Things to Do

Top 5 Things To Do in August

This August, our feel-good summer continues!

Enjoy great value days out all summer long and allow yourself to be transported back in time with our legendary events. Get the best value from your summer and preserve history for future generations by becoming a member and enjoying unlimited access to over 400 sites.

1. Experience an action-packed summer of events

Feel great this summer at our unmissable historic events taking place across the country. Witness live-action clashes of brave Roman soldiers, gallant medieval knights, and swashbuckling pirates. It's a summer of legends with something for everyone at our historic places around the country.

Little explorers can also help Noble, our trusty guard dog, find his shadow. Follow the quest through the grounds or gardens of our historical sites to become the ultimate adventurer.

Find out more

2. Get inspired for your summer visits

Make the most of your summer with our downloadable summer planners. Filled with top tips and key dates for your diary, our planners cover events and activities across the country. For further inspiration, take our quiz to discover your historical era. Determine what time period would suit you best, then use the results to inform your future visits.

Save on fun-filled days out and keep the ‘feel-good summer’ feeling all year round by becoming a member. Use code SUMMER24 to enjoy 20% off membership by annual Direct Debit.

Find out more

3. Discover the story of Dover Castle under siege

In 1216, rebel barons offered the English throne to Prince Louis of France in a bid to overthrow King John. In May of that year Louis and his army swept through southern England but Dover Castle refused to surrender. Over the next year, it withstood two epic sieges, becoming a thorn in Louis’ side.

Now at Dover Castle, for the first time you can see the story of siege brought to life with immersive interactive displays, reopened medieval tunnels and an imaginative siege-themed play area. Visit the northern spur for panoramic castle views, and stand in the very spot where the attackers would have camped during the siege.

Watch our trailer for a taster of what you can expect to find.

Find out more

4. Enjoy a holiday in history

Our sites are situated in some of England’s most picturesque scenery. For last-minute weekend breaks or a mid-week adventure, discover savings on our holiday cottages and wake up in the heart of history.

If you’re embarking on a long road trip, some of our historic sites near main roads and motorways are an excellent alternative to motorway service stations. You can also use our detailed walking and cycling guides to make the most of the warmer weather and enjoy a full day out in historical scenic landscapes.

Find out more

5. Enter our feel-good summer competition

Our summer video competition continues! We’ve had tons of fantastic entries so far, ranging from clips of miniature knights-in-training to artists at work in historical gardens. For the chance to win exciting prizes from our shop and feature on our social media channels, share your videos of ‘feel-good summer’ days out with us.

To enter simply upload a 5 to 10 second clip of your days out at our historic places. This could either be in the comments section of our weekly #EHSummer Facebook competition posts (@EnglishHeritage) or as an Instagram post by tagging @EnglishHeritage and using #EHSummer. T&Cs apply.

Find out more

The month in history

  • The bacteriologist Sir Alexander Fleming was born on 6 August 1881. Best known for discovering penicillin, the Scottish scientist moved to London to study and lived at 20a Danvers Street in Chelsea, where he is commemorated by a blue plaque. 
  • Dame Helen Gwynne-Vaughan died on the 26 August 1967 aged 88. She was a prominent English botanist and is recognised for her significant contributions to military and public service. Her London home for almost 50 years is marked by a blue plaque.
  • On 17 August 1836 HMS Beagle, with Charles Darwin on board, began its long voyage back to England from Brazil.
  • Painter Thomas Gainsborough died on 2 August 1788. His portrait of Mary, Countess Howe can be seen at Kenwood, alongside famous works by Vermeer, Rembrandt and Reynolds.

More to explore

  • Inspire Me

    We’ve handpicked our favourite articles, guides and stories to inspire your next day out. Find out what's new - your next adventure starts here...

  • THE ENGLISH HERITAGE PODCAST

    Every object has a story to tell - but how can one mystery item lead us on a journey through history, people and places? Amy Matthews explores tales from unexpected places.

  • Become a member today

    Enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of historical places with an annual membership. Plus there's free entry for up to six children! Memberships start from £42 a year.