Top 5 Things To Do in June
As summer arrives, almost all of our sites are opening their doors wide to welcome you in.
The historic gardens in our care are among the finest in the country and are looking their best in the spring and summer months. With a whole series of Blooming Gardens events to enjoy, there’s never been a better time to start planning your next visit.
Please note: Visits to our sites must be booked in advance for now. Please check the individual webpage of each property for full details.
The month in history
- The Battle of Waterloo was fought on Sunday 18 June 1815, where armies led by the Duke of Wellington and Gebhard von Blücher defeated Napoleon Bonaparte. While he’s well-known as a military leader, a visit to the Duke’s London home of Apsley House lets visitors explore his personal life and his passion for art.
- Crowds lined the streets of London on 20 June 1837 for the coronation of Queen Victoria at the age of 18. Discover more about the life of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children with a visit to their Isle of Wight holiday home, Osborne.
- George Orwell, novelist and political essayist best remembered for his dystopian novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four, was born on 26 June 1903. He is commemorated with a blue plaque at 50 Lawford Road in Kentish Town, where he lived from August 1935 until January 1936.
1. ENJOY BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC GARDENS AT THEIR BLOOMING BEST
The historic gardens in our care are among the finest in the country. From sweeping parkland to pretty parterres, and from showstopping water features to shady woodland walks, these spectacular spaces offer fantastic days out in the places that made horticultural history.
With our gardens looking their best in the spring and summer months, and with a whole series of Blooming Gardens events to enjoy, there’s never been a better time to start planning your next visit.
Find an event2. Celebrate 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.
This year, we bring the solstice celebrations to you with a live-stream from the stones on the evening of Sunday 20 and Monday 21 June. It will be easy and free to watch on our social media channels.
Find out more3. The Knight's Tales at Battle Abbey
On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 June, join our medieval knights at Battle Abbey, East Sussex, as they bring the Middle Ages to life and share tales of their knightly valour. Watch them practice their courtly combat skills and discover their medieval weapons before exploring the abbey’s majestic grounds and 1066 battlefield walk. There’s kids fun aplenty too, with storytelling, shield painting and children’s activities led by our costumed characters.
Buy tickets4. Enjoy the newly restored Target House at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
Pay a visit to Brodsworth Hall and Gardens in South Yorkshire and you'll be able to enjoy the Target Range as it would have appeared in its Victorian heyday. An eyecatcher folly was recently repaired, and planted with 800 ferns.
The Target House, which was used to take refreshments during archery practice, has also been restored and now includes engaging panels and an interactive archery target for children.
Book a visit5. Discover our new national exhibition
English Heritage has commissioned a series of portraits depicting six historic figures from the African diaspora whose stories have contributed to England’s rich history. Each artist has been supported by our curators and historians to creatively portray their subject.
The paintings will be hung at the English Heritage site connected to its subject this summer, alongside a programme of public events.
Find out more
