Christmas events and activities

Places to visit between Christmas and New Year

Discover English Heritage sites open between Christmas and New Year this year. Explore our castles, gardens and historic places for perfect winter days out in England.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful winter wander, a dose of history, or a big family day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Opening times may vary. Please check individual site pages before you visit. Book online in advance to save 15%.

Sites open during Twixmas by region

Get inspired for your days out this winter

A woman looks at a portrait of a woman which is hung from a red wall at Kenwood House.

Kenwood

On the edge of Hampstead Heath and surrounded by tranquil landscaped gardens, Kenwood is one of London's hidden gems.

 

The breathtaking interiors and stunning world-class art collection, which includes Rembrandt's 'Self-Portrait with Two Circles', are free for everyone to enjoy.

Visit Kenwood
Rievaulx Abbey covered in thick snow underneath a blue sky.

Rievaulx Abbey

Founded in 1132, Rievaulx Abbey was one of the wealthiest and most important abbeys in England.

 

Over 600 men lived and worked at Rievaulx during its heydey, but the abbey fell into decline and was eventually supressed by King Henry VIII in 1538.

Visit Rievaulx Abbey
The Great Hall in Audley End House decorated with oak panelling and several portraits are hung on the walls.

Audley End House and Gardens

Audley End was one of the greatest houses of early 17th-century England.

 

Between about 1605 and 1614, Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk and Lord Treasurer to James I, took an earlier house created by his grandfather and rebuilt it on the scale of a royal palace.

Visit Audley End House
Stokesay Castle with view of the Church graveyard covered in snow.

Stokesay Castle

Stokesay Castle in Shropshire is one of the first, and finest, fortified manor houses in England.

 

It was originally fortified by Lawrence of Ludlow, a wealthy wool merchant, who was one of the richest men in England in the 13th century.

Visit Stokesay Castle

Free Historic Sites to Explore Across England

Many of the historic sites in our care are free to enter, with no need to book ahead. Most are open during daylight hours throughout the year, making it easy to explore England’s past at your own pace.

Discover prehistoric monuments, Roman ruins, medieval castles and peaceful countryside abbeys perfect for families, solo travellers, or anyone looking for a free day out in England.

Find a site near you

More to explore

  • More things to do this winter

    Need some winter inspiration? Explore England's history this season with glorious gardens, wellie-loving walks and more. 

  • Become a member

    Treat the whole family to adventure and uncover the fascinating history of England with an annual membership, giving you access to hundreds of sites across the UK. 

  • Dog Friendly Days Out

    Your pooch will love our sites just as much you. With plenty of space at our our castles, abbeys and historic gardens, find a dog-friendly day out near you.