New Year's Resolutions for 2022
A new year brings the opportunity to make more time for what you love.
If you're yet to make some resolutions for this year - or have already given up on the ones you had in mind - then take a look at our ideas for exploring history, expanding your horizons, and leaving last year behind.
1. Learn Something New
Broaden your horizons and explore England’s story – all from the comfort of your own home.
Use our History at Home content portal to uncover more about our sites, how they have changed over time and who made them what they are today. Browse themes to delve into often overlooked aspects of England’s past, such as LQBTQ and Black history. Or investigate the history of a specific site.
Discover articles on Chiswick House’s Menagerie, Queen Victoria’s birthday parties, ground-breaking female archaeologists, misbehaving monks, and much more.
Explore England's Story2. Find a new podcast
Looking for your new podcast fix this year? Step into England’s History with The English Heritage Podcast and presenter Charles Rowe as we bring the history of our sites to life with news, views and expert interviews. Browse by theme such as castles, Romans or women’s history; or uncover the secrets of your favourite properties. With almost 150 episodes covering a range of engaging topics from London’s rock and pop stars to medieval medicine and even an episode on dragons!
Alternatively, Speaking with Shadows is a special podcast series which delves into the fascinating stories of the people that history forgot. Join presenter Josie Long as she travels across the country to seek our six stories from the hidden corners of England’s history.
Listen on soundcloud3. Get Involved
The support of our volunteers is invaluable and it's thanks to their help that we continue to preserve England’s story. Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to join a large friendly team of passionate people, develop new skills, get to know amazing places and receive valuable work experience.
Meet our volunteers and find out about the range of volunteering opportunities available. There’s something for everyone, whether it's guiding visitors around our properties, caring for our captivating gardens or bringing history to life as a storytelling volunteer. Catch up with the volunteer focus magazine, to discover the amazing work our volunteers get up to. English Heritage are committed to improving equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) for our volunteers as well as our employees and visitors as this shapes how we tell the story of England.
Volunteering opportunities4. Find your next read
If you're a book-lover and seeking to make time for reflection and relaxation this year, our guide to sites with links to English literature offers plenty of inspiration.
Throughout the centuries, the places that we care for have left their mark on England's history and literature. They've inspired some of the greatest writers, poets and playwrights, from Bram Stoker's 19th century novel Dracula, set near the brooding ruins of Whitby Abbey, to the '...worm-eaten hold of wragged stone...' described in Shakespeare's Henry IV,
Sites with literary links5. Get cooking
Whether you're a seasoned cook seeking inspiration, or simply someone with an appetite for the past, start your culinary exploration this year with a taste of England's food history.
How to Cook the Victorian Way with Mrs Crocombe is the definitive guide to the life, times and tastes of YouTube's favourite Victorian cook. Alongside specially adapted Victorian recipes and insights into the culinary world of the Victorians, you'll find beautiful photography, social history, and - for the first time - the full manuscript of Mrs Crocombe's handwritten recipe book.
Buy the book6. Plan a year of fun with the family
Get outdoors as much as possible in the coming year, and let us bring history to life for you and the whole family. There’s adventure to be had at many sites across the country, with activities offering adventure and the chance to explore our sites anew.
Keep an eye out for family adventures throughout the year. Children can get active in the fresh air and enjoy fun-filled challenges amidst historic landscapes at our Adventure Quests during February Half Term and the Easter school holidays. Enjoy a spectacular St George’s Day at Wrest Park, and in May, make the most of the spring sunshine and explore the regal connections of many sites at our Kids Rule Royalty! events. In summer, our season of knights and jousts returns and later in the year there’s spooky Halloween events, festive Christmas quests and the captivating after-dark Enchanted events.
Find an EventMore to Explore
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TEACHING RESOURCES
Our free learning resources are packed with everything you need to give your learners a deep insight into the history of our places. Browse by theme, key stage and region.
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Below Stairs at Audley End
What were Victorian servants’ lives really like? Discover the stories of the men, women and children who worked at Audley End House in the 1880s.
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Days Out with Dogs
There are plenty of dog-friendly sites across the whole of England for you to enjoy alongside your furry friends.
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Shop toys and games
Looking to keep the family entertained? Choose from our range of classic toys, games, outfits, and activity kits.