Art, Literature & Music

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) is the most read, most performed, and most quoted author in human history. 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and over 1,700 words he invented (eyeball, assassination, lonely, swagger). His Globe Theatre in London (reconstruction, since 1997) performs his plays outdoors in the summer — with standing tickets for £5 (Standing Groundling Tickets). Stratford-upon-Avon, his birthplace, is a pilgrimage site for literature lovers.

After Shakespeare: Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice, Bath), Charles Dickens (Oliver Twist, London), the Brontë sisters (Wuthering Heights, Yorkshire), Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes, 221B Baker Street London), J.R.R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings, inspired by the English Midlands), George Orwell (1984), Ian Fleming (James Bond) and — of course — J.K. Rowling, whose Harry Potter revolutionized the world of children's literature. The Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford (near London) is one of Britain's most visited attractions.

Great Britain invented modern pop music — or at least shaped it so fundamentally that it feels that way. The British Invasion of the 1960s — led by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones — changed music forever.

The Beatles (1960–1970) are the best-selling band of all time. Liverpool is the pilgrimage site: Cavern Club, Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, the childhood homes of John and Paul. In London: Abbey Road Studios (the zebra crossing in front is the most photographed pedestrian crossing in the world).

Afterwards: Led Zeppelin, The Who, David Bowie (Berlin Trilogy, but from London), Queen (Freddie Mercury), The Clash and the Sex Pistols (Punk, 1976), The Smiths and Joy Division (Manchester), Oasis and Blur (Britpop of the 90s), Radiohead, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa. Glastonbury (June) is the most legendary music festival in the world.

Banksy — the anonymous street artist from Bristol — is Britain's most famous living artist. His satirical stencil graffiti (Girl with Balloon, Kissing Coppers, Flower Thrower) are political, provocative, and worth millions. In Bristol, London (Shoreditch), and across the country, his works appear — and instantly become attractions.

J.M.W. Turner (1775–1851) was Britain's greatest painter — his light and seascapes (The Fighting Temeraire, Rain, Steam and Speed) anticipated Impressionism by decades. Tate Britain in London has the largest Turner collection. The Turner Prize (since 1984) is Britain's most important contemporary art award — often controversial, always worth discussing.

The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation, founded 1922) is the most influential media institution in the world. From Doctor Who to David Attenborough's nature documentaries to the BBC Proms (summer concert series at the Royal Albert Hall) — the BBC shapes British culture like no other institution. The iPlayer (BBC streaming service) is unfortunately only available in the UK, but the Proms Last Night (with "Land of Hope and Glory" and "Rule, Britannia!") is a spectacular experience live at the Royal Albert Hall.