What's On
Photo of two people silhouetted against the sun in the autumn gardens of Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire

History in a new light

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.

Print off our colour-spotting sheet and take it along to a historic place near you. You can also get tips for taking spectacular photos and see top spots for autumn colour - plus find out more about fantastic events for Halloween and Diwali.

Screenshot of a colourful colour-spotting activity sheet

Go on a colour hunt

Print off our colour-hunting sheet and take it along to a historic place near you! You can share your autumn photos with us on your social posts - just tag @englishheritage.

Download a colour-hunting sheet (1.25MB)

AUTUMN COLOUR AT HISTORIC GARDENS

  • Best autumn gardens to visit

    Here's our pick of the most impressive historic gardens - discover leafy woodlands, decorative flower beds, and seasonal kitchen produce. Which will you explore this autumn?

  • 10 flowers to see at our sites this autumn

    Autumn brings new colour and layers to the garden, from the jewel-like glimpses of cyclamen to the unexpected boldness of nerines. How many can you spot at our sites?

  • Unusual things to spot in autumn gardens

    From flowers that only blossom in the evening to plants that were once cultivated for their healing properties, take a look at some unusual garden finds.

TOP TIPS FOR TAKING GREAT PHOTOS WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE

Join travel photographer Jessie Leong as she uses the rugged coastline surrounding Tintagel Castle to provide her top tips on how to achieve stunning photography results using the camera on your smartphone.

Autumn events

  • Halloween half-term

    Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at our sites this half-term. Join the Great Pumpkin Party as we celebrate the season with interactive storytelling and spooky games, as well as a themed trail and seasonal selfie spot around the sites.

  • Illuminated Whitby Abbey

    Fri 23 - Sat 31 Oct 2026 5.30 - 9pm

    See Whitby Abbey in a spectacular new light this Halloween. Join us to see the breathtaking gothic ruins bathed in dramatic, glowing illuminations - it’s the ultimate seasonal experience for the whole family.

  • Diwali at Marble Hill

    Sat 24 Oct 2026 2 - 7pm

    Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Marble Hill with a full afternoon of activities, illuminations, dancers, dhol drummers, giant puppets, hands-on workshops and more.

Black-and-white line illustration of a group of people from the Victorian era in a graveyard with Whitby Abbey in the background

COLOUR-IN POSTERS

Colour your way through England's history with our series of printable posters. Look out in particular for Dracula at Whitby Abbey!

Explore our colour-in posters

Things to see this autumn

Videos to make you feel cozy

  • How to harvest apples - The Victorian Way

    Join Edgar Ashman, the third gardener at Audley End, as he harvests apples for Mrs Crocombe, who's making gâteau de pomme.

  • Relaxing Tudor fireplace at Pendennis Castle

    Experience an authentic Tudor fireplace from Pendennis Castle in the comfort of your own home.

  • Relaxing Witley Court and Gardens

    Put on your headphones and relax to the ambient sights and sounds of beautiful Witley Court and Gardens in Worcestershire.

Exploring our autumn traditions

As the nights draw in and the leaves start to turn, we’re joined by English Heritage trustee and Professor of History at the University of Bristol Ronald Hutton, to discuss some of the traditions that come with autumn. Discover the history behind Bonfire Night and Halloween, along with less well-known events such as Harvest Home and Lammas – and the origins of the word ‘autumn’ itself.

Enjoy an active Autumn

  • Regional Guides

    From London to Northumberland, Yorkshire and Derbyshire to the Isle of Wight, our comprehensive travel guides have everything you need to plan a getaway: where to stay, getting around and — most importantly — things to see and do.

  • Cycling Guides

    Whether you're a novice or bike enthusiast, our cycling guides offer a fun way to take in multiple historic places. Wheel your way across the Isle of Wight, find serenity in North Yorkshire, or tour across the Wiltshire countryside.

  • Coastal Walks

    Enjoy the great outdoors on foot this autumn! Combine an invigorating seaside stroll with an inspiring visit to one of our historic sites, following these glorious routes along England's most beautiful coastlines. 

Walking Guides

Top Tearooms

Now is the perfect time to enjoy some well-deserved time off for yourselves. There's no better way to relax than with a hot drink or delicious snack at a tea room amid historic surroundings. To help you find the perfect place to get off your feet, here's our list of top tearooms from historic places around the country.

Discover our top tearooms