History

Music, Dance & Drama

Drama

London

Westminster

Join us for Waterloo Day, as we mark the anniversary of Wellington's most famous victory!

Step into history with a full day of talks and Q and As with leading historians and reenactors, bringing the drama of the Battle of Waterloo vividly to life.

Throughout the day, historians Dr Graeme Callister and Michael Rayner will guide visitors through the dramatic events of the battle in two narrated sessions, from the opening attacks to Napoleon’s final defeat. Other special talks by Dr Luke Reynolds, Michael Rayner, Dr Matthew Taylor and Dr Zack White will explore Waterloo’s lasting legacy, the terrain of the battlefield, Black British soldiers at Waterloo, military discipline in Wellington’s army, and the fate of the battle’s casualties.

Whether you are a lifelong Napoleonic enthusiast or simply curious to learn more about the battle that shaped Europe, Waterloo Day offers a unique opportunity to experience history in Wellington’s own home.

This event is included with your admission to the house. Book in advance below and save 15%. English Heritage members go free.

Waterloo Day At Apsley House

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

Join us at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings as we host Spotlight Indie Live.

Spotlight Indie Live is a free to attend one-day celebration of indie fantasy, science fiction, horror and speculative fiction, art and storytelling, created for aspiring writers, fiction fans and independent creatives.

Attendees can expect a full day of panels and discussions exploring story craft and writing techniques designed to help bring fictional worlds to life. Writers will have the opportunity to gain practical advice on writing and publishing from our speakers, which include award-winning authors, publishers, editors, audio producers and bloggers.

For book lovers, Spotlight Indie Live offers the chance to discover and meet indie creators directly. The traders’ market will feature signed books, merchandise and original artwork, while facilitated Q&A sessions give audiences the opportunity to ask our speakers about their work. Plus, Spellbound Immersive Productions will bring works of fiction to life with live performances throughout the day.

Hosted by the incomparable Joel, aka the Shropshire DM, Spotlight Indie Live is the place to discover the joy of independent creativity - and your next favourite read.

FIND OUR MORE ABOUT SPOTLIGHT INDIE LIVE 

Event highlights include:

Panels and talks for writers of fantasy, science fiction, horror and speculative fiction

Practical advice on writing, indie publishing and the creative process

Insights from award-winning authors and industry professionals

Live performances by Spellbound Immersive Productions

Traders’ market featuring signed books, merchandise and artwork

Facilitated Q&A sessions with authors and creators

A friendly, inclusive space for writers, readers and indie creatives

Spotlight Indie Live At Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings

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 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 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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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 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 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

Mystery Mission At Wrest Park

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

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

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

During May half term, join the Woodland Tribe for Playhenge and build an adventure playground using real hammers, saws and nails. Work together to design and create the play structure of your dreams.

Playhenge is suitable for ages 4+. Children must be accompanied by an adult (minimum of one accompanying adult per three children).

Due to the nature of the activity, this event may be noisy. Ear defenders will be available to borrow.

This experience is first come first served, and due to capacity, queues may form. Time within the experience will be restricted, but you are welcome to come back and have multiple build attempts throughout the day.

This event is included with your general admission to Stonehenge. Book advance tickets and save 15%. Members go free.

Playhenge At Stonehenge

Join one of our guides for a tour of Farleigh Hungerford Castle, built in the 14th century as a sign of status for the residing Hungerford family.

During this tour you will explore the site’s rich history and learn more about the castle's defences, economical, political and geographical impacts as well as some of the famous captives imprisoned throughout it's history before declining during the Civil War.

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

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

Members' Week:

Join experienced BSL Guide Alan Murray for a tour of Apsley House, the home of the first Duke of Wellington.

This tour is included with your general admission to Apsley House which you can book below. Members go free but will need to pre-book tickets too. Select how many tickets you need, then select the date of the tour. There will be an option to add on the BSL Tour afterwards. Please see full booking instructions below.

If you need any help with your booking, or need more information, please email: apsleyhouse@english-heritage.org.uk

Access information:

Meeting Point: outside the main entrance of Apsley House The What 3 Words address is https://what3words.com/foil.wiring.keeps. The closest tube station is Hyde Park Corner.

This tour is not step-free. There are 5 steps into the building and 8 steps to a lift, which can take you to the first floor (avoiding the staircase).

Toilets: There are toilets available but there is no accessible toilet.

Parking: there is very limited parking on site for blue badge holders which must be booked in advance. Drop off is available at the entrance and does not need to be booked.

British Sign Language Guided Tour Of Apsley House

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. 

Waterloo Day At Apsley House

English Heritage

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