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Family Events

Plan an extraordinary day out this spring and step into history together as a family.

Meet captivating characters from the past and take part in some hands-on adventures at our family-friendly events taking place on the early May bank holiday.

Later in May, we have a whole host of exciting events for families taking place throughout May half term. You can meet pirates at Pendennis Castle, learn about Victorian falconry at Boscobel House, or even build your own adventure play area at Stonehenge. Adventures await! 

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Celebrate St George's Day 2024

Immerse yourself in the story of the gallant knight St George and his legendary encounter with the fearful dragon.

Book tickets to celebrate our patron saint and 2000 years of English history at the biggest, most action-packed St George's Day event in the country at Wrest Park.

Plus, take a look at our guides to help you discover the history behind England's patron saint, and have a go at making your very own cardboard sword and shield to fend off any dragons you may find.

Book Tickets

Days out for the early May bank holiday

  • MAYFEST AT RICHMOND CASTLE

    Sat 4 - Mon 6 May 2024 10am - 5pm

    Head to Richmond Castle for the much loved Richmond MayFest! Enjoy music, dancing, storytelling, craft stalls, traditional games, circus fun and more. There will also be food and drink available too.

  • UGLY BUG SAFARI AT BELSAY HALL

    Sat 4 - Mon 6 May, Sat 3 - Sun 4 & Sat 17 - Sun 18 Aug 2024 10am - 5pm

    Join our bug hunting pros and look for the creepy crawlies who call Belsay their home. Check out the gardens for beetles, woodlice, caterpillars and more. 

  • WWII WEEKEND AT AUDLEY END

    Sun 05 May - Mon 06 May 2024 10am - 5pm

    Embrace the atmosphere and action of the 1940s as our celebrated WWII Weekend returns. Witness an action-packed battle with striking pyrotechnics and vintage army vehicles. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities including the Sergeant's infamous assault course.

  • MEDIEVAL DAY OUT AT KENILWORTH CASTLE

    Sun 05 May - Mon 06 May 2024 10am - 5pm

    Visitors to the 900-year old Kenilworth Castle will be transported back to the castle's medieval heyday with re-enactors throughout the grounds. Soak up the sights and smells of the living history village and experience a medieval castle in its prime.

TOP DAYS OUT FOR MAY HALF TERM

Kids rule this May half term! Our sites are the places where Kings and Queens made history... and now you can too.

From hands-on activites to meeting a monarch from the past, find an May half term event near you.

Look out for pirates at Pendennis Castle; Victorian fairground rides at Osborne; falconry at Boscobel House; and the chance to build your own adventure playground at Stonehenge. 

PLAN AHEAD

MAY HALF TERM BLOCKBUSTERS

Fancy a parlay with a pirate, or how about meeting Queen Victoria? Our special themed events are a great day out for the whole family. 

  • PIRATES! AT PENDENNIS CASTLE

    Tue 28 - Thu 30 May 2024 10am - 5pm

    Set sail for Pendennis Castle this May half-term for a spectacular adventure. See history's most famous pirates fight it out at close quarters, and listen to their tales of booty, bounty and barnacles.

  • Dracula! at Whitby Abbey

    Sat 25 May - Sun 2 June 2024 10am - 5pm

    Whitby Abbey is famous for being one of Bram Stoker's inspirations for Dracula. This May half term, be inspired by this incredible historic building, and create your own Gothic tale.

  • VICTORIA'S FAMILY DAY OUT AT OSBORNE

    Tue 28 - Thu 30 May 2024 10am - 5pm

    Join Queen Victoria and Albert for old-fashioned thrills and spills on traditional fairground rides like swing boats and the helter-skelter at Osborne this May half term. 

  • VICTORIAN FALCONRY AT BOSCOBEL HOUSE

    Sat 25 May - Mon 27 May 2024 10am - 5pm

    Gaze skywards in awe as a spectacular collection of birds take flight to soar and swoop above Boscobel House in this display of Victorian Falconry.

  • PLAYHENGE AT STONEHENGE

    Fri 17 May - Tues 4 June 2024 (excluding Thursdays) 10am - 5pm

    Use hammers, saws and nails to build the adventure play area of your dreams at Stonehenge this half term.

  • WWII WEEKEND AT DOVER CASTLE

    Sat 25 May - Mon 27 May 2024 10am - 4pm

    Embrace the atmosphere and action of the 1940s as our celebrated WWII Weekend returns for another bank holiday spectacular.

Join English Heritage

Enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of historic places with an annual membership. Plus there's free entry for up to six children*

With memberships starting from £57 a year.

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MORE TO EXPLORE

  • Family membership

    Enjoy unlimited access to more than 400 historic places across the country with English Heritage's family membership.

  • Days out under £20

    From castles and monastic ruins to Iron Age hillforts, here are our top picks for family days out on a budget.

  • Family Property Guides

    Our family guides cover things for all ages to see and do, as well as practical advice on food and drink, parking, toilets and access.

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