What's On
With Christmas right around the corner, get into the festive spirit with our magical trails, visits to meet Father Christmas or try your hands at seasonal crafts.
Follow our Walking with The Snowman™ trail at Belsay Hall and Wrest Park, have some Festive Fun or make the season extra special with a visit to meet Father Christmas.
Make a start on your Christmas shopping and find a Christmas Market to visit.
Or get creative and join us for one of our Wreath-making workshops.
There's plenty to do at English Heritage sites in the run-up to Christmas.
Don't forget, if you book your tickets to our daytime events in advance, you can save 15% on your entry price.
Walking with The Snowman™ Christmas Trail
This winter, something special is happening at Wrest Park and Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens. The Snowman™ has tip‑toed into the gardens – and he’s brought a host of cheerful friends with him.
From Saturday 7 November follow a festive family trail to discover twelve giant Snowman sculptures hidden throughout the grounds, inspired by Raymond Briggs' beloved classic.
Keep your eyes peeled – each sculpture hides a secret letter. Collect all twelve and you’ll reveal a magical Christmas word.
So pull on your hats and scarves and head out for a charming winter adventure, sprinkled with nostalgia from Raymond Briggs’ much‑loved classic.
Book in advance online and save 15%. Members go free.
Book your visit to meet Father Christmas
Join Father Christmas at one of our historical sites this December for a magical way to start the festive season. After a group storytelling session, you and your children will meet the man himself, with the chance to take photographs and make memories to treasure and recieve a traditional present to unwrap.
- Meet Father Christmas at Audley And House and Gardens, Saffron Walden
- Meet Father Christmas at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland
- Meet Father Christmas at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, Doncaster
- Meet Father Christmas at Dover Castle, Dover
- Meet Father Christmas at Eltham Palace and Gardens, London
- Meet Father Christmas at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire
- Meet Father Christmas at Kenwood, London
- Meet Father Christmas at Marble Hill, London
- Meet Father Christmas at Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
Have some Festive Fun
Join us for festive days out across the country that the whole family will love. Follow Christmas-themed trails around our historic grounds and make magical memories along the way.
Plus, try your hand at some Christmas-themed crafts.
Book your visit for:
- Festive Fun at Audley And House and Gardens, Saffron Walden
- Festive Fun at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland
- Festive Fun at Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
- Festive Fun at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, Doncaster
- Festive Fun at Dover Castle, Dover
- Festive Fun at Eltham Palace and Gardens, London
- Festive Fun at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire
- Festive Fun at Osborne, Isle of Wight
- Festive Fun at Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kent
- Festive Fun at Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
Book in advance online and save 15%. Members go free.
Enjoy a Wreath-making Workshop
Join us in magnificent surroundings for a fabulously festive day of wreath making. You will be guided through the step by step process by our expert gardeners to create a beautiful wreath. Book a workshop at:
- Audley End House and Gardens, Essex (includes a Festive Afternoon Tea)
- Eltham Palace and Gardens, London (includes a Festive Afternoon Tea)
- Marble Hill, London
- Wrest Park, Bedfordshire (includes a Festive Afternoon Tea)
Christmas Markets to visit
Discover some of the best Christmas markets and festive fairs to visit at English Heritage sites this winter.
Browse stalls filled with unique gifts, handmade crafts and seasonal treats, all set against the backdrop of our stunning historic castles, houses and grounds.
Whether you're looking for the perfect present or want to get into the festive spirit, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Find a Christmas Market to visitMembers' Events
Exclusively for you, our Members' Events offer behind-the-scenes access to our sites and expert tours. From London walking tours to experiencing how Christmas at a country house was celebrated, you can get up and close to heritage with our historians.
Bookings are now open for Members’ Events taking place from October 2026 through to March 2027. Browse all the events on offer and book your tickets now. Spaces are limited
Explore all Members' Events5-star membership. Explore over 400 historic sites
Join today and enjoy unlimited historic days out across over 400 sites for the entire year and with free kids entry, there’s no better time to join and start making new memories all year round.
Plus your support for us as a charity means you're helping to protect heritage sites for generations to come.
Join todayFind an event in your area
More to explore
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Seasonal highlights
Autumn’s the perfect time to take a closer look at historic sites, with the colours of trees changing and the sun getting lower in the sky.
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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.
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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.