The Best of British Fund, launched by Airbnb in partnership with VisitBritain, is offering a £1 million fund to help small organisations create experiences that showcase the best of the UK’s traditions, hospitality, and heritage.
This fund is designed to support local businesses, social enterprises and charities that are helping to bring British culture to life — and boost tourism in the process.
About the Fund
The Best of British Fund backs organisations that create unique, locally rooted experiences for visitors. It’s all about turning local traditions, landscapes, food, and culture into powerful, memorable stories that attract tourists and celebrate what makes each place special.
Airbnb is particularly interested in:
- Nature & Outdoor experiences that connect people with the UK’s countryside and coastlines
- Food & Drink that celebrates Britain’s diverse culinary heritage, from fish and chips to regional delicacies
- Arts & Culture projects, including festivals, workshops, and historic preservation
- Heritage & Tradition, supporting efforts to keep local customs and storytelling alive
This is a fantastic opportunity for communities, small charities, cultural groups, and independent businesses to bring their creative ideas to life, while helping reinvigorate local economies and deepen connections between people and place.
Who Can Apply
The fund is open to a wide range of UK-based organisations, including:
- Charities
- Social enterprises
- Community interest companies (CICs)
- Cultural and heritage organisations
- Small businesses and sole traders
To be eligible, your project must be based in the UK and focus on promoting British culture, hospitality, or heritage through unique visitor experiences. You’ll also need to be able to demonstrate the social, cultural or economic impact of your proposal.
What You Can Apply For
The fund will support a wide range of activities, including:
- Launching or expanding community-led tourism experiences
- Restoring or reimagining local landmarks or historic venues
- Creating inclusive and welcoming tourism initiatives for underserved communities
- Piloting food tours, nature walks, or storytelling projects rooted in place
All funded projects should highlight something uniquely British and help make it more visible and accessible to visitors.
Funding Available
Airbnb is offering grants of up to £100,000, with a total funding pot of £1 million.
Funding will be awarded to projects with the potential for high impact – culturally, socially, or economically. Airbnb is also encouraging ideas that are scalable, inclusive, and community-focused.
How to Apply
Applications are open now and close at 11:59pm on 23 November 2025.
The application process includes:
- A short form outlining your organisation, your idea, and the impact you hope to create
- An explanation of how your project connects to British culture and supports tourism
- A basic budget or cost breakdown
- Examples of community engagement, partnerships, or local collaboration
Airbnb will be working with VisitBritain to review applications, prioritising projects that celebrate place-based stories, traditions, and experiences.
