What's On
Photo of a couple sitting together and watching a string quartet playing in the gardens of Walmer Castle on a sunny day

What's On

Experience unmissable historic events taking place this summer at English Heritage sites across the country. Tick off your summer holiday bucket list with family-friendly events and activities.

If you’re looking to take a more laid-back approach to your summer, don’t miss the Heiress: Sargent’s American Portraits exhibition at Kenwood, and make sure to mark a date in your diary for an evening or Sunday of music.

Scroll down to browse our highlights or click here to skip to event search.

Photo of a couple sitting together and watching a string quartet playing in the gardens of Walmer Castle in the summer

Sunday music

Enjoy a lazy Sunday listening to live music this summer.

Bring your chairs or blankets and grab a refreshing treat from our cafés, then unwind on the lawn and soak up the summer as we provide the soundtrack to your day. Including Jazz, Soul, Brass Bands and more – please check event listings for more information.

Find a Sunday music event near you
Painting from c.1884 by John Singer Sargent of Jessie Wilton Phipps holding a posie of flowers
© Steven DeWittLowy

Heiress: Sargent’s American Portraits

Discover the fascinating American women who crossed the Atlantic to marry British aristocrats. These women include a war-time nurse and the first sitting female MP.

John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) was one of the most sought-after artists of the Gilded Age and was ‘the artist’ to depict these intriguing women. On the centenary of his death, this exhibition at Kenwood, London, is a salute to Sargent and some of his most glamorous and powerful works. In addition to full-length oil paintings, masterful charcoal portraits also feature, depicting their subjects in a candid and perceptive light.

Book your tickets for Heiress

Book ahead for autumn

  • The Battle of Hastings

    Sat 11 - Sun 12 Oct 2025 10am - 5pm

    This October, we return to the scene of England’s most famous battle. Warriors will clash and mud will fly as over 300 re-enactors bring the Battle of Hastings to life on the very spot where it was fought in 1066. Book now to save 15% off your tickets.

  • Illuminated Whitby Abbey

    Fri 24 Oct - Sat 1 Nov 2025 6pm-9pm

    Head to Whitby Abbey this Halloween to explore the Gothic ruins bathed in dramatic after-dark illuminations. Plus, outdoor theatre brings the evening to life with a twist on Dracula in Time Will Tell's play The Dead Shall Walk the Earth.

Search Events

Search our events below - you can leave all fields blank to see our full event listings.

More to explore

  • Top 5 things to do in September

    Explore our gorgeous gardens, brush up on your history for the new school year, enjoy some relaxing Sunday music, indulge in culture at Kenwood and experience golden-hour moments as the colours start to change.

  • Family days out

    Looking for somewhere where you and your family can get together and create memories? Our special historic places are full of adventures for adults and children alike.

  • Become a member

    As an English Heritage member, you can attend exclusive events throughout the year. Join today to get unlimited access to spectacular places across the country.