History

Tour

Warwickshire

Warwick

Join our guide, Jan Cooper, to hear about the rise and fall of Simon de Montfort Earl of Leicester - often hailed as the "father of democracy" - and what lead to one of the longest sieges in English medieval history.

For almost six months during 1266 King Henry III lay siege to de Montfort's former stronghold of Kenilworth Castle during which time the whole of England was governed directly from Kenilworth

This event is graded as moderate access, as the tour involves some walking with limited places to rest and may include some stairs or uneven terrain.

Bookings for this event will open on this page on Saturday 23 May.

Members' Event:

Do you have what it takes to crack the code?

Join Commander thorne and help them find the clues hidden around Dover Castle. Work together to solve the clues and with a bit of luck you can find the hidden treasure Commander Thorne has been searching for.

Part of this event takes place outside please wear suitable footwear and dress appriopriatley for the weather.

This is a family friendly event. Children aged 7+ are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. 

Each time slot lasts half an hour.

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

Members' Week:

Join us at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings for a series of talks run by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers. These talks are free, but donation contributions to English Heritage will be welcome.

The talks will run on the last Saturday of the month at 1pm to 1.30pm in the Smithy at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings.

You can drop in on the day, but places are limited so to guarantee your place please email shrewsburyflaxillmalting@english-heritage.org.uk

Talks: 

Sunday 19 April at 1pm - 1.30pm - 'William Hazledine: Groundbreaking Iron Master.' Talk presented by Mike Rochfort.

Saturday 30 May at 1pm - 1.30pm - 'Off the Shelf - Archive Talk.' Talk presented by Penny Ward.

Saturday 27 June at 1pm - 1.30pm - 'Migration of Families.' Talk presented by Penny Ward.

Saturday 25 July at 1pm - 1.30pm - 'Development of the Iron Frame.' Talk presented by Bob Saunders.

Saturday 29 August at 1pm - 1.30pm - 'The Awesome Flax plant Through History.' Talk presented by Anthony Dunford.

Spotlight Talks At Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings

The River Fleet was once a major geographical feature and transport route of old London. Now invisible above ground, we will follow its lower course from Kings Cross to the Thames.

You will learn how to recognise the marks it has left behind, while discovering the location of a royal mistress’s riverside residence and a notorious Dickens criminal’s secret lair. You’ll also learn a Georgian Londoners’ cure for gonorrhoea, and why a City pub applied for its licence from Cambridgeshire.

This tour is graded as moderate access, as it is a walking tour covering up to 3 miles with few places to stop and sit down.

Please note, the 2pm - 4pm event will only go on sale if the morning tour reaches full capacity.

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

Dust off your magnifying glasses and get ready for sleuthing!

On this kids tour, you will learn how to find clues around Kenilworth Castle which tell us about the history and function of its historic buildings.

This tour has been designed especially for children but is engaging for all members of the family. Tickets are only required for children, there is no need to book an adult ticket. However, all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

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

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

Audley End is surrounded not just by beautiful gardens but by a whole historic landscape, with an incredible array of remains spanning well over 2,000 years.

Join English Heritage archaeologist and historian Dr Al Oswald on a gentle stroll around the grounds to discover a wealth of hidden stories about England’s past. Suitable for older kids and interested dogs.

This tour involves some walking and may include some stairs or uneven terrain. Part of 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.

In partnership with the National Garden Scheme, we’re delighted to offer you the chance to explore the beautiful gardens of Brodsworth Hall in the early evening of Thursday 15 July, when the site is closed to the public.

Meet the Head Gardener and members of their team for a tour of the gardens. Get an insight into how the team develop and enhance these wonderful spaces, carefully managed to ensure the way they are presented today reflects their rich history. You can also ask the team your own questions about the gardens as you explore.

Evening Garden Tour At Brodsworth Hall

Join us while we discover all about the rip-roaring tale of England's first ever Duchess, Margaret Marshall and her swashbuckling husband, Sir Walter Manny.

Inheriting Framlingham Castle from her father, learn more about how this dominant force of East Anglia and renowned Knight ruled over Framlingham Castle.

This tour involves some walking and may include some stairs or uneven terrain. 

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

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 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

Free outdoor sessions to help you feel better, move more, connect with nature, and meet new people—no gym needed!

Come and join us for relaxed, friendly group movement sessions at Dover's Western Heights.

Hike, stretch, breathe, run, and enjoy nature together. It’s all about feeling good in your body and mind, with no pressure and no cost.

We’ll help you learn how to use the Western Heights as a free outdoor gym, so you can make the most of this amazing landscape and keep moving in a way that feels good for you, both during the sessions and on your own.

There will be plenty of chances to connect with others, with sessions designed to help you meet people and feel part of something positive. Even better, we hope you’ll keep exercising together between sessions, exploring the Heights with new friends and supporting each other along the way.

Dont fancy the full four hours? Not a problem! There's a natural break halfway through the session, and we completely understand if you'd rather call it a day at that point. The most important thing to us is that you feel happy and comfortable.

  WHO?

Sessions are led by Primal Runners – friendly coaches trained to support all abilities and backgrounds.

Everyone is welcome, especially if you:

Feel stressed, lonely, or stuck indoors

Want to get moving but don’t like gyms

Are new to Dover or new to speaking English

Just want to try something different

Please note: These are active sessions. The route around the Western Heights is steep and requires good mobility. If you have any questions about accessibility, please get in touch. We're happy to help you work out if the sessions will be suitable for you.

  WHAT?

Each session includes:

A welcome chat

A walk or run through nature

Simple body movement (no equipment needed)

Breathing and calming exercises

Time to talk, share, and connect

No experience or fancy gear is needed. Just wear some trainers and comfortable clothes to move in.

  WHERE?

Meet us at The Rings in Dover's Market Square. We’ll head up to the Western Heights together.

There is pay-and-display parking available in Dover town centre. The nearest railway station is Dover Priory, a 5-minute walk from the Market Square, and Stagecoach buses stop nearby in Pencester Road and Priory Street.

Postcode | CT16 1NU

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  WHEN?

All sessions run from 10am - 2pm (with the option to finish at 12pm) on the following dates:

Sun 29 Mar 2026

Sun 26 Apr 2026

Sun 31 May 2026

Sun 28 Jun 2026

Sun 26 Jul 2026

Sun 30 Aug 2026

  THIS EVENT IS PART OF ENGLISH HERITAGE'S REACHING GREATER HEIGHTS PROJECT.

Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Reaching Greater Heights is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to restore historic chalk grasslands at Dover Castle and Western Heights, protect rare wildlife and heritage, and empower local communities through volunteering, learning, and activities.

Heights Not Weights:

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 Scarborough 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 Scarborough Castle

A top-secret message has gone missing at Beeston Castle and Woodland 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 Beeston Castle And Woodland Park

A top-secret message has gone missing at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden – 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 Kenilworth 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

A top-secret message has gone missing at Pendennis 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 Pendennis Castle

Join us at Carlisle Castle for a weekend of family activities with Cumbria's Museum of Military Life.

See military demonstrations and army vehicles, and visit the reenactors encampment. Kids can get hands on with crafts, dressing up and more.

This event is included with your general admission. Only joint tickets for the Castle and Museum will be available this weekend. Book early and save 15%.

Military Festival At Carlisle Castle

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

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 Wrest Park

A top-secret message has gone missing at Brodsworth Hall 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 Brodsworth Hall 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. 

Members' Event:

English Heritage

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