Top 5 Things To Do in December
As 2021 draws to a close, we've brought together our top ideas for things to do with us this month.
Join us at sites across the country for our family-friendly Adventure Quests, finding hidden clues to unlock stories of the past. You can also discover a world of magical illumination, or start preparing for your cheeseboard courtesy of some Victorian inspiration.
This Month In History
- On Christmas Day in 1066 William of Normandy, also known as William the Conqueror, marched into London and was crowned King of England after defeating King Harold II, at the Battle of Hastings.
- Charles Darwin embarked on his five-year long expedition aboard the HMS beagle on December 27th 1831. This journey and the discoveries made upon it would go on to contribute to Darwin’s theory evolution, much of which was written at Down House.
- The results of the first General Election in Britain in which women had the right to vote confirmed David Lloyd George as Prime Minister on December 28th 1918. A blue plaque commemorating the former Prime Minister can be found at his home in Wandsworth.
- The first German aerial bombardment of Britain took place on Christmas Eve of 1914 in Dover, close to Dover Castle.
1. Have a festive family adventure
Explore our historic places with a family-friendly adventure quest. Follow the trail, find the clues and discover our amazing stories and secrets.
Join the quest from 27 Nov - 2 Jan 2022:
South of England
Dover Castle, 1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey & Battlefield, Osborne, Pendennis Castle, Stonehenge
London and the East of England
Framlingham Castle, Wrest Park,
The Midlands
Bolsover Castle, Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
North of England
Whitby Abbey, Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
2. Experience the magic of Enchanted Events
Experience Eltham Palace and Audley End House and Gardens in a spectacular new light.
Discover a magical world of illumination, sound and colour. Warm up with a glass of mulled wine, toast a marshmallow under the night sky or hop on a traditional fairground ride. Our shops will be open for you to stock up on Christmas gifts, from traditional toys to award-winning food and drink.
These events sell out quickly, so book now to avoid disappointment.
Book now3. Create a new Christmas tradition at Kenwood
New for 2021, the grounds of Kenwood come alive with a spectacular burst of Christmas magic featuring a mix of light, fire and sound.
From 26 November 2021 to 9 January 2022, the much loved grounds of Kenwood will become home to an illuminated trail that invites you to see the historical landscape in a new light, as you step into a dazzling winter wonderland. With a Christmas market featuring festive refreshments, street food and a fully licensed bar, Christmas at Kenwood promises to be a new seasonal classic.
BOOK NOW4. Experience Christmas with Queen Victoria at Osborne
Experience Christmas with Victoria and Albert at Osborne as Osborne curator Michael Hunter to reveals how the royal couple celebrated Christmas. Unearth how the royal couple popularised a new way of seeing in the festive season, how Prince Albert was instrumental in bringing German traditions to Britain and what Christmas was like for the servants working at Osborne.
Discover these and many more Christmas stories with the English Heritage Podcast.
Listen Here5. Try Mrs Crocombe's tasty 'chutnee'
Start preparing your Christmas cheeseboard now, with a batch of Mrs Crocombe's delicious English Chutnee.
This preserve was adapted from the Indian 'chatni', a pickle of mixed fruits and vegetables with sweetening agents, spice and vinegar. In the Victorian period, English cooks significantly modified the Asian original and this particular version uses apples, available in abundance at Audley End House.
Watch on YouTubeMore To Explore
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