ContraryLife

Celebrate the changing of the seasons with fire, dancing, processions and ‘battles’... contrarylife.com/2026/04/spring… 📷Visit Isle of Man & David Lovelady

If you’re currently enjoying the long Easter weekend, there’s a good chance you’re planning to tuck into a tasty hot cross bun or two. But have you tried an Alban Bun? contrarylife.com/2026/04/curios… 📷Courtesy of St Albans Cathedral

Looking for something different to do this Easter? Whether you’re heading for a day out with pals or entertaining the family, these alternative events will keep you entertained... contrarylife.com/2026/03/altern…

Did you know today is #worldtheatreday? Why not celebrate the occasion and get your weekend off to a good start by booking a show near you? Need some inspiration? Here's what to see right now contrarylife.com/2026/03/what-t… 📷Children of the Night / Marc Brenner

Has #WorldBookDay inspired you to go shopping for your next read? Give Amazon a miss and discover some of the UK’s best and most unique bookshops in person... contrarylife.com/2026/03/where-… 📷The Heath Bookshop

Spring comes alive at Hampton Court Palace 🌷 From 11 April 2026, the much-loved Tulip Festival returns with tens of thousands of blooms across the gardens. Recognised at the World Tulip Summit as Britain’s Largest and Greatest Tulip Heritage Garden, it’s a spectacular celebration of colour, craftsmanship and the season in full swing 🌸✨ 📍Hampton Court Palace, @historicroyalpalaces #LondonMakesItPossible #VisitLondon #TulipFestival #HamptonCourtPalace

@RobKeeleyAuthor @LinghamsBooks Thanks for the tip rob, I'll take a look 😀

@ContraryLife @LinghamsBooks, is this of any interest to you?

Are you running one of the UK's best indie bookshops? I'm writing a piece on the best #bookshops to coincide with #WorldBookDay and I want to hear from you! Get in touch (info@contrarylife.com) and tell me about your shop. What makes it so special? What kind of books do you sell?

Flippin’ eck, it’s nearly Pancake Day! Not got anything planned yet? Don't worry, here are the Pancake Day events to give a toss about... contrarylife.com/2026/02/pancak…

Finding dark winter evenings a bit of a drag? These quirky board games will get you through... contrarylife.com/2026/02/board-…

Blackpool is preparing for a spellbinding half‑term as the resort bursts into life for the February Festival of Circus and Magic. 🎪 Across four fun‑filled days, from Thursday 19 February to Sunday 22 February, residents and visitors can enjoy an exciting programme of live performances, spectacular shows and hands‑on workshops. Read more about this here 👉 visitlancashire.com/blog/read/2026…

Keen to avoid the Valentine’s Day clichés? Try one of these alternative events and activities... contrarylife.com/2026/01/altern… 📷Zip World, Valentine's night flights

Did you know that 21st January 2026 is #MuseumSelfieDay? To celebrate, I've compiled a round-up of quirky and unique places you can visit and take a selfie: contrarylife.com/2026/01/quirky… 📷© Gareth Jones, courtesy of National Museums Liverpool

Tomorrow is #BlueMonday (supposedly the crappiest day of the year) but we're urging you to forget the gloom and celebrate #BrewMonday instead! Brew Monday is all about meeting up with others for a cuppa to combat loneliness... contrarylife.com/2026/01/the-qu…

Hidden behind shopfronts on Holborn is a rare survivor from medieval times, Barnard's Inn Hall. Anyone can visit this incredible building, and below its ancient rafters watch a free Gresham lecture about life, the universe and everything londonist.substack.com/p/inside-holbo…

Want to explore Manchester’s rich cultural heritage but don’t know where to start? Immerse yourself in the city’s music and architecture at Manchester Cathedral as LUMINISCENCE lights up the interior... contrarylife.com/2026/01/lumini…

Bored with tame lantern parades and underwhelming celebrations? Never fear, Chester’s spectacular Winter Watch Parades are here to perk up your festive season! contrarylife.com/2025/12/cheste… 📷 ©WKB-2000

Autumn has well and truly arrived. If like us, you’re keen to embrace this wonderful season, here are some of the best and quirkiest autumnal things you can do this weekend... contrarylife.com/2024/10/the-be…

To celebrate the release of Jim Henson Idea Man on Disney+, our latest Curiosity of the Week beams in on an attractive but unassuming lighthouse in Cornwall with links to one of Henson’s classic creations. contrarylife.com/2024/05/the-fr…

We're delighted to announce our next weekend Open Day will be on Sunday 24th March. There will be drop in workshops all day where you'll be able to have a go at some tinkering projects.