Fairground

Seasonal Activities

Picnic

Gloucestershire

Forest of Dean

This summer we are proud to guide you into the delightfully chaotic world of The Pickwick Papers, where misadventure and merriment collide in a whirlwind of Dickensian absurdity!

Join the lovable Mr. Pickwick and his eccentric band of companions as they bumble their way through confusing courtships, courtroom shenanigans, questionable duels, and carriage rides gone terribly wrong. Expect fast-paced wit, slapstick, more multi-rolling mayhem, and a cast of larger-than-life characters in this brand new and hilarious adaptation.

Dickens has never been this delightfully unpredictable! Secure your seat, pack your picnic and prepare for an uproarious adventure with the Pickwick Society—where the only certainty is a thoroughly good time to be had by all!

Doors open at 6.30pm. Bring your own seating and picnics.

BOOK TICKETS TO THE PICKWICK PAPERS

The Pickwick Papers At Goodrich Castle

Celebrate Constable’s 250th birthday with a vibrant walking tour through the village and landscapes that shaped a masterpiece-maker.

Join expert guide Estelle Lovatt as you step into the world of John Constable, exploring the atmospheric lanes and leafy corners of Hampstead Village.

Watch the Heath and village unfold as you follow in the artist’s footsteps to the very houses where he lived, worked, and painted, and discover the real-life views that inspired iconic works such as 'The Hay Wain'. Along the way, you’ll uncover the stories behind the art - Constable’s passions, rivalries, techniques, and the personal moments that influenced his most celebrated landscapes. A must experience event for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to see Hampstead in a whole new light.

This event has been graded as moderate access. There will be limited places to stop and rest during the walk and will include some uneven terrain.

Bookings for this event open on this page on Monday 20 April.

Members' Week:

Join Chris White, Senior Ornamental Gardener and members of his team to find out more about the work that goes on in the Parterre and Pond Garden (with a chance to look behind the scenes!)

This tour takes place outside, so please wear suitable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather.

Bookings for this event open on this page on Monday 20 April.

Despite being heavily outnumbered, Royalist general Sir Ralph Hopton launched a daring uphill attack against the Roundheads at Stratton and won a stunning victory that secured Cornwall for the king.

This walk begins in historic Stratton, goes along country lanes, attractive woodland and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

This event is graded as challenging access, as it is a walking tour over uneven terrain covering up to 4 miles, with few places to stop and sit down.

Bookings for this event open on this page on Monday 20 April.

Join us on a guided tour of Kenwood House and discover the rich history rooted in its gardens.

This tour will highlight the key moments in the history of the grounds from Primaeval forest to designed landscape.

The access grade for the tour is moderate as the tour covers uneven ground and some stairs.

Bookings for this event open on this page on Monday 20 April.

Join Yorkshire Blue Badge Guide Sarah Milne-Day for a walking tour of Harrogate.

Regularly voted one of the best places to live in the UK, Harrogate has a fascinating history - discover the stories behind the grand hotels and spa buildings including an unexpected link to the most famous crime writer of all time!

This tour is graded as moderate access, as it is a tour covering cobbled streets with few places to stop and rest.

Join expert guide Estelle Lovatt as you step into the world of John Constable, exploring the atmospheric lanes and leafy corners of Hampstead Village.

Celebrate Constable’s 250th birthday with a vibrant walking tour through the village and landscapes that shaped a masterpiece-maker.

Watch the Heath and village unfold as you follow in the artist’s footsteps to the very houses where he lived, worked, and painted, and discover the real-life views that inspired iconic works such as 'The Hay Wain'. Along the way, you’ll uncover the stories behind the art - Constable’s passions, rivalries, techniques, and the personal moments that influenced his most celebrated landscapes.

A must‑experience event for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to see Hampstead in a whole new light.

There will be limited places to stop and rest during the walk and will include some uneven terrain.

Bookings for this event open on this page on Monday 20 April.

Join our volunteers to take a closer look at the graffiti left on Carlisle Castle over the centuries.

On this tour you will find out about the insubordinate soldiers who left their mark in the cells of Carlisle Castle and the tales they tell.

This tour is graded as moderate access as due to the number of stairs to navigate and uneven surfaces throughout the site.

Bookings for this event open on this page on Monday 20 April.

A top-secret message has gone missing at Osborne – and we need you to find it before it falls into the wrong hands!

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to follow the trail, track down the clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret message.

Keep your eyes peeled for the mysterious secret agent, who'll be roaming around the site. If you’re lucky, they might just be able to help you complete your mission...

Book early and save 15%.

Mystery Mission At Osborne

Join the Goodrich Castle Investigation Unit this May Half-Term and help the Baron crack a 13th-century cold case!

A dangerous myth has spread that this fortress is purely Gothic. We suspect the original Norman creators left behind secrets that only a true forensic expert can find. Grab your survey kit and prepare to scour the ruins to complete your Evidence Files.

This isn’t just a walk through history—it’s a hands-on forensic survey where you’ll need to use all your senses to find the truth.

This trail is included with your general admission. Book in advance and save 15%. Members go free.

Norman Detective Trail At Goodrich Castle

A top-secret message has gone missing at Carisbrooke Castle – and we need you to find it before it falls into the wrong hands!

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to follow the trail, track down the clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret message.

Keep your eyes peeled for the mysterious secret agent, who'll be roaming around the site. If you’re lucky, they might just be able to help you complete your mission...

Book early and save 15%

Mystery Mission At Carisbrooke Castle

Step into the past with a day of interactive history at Reculver Towers. Explore the story of coin-making from the 7th to 15th centuries with live demonstrations, and discover the world of a 15th-century archer, including weapons, armour and the realities of medieval warfare.

While you're there, climb Reculver's North Tower for breathtaking coastal views, browse hand-crafted medieval replica wares for sale and have a go at striking your own coin for a small fee.

Free to attend, no booking necessary, and suitable for all ages.

Medieval Money And Warfare At Reculver Towers & Roman Fort

A top-secret message has gone missing at Whitby Abbey – and we need you to find it before it falls into the wrong hands!

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to follow the trail, track down the clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret message.

Keep your eyes peeled for the mysterious secret agent, who'll be roaming around the site. If you’re lucky, they might just be able to help you complete your mission...

Book early and save 15%.

Mystery Mission At Whitby Abbey

Join Yorkshire Blue Badge Guide Sarah Milne-Day for a walking tour of Harrogate.

Regularly voted one of the best places to live in the UK, Harrogate has a fascinating history - discover the stories behind the grand hotels and spa buildings including an unexpected link to the most famous crime writer of all time!

This tour is graded as moderate access, as it is a tour covering cobbled streets with few places to stop and rest.

Bookings for this event open on this page on Monday 20 April.

A top-secret message has gone missing at Battle Abbey – and we need you to find it before it falls into the wrong hands!

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to follow the trail, track down the clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret message.

Keep your eyes peeled for the mysterious secret agent, who'll be roaming around the site. If you’re lucky, they might just be able to help you complete your mission...

Book early and save 15%

Mystery Mission At Battle Abbey

In partnership with our Members Week sponsor Riviera Travel, join us for a day of exploring Falmouth’s Tudor history.

Begin at Pendennis Castle, Henry VIII’s coastal fortress, exploring its ramparts and gun platforms that reveal Tudor military ingenuity. Cross the estuary by ferry to St Mawes Castle, a perfectly preserved clover-leaf fortress showcasing elegant design and formidable defences.

This immersive tour blends Tudor history, coastal scenery, and maritime travel, offering a unique glimpse into England’s 16th-century coastal defences.

Lunch at Pendennis Castle is included in your ticket price. This event is graded as challenging access due to the uneven floors, narrow walkways and steep stairs within both castles. The ferry crossing is accessible via a set of stairs which vary in volume due to the tide.

Bookings for this event open on this page on Monday 20 April.

A top-secret message has gone missing at Wrest Park – and we need you to find it before it falls into the wrong hands!

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to follow the trail, track down the clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret message.

Keep your eyes peeled for the mysterious secret agent, who'll be roaming around the site. If you’re lucky, they might just be able to help you complete your mission...

Book early and save 15%.

Mystery Mission At Walmer Castle And Gardens

A top-secret message has gone missing at Audley End House and Gardens – and we need you to find it before it falls into the wrong hands!

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to follow the trail, track down the clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret message.

Keep your eyes peeled for the mysterious secret agent, who'll be roaming around the site. If you’re lucky, they might just be able to help you complete your mission...

Book early and save 15%

Mystery Mission At Audley End House And Gardens

Join us at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings for free family workshops this May half-term.

Sashiko Workshop with Anthea Renshaw

Tuesday 26 May, 10am to 2pm

Join artist, Anthea Renshaw as she explores English Maytime folklore and stories combined with the art of Japanese stitching to make your very own Sashiko coaster or bookmark to take home with you.

There is no need to book, just drop in. Sashiko making is aimed at those 7 and above, but for under 7s can make their own Aida cloth to take home with them. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Cats and Dragons Puppet Making

Wednesday 27 May 10am to 3pm

Thursday 28 May 10am to 3pm

Cats and dragons both feature as a big part of the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings story. Join us this May half term to find out why. Create your own cat and dragon paper puppets to take home. This is suitable for all ages. All children must be accompanied by an adult. There is no need to book, just drop in.

You can also visit the Mill exhibition which is open all week at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, 10am to 5pm, last admission is at 4pm. There is also a brand new dragon trail to follow within the exhibition space too. If you would like to visit the exhibition, please book in advance to save 15%, or pay for your admission on the day. Members go free.

May Half Term Workshops At Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings

A top-secret message has gone missing at Bolsover Castle – and we need you to find it before it falls into the wrong hands!

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to follow the trail, track down the clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret message.

Keep your eyes peeled for the mysterious secret agent, who'll be roaming around the site. If you’re lucky, they might just be able to help you complete your mission...

Book early and save 15%

Mystery Mission At Bolsover Castle

A top-secret message has gone missing at Eltham Palace and Gardens – and we need you to find it before it falls into the wrong hands!

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to follow the trail, track down the clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret message.

Keep your eyes peeled for the mysterious secret agent, who'll be roaming around the site. If you’re lucky, they might just be able to help you complete your mission...

Book early and save 15%

Mystery Mission At Eltham Palace And Gardens

Gainsborough Old Hall's medieval beginnings deserve a celebration of all things medieval. Join us at the Hall throughout May for activities and events highlighting this turbulent, transformative and fascinating period in history when the Hall was built!

For up-to-date activities and timings, please check our Facebook page.

These events are included with your admission which you can book in advance below. Members go free.

Every day - Medieval trail and activities

A family-friendly trail and activity sheets are available for free for visitors to take with them round the Hall. See if you can finish them and earn a stamp or a sticker! Collect from the visitor desk on entry.

Every Saturday, 2pm - Medieval Feasting spotlight talk

Enjoy a fascinating 15-20 minute interactive talk by Caroline, one of our knowledgeable volunteers, on feasting in the Medieval period. It was quite different from how the Hollywood films depict it - etiquette rather than raucousness ruled the day! Free with entry, suitable for all ages.

Every Sunday, 1pm - Medieval Graffiti Tours

Join one of Rick's captivating tours as he shows you the plethora of medieval graffiti on the Hall's walls. Nods to royalty, protection marks and stonemason marks abound - see if you can spot any new ones! Free with entry, suitable for all ages. Tours last about one hour.

Monday 25th May, from 10am - Medieval Music & Dance Workshop

de Mowbray's Musicke return by popular demand to deliver their brilliantly fun music and dance workshop! Learn about medieval entertaining, instruments, dance and song with Peter and Kate. Free with entry, suitable for all ages and abilities.

Dates TBC - Medieval Crafts

Come along to one of our free crafting sessions to make a medieval-inspired trinket to take home! See dates and timings on our Facebook page.

Medieval May At Gainsborough Old Hall

A top-secret message has gone missing at Dover Castle – and we need you to find it before it falls into the wrong hands!

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to follow the trail, track down the clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret message.

Keep your eyes peeled for the mysterious secret agent, who'll be roaming around the site. If you’re lucky, they might just be able to help you complete your mission...

Book early and save 15%

Mystery Mission At Dover Castle

A top-secret message has gone missing at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens – and we need you to find it before it falls into the wrong hands!

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to follow the trail, track down the clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret message.

Keep your eyes peeled for the mysterious secret agent, who'll be roaming around the site. If you’re lucky, they might just be able to help you complete your mission...

Book early and save 15%

Mystery Mission At Belsay Hall, Castle And Gardens

English Heritage

English Heritage cares for over 400 historic buildings, monuments and sites - from world-famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, from Roman forts on the edges of the empire to a Cold War bunker. 

Through these, we bring the story of England to life for over 10 million people each year. 

The Pickwick Papers At Goodrich Castle

English Heritage

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