Top 5 Things To Do in September

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

Enjoy a host of showstopping events, find inspiration for memorable family days out, or uncover places that have inspired iconic English literature. Read on to discover fascinating people, must-see places and captivating videos.

1. Get closer to history with our showstopping events

This month is packed full of exciting events at many of our historic sites across the country. Enjoy a series of relaxing Sundays listening to live music in the spectacular grounds of Belsay Hall and Brodsworth Hall. See spectacular floral displays at Stonehenge and travel back in time to the Victorian dahlia shows which were hosted there during the 1840s. Alternatively, see magnificent birds of prey take to the skies at Dover Castle or catch Stephen Farthing’s exhibition of glamourous ‘swagger’ portraits at Kenwood.

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2. Share family experiences

It can be tricky choosing where best to take your family on an inspiring day out in history. To help you decide, we’ve consulted many of our visitors and compiled a list of our top ten sites, along with personal comments on what makes these places so special to visit with your family.

Looking for a day out which includes a space for children to play? We've picked out our favourite outdoor play areas so any little adventurers can burn off their extra energy, in between letting their imaginations run wild at a historic castle, abbey or house.

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3. Uncover our sites with literary links

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, with several sites even making an appearance in their works. Just picture Bram Stoker’s Dracula running up the steps towards Whitby Abbey or think of William Shakespeare's Henry IV featuring several scenes set at Warkworth Castle. Even the more contemporary work of George RR Martin draws inspiration from his 1981 trip to Hadrian's Wall, evident in Game of Thrones’ huge ice wall.

Use our guide to sites with links to English literature and plan your next visit to one of our fascinating historic places which continue to spark imaginations to this day.

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4. Prepare for battle

Get your tickets booked for one of our most popular events of the year. Witness the iconic Battle of Hastings brought to life on the very spot where it was fought in 1066.

Spend the day exploring the rival Saxon and Norman camps, and meet the chain mail and weaponry makers hard at work. There will be food to prepare, logs to chop and clothes to mend, alongside a dramatic retelling of the Bayeux Tapstry. Kids can take up arms and try their hand at archery or join in sword school.

Then for the highlight of the day, over 300 reenactors will clash in a spectacular recreation of this legendary battle.

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5. Celebrate our heritage with free to access events

Every September, free to access events are organised across England to celebrate our heritage and history through Heritage Open Days. Between the 6 and 15 September you can enjoy guided tours, special open days and exclusive access to areas of sites not usually accessible.

Follow in the footsteps of Tudor Monarchs at Bishop's Waltham Palace and reconstruct the rise and fall of Donnington Castle with talks from renowned experts, Dr Steven Bridle and Dr David Peacock. Marvel as the fort’s history is brought to life with military re-enactments at Fort Brockhurst, and learn about the remarkably well-preserved medieval wall paintings at St Mary’s Church, Kempley.

Find an event near you and learn more about Heritage Open Days.

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The month in history

  • Poet Siegried Sassoon was born on the 8 September 1886. He is best remembered for his First World War poems, first published as a collection in 1919. His former home in Kensington is now marked with a blue plaque.
  • On 21 September 1915 Stonehenge was bought at auction by local landowner Mr Cecil Chubb, who three years later gave it to the nation. Find out more about this significant auction and the restoration of Stonehenge here.
  • Queen Elizabeth I was born on 7 September 1533. The medieval fortress at Kenilworth Castle was transformed into a luxurious Palace to impress the Queen. Visitors today can walk in her footsteps on the castle walls, Elizabethan Garden and Leicester's Building.
  • England’s most celebrated Naval officer Horatio Nelson was born on the 29 September 1759. A blue plaque marks his home at 103 New Bond Street in London, where he lived in 1798.

More to Explore

  • Inspire Me

    Our historic sites offer something for everyone. Here we have gathered some of our favourite features, events and things to do to inspire your next visit.

  • THE ENGLISH HERITAGE PODCAST

    Join presenter Charles Rowe as we bring the history of our sites to life with news, views and expert interviews across over 150 episodes.

  • 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.