 2022 festival is a response to Scotland’s Year of Stories, and the theme is “Stories Mak Us” – encouraging discussions on a range of topics, from storytelling and Scots/Gaelic events to thinking about how fiction has helped us through the pandemic.

The festival will be a blended programme of live and digital events.

Northern Ireland Science Festival, 17 – 27 February

Established in 2014, the Northern Ireland Science Festival has grown to become the largest celebration of its kind on the island of Ireland and one of the leading Science Festivals in Europe.

The Northern Ireland Science Festival offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. There are more than 180 events, in person and online over the 11 days of the festival to enjoy for all ages.

Sights of Wonder: Photographs from the 1862 Royal Tour – The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham, 1 – 28 February

Pyramids, sphinxes, temples and shrines: breath taking views of these ancient and often iconic landmarks, captured by pioneering Victorian photographer Francis Bedford.

In 1862, Francis Bedford joined Albert Edward – the Prince of Wales and future King Edward VII – on a four-month journey through the eastern Mediterranean. His innovative photographs were exhibited on their return to a public excited to see sites they had only ever seen before in prints and paintings.

Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival 2022 – In Search of Hadrian’s Wall in Ouseburn, 20 February

The year 2022 marks 1900 years since World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall was built. Hadrian’s Wall is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks and a popular destination for visitors near and far.

Go on a guided walk from Newcastle city centre to walk Hadrian’s Wall and find out more about one of Britain’s most ancient monuments.

Hadrian’s Wall 1900 will showcase events all year, so make sure you check out the website for more events if you cannot come to this one.

The World of Stonehenge, London, 17 February to 17 July

The Stonehenge Exhibition at the British Museum will explore the story of Stonehenge, bringing together over 430 objects. These objects help to put Stonehenge into historical context and offer a glimpse into the worldview of Neolithic people.

Picturesque Walks in Wales

Whilst Wales continues to be closed for major events due to the pandemic, take this opportunity to go and visit some of Wales’ beautiful and dramatic views and monuments.

From old piers to dramatic lighthouses via sweeping quays and beautiful bays, the coastline of Wales is an Instagrammer’s dream. Visit Wales have put together a list of ten must-see landmarks for you and your camera.