Things to Do

Top 5 Things To Do in June

This June, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help inspire your visits.

Watch the summer solstice sunrise, celebrate Pride and plan your summer holidays. Read on to discover fascinating people, must-see places and captivating videos

1. Join us for the Summer Solstice

At Stonehenge on the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone in the north-east part of the horizon and its first rays shine into the heart of the stone circle. Marvel at this ancient wonder from the comfort of your home with our live streams, which showcase both the sunset on Thursday 20 June and the sunrise on Friday 21 June.

This year will also present a rare opportunity to explore the connection between Stonehenge and the Moon. We will be live streaming an astronomical phenomenon called the ‘major lunar standstill’ on the evening of 21 June. We’ll be joined by experts from leading universities and astronomical societies in the UK and USA, who’ve collaborated to investigate the alignment of Stonehenge with the Moon.

Find out more

2. Plan a Historical Summer Holiday

With summer holidays fast approaching, use our inspirational guides to plan a getaway in the best historical locations that the UK has to offer. With suggested places to visit and detailed itineraries, you can plan your trip by location, or browse our website to find a completely new destination.

We also offer luxurious stays at the heart of our properties, with holiday cottages located in picturesque historical buildings. These offer the chance to wake up in the heart of history and enjoy exclusive out-of-hours grounds access during your stay.

Find out more

3. Give the Gift of Membership This Father’s Day

This Father’s Day the past makes for a perfect present. Treat your dad to a year of fun-filled days out with an English Heritage membership. Our membership offers unlimited visits to over 400 historic places across the country, an exclusive Members’ Magazine and Handbook, access to exhilarating history-inspired events, as well as free entry for up to six children. Personalise your Gift of Membership with a thoughtful message for a unique gift that will last all year.

We also have several entertaining events happening over the Father’s Day weekend. Enjoy a weekend of classic cars at Brodsworth Hall, watch rival knights compete in a thrilling tournament at Bolsover Castle or admire spectacular falconry at Witley Court.

Find out more

4. Celebrate Pride

As we celebrate Pride month in June, find out more about the lives of some of England’s LGBTQ+ people and their important place in the stories of our sites. From Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire’s romantic female friendships at Chiswick House, to the transformation of Eltham Palace into an Art Deco masterpiece by John Seely and Paul Paget, partners in both life and business.

Watch our video about the Wernher Collection to discover the stories of several fascinating objects that share a connection to the LGBTQ+ community.

Find out more

5. Discover the History Behind Hit Show Bridgerton

Bridgerton has undoubtedly brought a sense of renewed interest to the Georgian period, but is the world Netflix has created anything like the real life regency era?

In the run up to the release of the second half season three, discover what life was truly like for Georgians. From the intricate ritual of a Georgian tea-party, to the elaborate fashion trends that were intended to leave a lasting impression.

Fans of the show can also enjoy a visit the iconic Ranger’s House which features as the wisteria-filled backdrop to the Bridgertons’ family drama.

Find out more

The Month in History

  • The Battle of Waterloo was fought on 18 June 1815, where armies led by the Duke of Wellington and Gebhard von Blücher defeated Napoleon Bonaparte. A visit to the Duke’s London home of Apsley House lets visitors explore his personal life and his passion for art.
  • The SS Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury on the 22 June 1948 marking the start of post-war immigration from the Commonwealth.
  • Alan Turing, pioneer of computer science, was born on the 23 June 1912. His birthplace at Warrington Crescent is now marked with a blue plaque. During the second world war he was a leading cryptanalyst at Bletchley Park and his work was vital to deciphering the German Enigma code.
  • On 26 June 1903 George Orwell was born. He was a novelist and political essayist best remembered for his dystopian novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four. A blue plaque marks his former home in Kentish Town.

More to explore

  • Inspire Me

    Our historic sites offer something for everyone. We've gathered together some of our favourite features, events and things to do to inspire your next visit.

  • 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.