MAY HALF TERM BLOCKBUSTERS
Fancy a parlay with a pirate, or how about meeting Queen Victoria? Our themed events, taking place at some of our most popular sites, are a great day out for the whole family.
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PIRATES! AT PENDENNIS CASTLE
Tue 28 - Thu 30 May 2024Set sail for Pendennis Castle this May half-term for a spectacular adventure. See history's most famous pirates fight it out at close quarters, and listen to their tales of booty, bounty and barnacles.
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Dracula! at Whitby Abbey
Sat 25 May - Sun 2 June 2024Whitby Abbey is famous for being one of Bram Stoker's inspirations for Dracula. This May half term, be inspired by this incredible historic building, and create your own Gothic tale.
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VICTORIA'S FAMILY DAY OUT AT OSBORNE
Tue 28 - Thu 30 May 2024Join Queen Victoria and Albert for old-fashioned thrills and spills on traditional fairground rides like swing boats and the helter-skelter at Osborne this May half term.
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VICTORIAN FALCONRY AT BOSCOBEL HOUSE
Sat 25 May - Mon 27 May 2024Gaze skywards in awe as a spectacular collection of birds take flight to soar and swoop above Boscobel House in this display of Victorian Falconry.
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PLAYHENGE AT STONEHENGE
Fri 17 May - Tues 4 June 2024 (excluding Thursdays)Use hammers, saws and nails to build the adventure play area of your dreams at Stonehenge this half term.
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WWII WEEKEND AT DOVER CASTLE
Sat 25 May - Mon 27 May 2024Embrace the atmosphere and action of the 1940s as our celebrated WWII Weekend returns for another bank holiday spectacular.
KIDS RULE! HALF TERM
Our sites are the places where the Kings and Queens of England made history and now you can too. From hands-on activites to meeting a monarch from the past, find an event near you.
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North East
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
Chesters Roman Fort
Tynemouth Castle and Priory
Warkworth CastleYorkshire and Humber
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
Scarborough Castle
Whitby AbbeyEast Midlands
Bolsover Castle -
North West
Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
Birdoswald Roman FortWest Midlands
Boscobel House and The Royal Oak
Goodrich Castle
Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
Witley Court and Gardens -
South East
1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
Carisbrooke Castle
Dover Castle
OsborneEast of England
Audley End House and Gardens
Framlingham Castle
Wrest Park
KIDS RULE! Who Were the Kings and Queens of England?
Have a look at our guide to kings and queens, where you can learn about England’s history, test your knowledge, craft your own coat of arms and more.
Learn moreTop 10 Family Days Out
Where's the best place to take the family on a day out?
That's the question we posed to our Facebook followers, and hundreds of you got in touch to tell us your favourite sites.
Here are the top 10 choices, accompanied by some of your comments on what makes these places so special to visit with your family.
View the Top 10ENJOY A FULL YEAR OF ADVENTURE
from £4.75 a month
Spring is the best time of year to become an English Heritage member and take full advantage of free entry to over 400 sites, plus free or discounted access to our exciting events programme, throughout the year.
Join nowRULING ENGLAND: WHAT WAS LIFE LIKE?
Meet monarchs and nobility as they reveal what life was really like at the castles, keeps and country houses in our care.
Step back in time to visit King Henry VIII's childhood home at Eltham Palace. Discover what it was like to work for the king in a Tudor castle, learn the story behind his six wives and find out what’s involved in medieval archery.
DISCOVER MORE HISTORY ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL-
Meet A Medieval Noblewoman
Learn all about the life of a medieval noblewoman at Framlingham Castle. Find out what life was like in a medieval castle, how noblewomen behaved, dressed and learnt good table manners.
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Meet a Roman Legionary
Discover more about the Romans, inclduding how and why they built Housesteads Roman Fort in Northumberland. From their battle strategy to their toilet etiquette, this Roman Legionary reveals all.
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Meet William the Conqueror and King Harold
King Harold and William the Conqueror discuss going to war at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Discover why both men thought they were the rightful heir to the English throne.
MORE TO EXPLORE
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MORE ABOUT THE MONARCHY
Take a look back at kings and queens through history, from the longest reigns to the legendary battles for the throne, discover the story of England's crown.
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INSPIRE ME
From spotlights on places we love, walking routes and a Victorian recipe or two, find everything you need to know about the history we bring to life.
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What's On
With 400 sites to visit all across England, why not plan something for the summer holidays at a property near you?