Arty escapes: the best art fairs to visit in the UK
20 March 2024
If feasting your eyes on great works of art or hunting for treasure from bygone eras is your idea of the perfect staycation, the British Isles are home to a prestigious selection of exciting art fairs that spring up throughout the year.
Whether you’re in the market to buy art by big name or up-and-coming artists; seek antiques or specific pieces to add to your collection, or simply love to browse great exhibitions, we’ve curated some of the best art fairs to visit in the UK.
Check out these hot dates for your diary with recommended hotels in each destination to help you craft a memorable arty break.
Ayr Antiques, Vintage and Collectors Fair
27 April
Ayr Antiques, Vintage, and Collectors Fair is a monthly extravaganza showcasing a curated selection of antiques, vintage items, and collectibles from various eras and one of the very best art fairs in Scotland.
Held at the Citadel Leisure Centre in the charming town of Ayr, the next event in April promises rich pickings for those with a keen eye for timeless treasures: you’ll find an eclectic mix of furniture, jewellery, clothing, and rare artifacts, each telling a unique story. Expert dealers and passionate collectors converge to share their knowledge, fostering an engaging atmosphere for both seasoned connoisseurs and novice enthusiasts.
Where to stay: When in Ayrshire, the majestic Glenapp Castle beckons. With fairytale turrets, sumptuous suites, a feast of fine dining options and a dizzying choice of magical travel experiences, this five-star beauty is simply unbeatable. From £295 per night.
Cheltenham Fresh Art Fair
26 - 28 April
Cheltenham Fresh Art Fair is an annual three-day extravaganza that transforms Cheltenham Racecourse into a dynamic art hub, where established and emerging artists converge to showcase their creations. One of the very best art fairs to visit in the UK, this year’s event is tipped to be the most vibrant to date with 50 leading galleries showing an incredible number of original works by exciting new talent and famous names.
You can expect an immersive experience, surrounded by paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and mixed-media pieces that push the boundaries of artistic expression. The event kicks off with a private viewing on the evening of Thursday 26th, and also includes talks and artist demonstrations, as well as providing a platform for both collectors and newcomers to explore and acquire exceptional pieces.
Where to stay: Arguably the most beautiful hotel in Cheltenham, Ellenborough Park, is the perfect base for those who appreciate elegant interior design and lovingly restored historic manor house hotels. From £229 per night.
London Craft Week
13 - 19 May
Celebrating outstanding British and international creativity, London Craft Week showcases more than 750 established and emerging makers, designers, brands and galleries from around the world. The week-long festival is a celebration of pure talent in artisanal craftsmanship and features exquisite works in ceramics, textiles, leather, and more. All works are curated based not on price or fame, but underlying substance.
The program encompasses a rich tapestry of events, including masterclasses, exhibitions, and demonstrations, providing a rare opportunity to witness artisans at work, gaining first-hand insights into their techniques and the stories behind each creation. You can also attend workshops to learn and have a go at making some traditional crafts.
Where to stay: Choose between two of the very best luxury hotels in London — The Hari, a glamourous townhouse hotel in Belgravia, and The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences, an Art Deco beauty in Mayfair. Both from £400 per night.
Dorset Art Week
25 May - 9 June
Dorset Art Weeks is one of the UK's largest annual open studio events and one of the most charming art fairs in England. It features the county’s leading artists and art venues who are preparing to open their doors for this year’s colourful celebration of contemporary art with pop ups, projects and group shows.
The full programme will be published on the DAW website nearer the time, and the Dorset Art Weeks App will also be available to download — search for Dorset Art Weeks on Google Play and the App Store — and it’s the easiest way to access all the listings and find your way to the venues.
Where to stay: Check into The Priory Hotel situated on the picturesque banks of the River Frome in Wareham — a stunning historic five-star gem that dates back to the 7th century. From £230 per night.
Printfest, Cumbria
2– 5 May
Hosted at Coronation Hall in the Cumbrian town of Ulverston, Printfest is dedicated to the exhibition and sale of contemporary hand-made prints. This year’s event takes place on the first May Bank Holiday weekend, kicking off with an opening talk from the Printmaker of the Year (to be announced) on the evening of Thursday 2 May.
The Printfest Preview will take place on Friday 3 May, and the main exhibition will be open throughout the weekend.
Where to stay: The majestic Lake Windermere is less than a 30-minute drive away from Ulverston. Make your base at the stunning lakeside retreat, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House for a luxurious arty escape to the Lake District. From £235 per night.
Caernarfon Art Festival
20 - 22 June
One of the very best art fairs in Wales this year, Caernarfon Art Festival is gearing up to unveil its first festival dedicated to a celebration of visual arts — with an ambition to establish itself as a major visual arts event in Europe.
Staged in the main square in Caernarfon, you’ll discover works by leading Welsh artists and exhibitions showcasing the contribution that Wales and the Welsh diaspora has made to the visual arts scene, along with international artists from the US, Australia, Japan and across Europe. Fringe activities around the town will include an official bookstore, art pop-ups and workshops.
Where to stay: Inspired to book a great escape to Wales? Make your base at Bodysgallen Hall & Spa hotel in Llandudno — a luxurious Welsh seaside retreat that’s an easy 40-minute drive away. From £262 per night.
Newbury Antiques Fair
8 July
A hot date for those in search of one-of-a-kind pieces, Newbury Antiques Fair puts on a dazzling display at Newbury Showground in Berkshire for one day only. This event features a beautifully curated selection of unique and stylish treasures for your home and garden and attracts both professional antiques dealers and discerning buyers.
The indoor halls will be filled with antique glassware, paintings, ceramics, bronze statuettes, and jewellery, and outside you’ll find a vast variety of salvage and garden items, furniture, mirrors, and ephemera. Food and drink is also available, making this a great choice for a fun day out.
Where to stay: Enjoy a post-shopping glass or two of fine wine at The Vineyard — Newbury’s celebrated luxury hotel and one of the UK’s top hotels for wine lovers and art buffs — it has an impressive collection of both. From £199 per night.
Edinburgh Art Festival
9 - 25 August
The best art fair to visit in Scotland? This year the iconic and hotly anticipated Edinburgh Art Festival will celebrate its 20th year and the organisers are currently gearing up to host the biggest show to date with a stunning repertoire of exhibitions and events across the city.
The UK’s largest annual festival of visual art, Edinburgh Art Festival showcases the work of established international and UK artists alongside the best emerging talent, and a programme of newly commissioned artworks that respond to historic sites in the city. Keep an eye on the website for the full programme and venue listings coming soon.
Where to stay: For a unique experience in the Scottish capital, stay at the fabulous floating hotel, Fingal. (From £300 per night). Or to immerse yourself in beautiful Baroque splendour, check into the prestigious Prestonfield House, from £375 per night.
Brighton Art Fair
19 - 22 September
The much anticipated Brighton Art Fair will finally return in 2024 with a spectacular four-day show at the newly renovated Corn Exchange. 115 stands, with carefully selected artists, groups and studios selling their work direct to the buyers.
One of the most vibrant art fairs in England, Brighton Art Fair is the place to see and buy fresh, exciting work in a diverse range of media, styles and subjects, a chance to learn about the art direct from the artists in person.
Where to stay: For a taste of period drama, make your base at beautiful Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa — an enchanting county manor hotel that might inspire you to start sketching. From £245 per night.
British Art Fair
26 - 29 September
Arguably one of the most important events for artists, dealers and collectors, The Fair for Modern and Contemporary British Art, otherwise known as the British Art Fair, is housed across all three storeys of the Saatchi Gallery in London.
The event also features interactive experiences with expert dealers on hand to provide detailed information about the works and specialist advice on collecting. This year’s event will showcase stunning works by prominent artists including David Hockney, Frank Auerbach, L.S. Lowry, Paula Rego, Grayson Perry, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, and Banksy — making it one of the most impressive art fairs to visit in the UK in 2024.
Where to stay: One of the best luxury hotels in London, The Capital Hotel, Apartments & Townhouse in Knightsbridge is home to stunning original art and antique furniture, and has earned a reputation for elegant dining and warm hospitality. From £359 per night.
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