Most people are familiar with the joy you experience after a fantastic concert, play, film, or art exhibit.
However, did you know that an official government study has found that consuming culture and heritage is good for your health and wellbeing?
Read on to discover the effects art and culture can have on your health, as well as some of the most exciting arts and heritage sites across the UK that you can explore in 2025.
How can arts and culture affect your physical health?
Engaging in arts and culture might feel like it shouldn’t be able to affect your physical health, but a government study found that it can help alleviate pain, frailty, and dependence on medication.
For a more specific example, you can look to the British Heart Foundation’s research into music therapy for people who have suffered strokes, dementia, and other brain injuries.
Roughly 1 in 3 people who survive strokes have aphasia, a speech disorder that makes it difficult to express or understand language. But while they might have lost the ability to speak, they are often able to sing, and joining a choir or other singing group can help them build stronger connections between brain regions and aid in their recovery.
Furthermore, The Times found that dancing for 20 minutes each day – whether you’re in a professional class or bopping around your kitchen – could be enough to fulfil your recommended weekly exercise quota.
What about mental health benefits?
A comprehensive report by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that listening to music, dancing, and looking at art can come with benefits such as:
- Alleviated symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Improved cognitive function
- Enhanced emotional resilience.
While the government survey found that people with the highest engagement in the arts were rewarded with the most benefits, the WHO study found that even occasional engagement was associated with an increased sense of purpose and a better outlook on life.
5 fantastic cultural sites to visit in the UK
If you’re looking for some of the best historical sites in the UK or upcoming art exhibits you can explore, why not try visiting one of these fantastic locations?
1. National Justice Museum, Nottingham
This gorgeous Grade II-listed Shire Hall is designed to transport you back through the history of justice in the UK.
Watch iconic characters from Nottingham’s history be tried for their crimes in the Victorian Courtroom, explore their Georgian gaol and ancient cells, and even take part in the most popular entertainment of the past – a recreation of a murderer’s execution!
2. Unearthed: The Power of Gardening, London
This upcoming exhibit explores the enriching and sometimes radical power of gardening in British history, and how it can bring communities together and impact the environment.
From rural gardens and allotments to plants grown on windowsills, the exhibit features fascinating items ranging from the only surviving illustrated collection of herbal remedies from Anglo-Saxon England to new short films about two Afro-diaspora-led community gardens in London.
The exhibit will be running from 2 May to 10 August 2025 in the British Library, with accompanying Living Knowledge Network displays at public libraries across the UK.
3. York’s Chocolate Story, York
This unique museum offers you the opportunity to take a guided tour through the history of York’s most famous chocolate-making families and their finest creations.
Where other cities were funded by the production of steel, coal, or wool, York’s fame and fortune rested on chocolate for hundreds of years. Unwrap the stories behind the chocolatiers and even learn how to make your own chocolate – with taste tests included, of course.
4. Andy Goldsworthy: Fifty Years, Edinburgh
Born in Scotland, Andy Goldsworthy is internationally known for his extraordinary creations made from natural materials.
From photographs, sculptures, and expansive new installations, be sure to head to the Royal Scottish Academy from 26 July to 2 November 2025 to see over 200 of his most famous works, as well as some new pieces created specifically for this exhibit.
5. Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery, Merthyr Tydfil
Wealthy ironworks owner William Crawshay built his 19th-century stately home in the shape of a castle, and the incredible building is still standing as a museum of local history today.
From Laura Ashley dresses to the first steam whistle, the castle is one of the most frequently visited free tourist attractions in Wales. Explore the gorgeous grounds, delve into the rich history of the area, and keep your eyes peeled for the many events going on throughout the year – including concerts, firework displays, and craft fairs.
