History

Bedfordshire

Central Bedfordshire

Join characters from the past for heritage-inspired hijinks and hands-on shenanigans at Wrest Park this half term.

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Half Term History Makers At Wrest Park

Join a member of our garden team for a seasonal tour of the recently restored historic gardens. Learn about our ongoing projects and future plans for the garden. Meet at the front of Marble Hill house at 12pm

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Please meet outside front of house.

Seasonal Tour:

Start the weekend energised with a spot of Community Yoga amongst the backdrop of Marble Hill and it's surroundings! Community based event, meet on the Oval Lawn (Behind House towards River) at 8am.

Community Yoga

Discover an inspiring new photography exhibition at Furness Abbey, created by students and artists who explored the supernatural side of two iconic English Heritage sites.

Through workshops led by artist Sarah Sparkes and experts in Gothic and historical studies, students from Furness College and Newcastle College captured the eerie beauty of Furness Abbey and Lanercost Priory.

Now, their haunting, atmospheric photographs are on display within the abbey’s ancient ruins. Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, this exhibition highlights the creativity sparked by history and the supernatural.

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Photo above taken by Libby F, Furness College

Revenants And Remains At Furness Abbey

Join us for an exciting opportunity to discover Exeter's fascinating history. On this tour, you will hear stories from the city's past, from the 14th to the 17th centuries, uncovering tales of siege, plague and pestilence, as well as 'the house that moved'.

We will start with a tour of Exeter's Underground Passages and then stop for lunch at Eat On The Green. We will then continue on to a Red Coat tour around the city centre and Exeter's Historic Quayside. We will finish with an opportunity to explore the Custom House, where light refreshments will be served.

Please note that unfortunately the tour is not suitable for those with poor mobility due to the uneven terrain, narrow walkways and limited places to rest throughout the tour. The Passages are also constricted and low in places and are not suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia. For this reason, this event is graded as challenging access.

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Members' Event:

Guided forest bathing walks are a great way to look after your physical and mental well-being. Scientific studies have shown that forest bathing can help reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system, improve concentration and support anxiety and depression.

During your guided forest bathing walk with Deep in Nature you will be led on a slow-paced and gentle walk through our woodland landscape and invited to try various activities designed to help relaxation and to boost your mental and physical health.

You will leave the walk with tips and activities to practice on your own.  No prior experience or fitness is necessary.  

Adult walks are open to those aged 16+. We regret that we cannot welcome dogs on the forest bathing walks except for assistance animals.  Please note that admission charges apply for non-members. 

Wednesday 29 January 2025, 10:30

Saturday 22 February 2025, 10:30

Saturday 22 March 2025, 10:30

Wednesday 23 April 2025, 10:30

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Wrest Park Forest Bathing

Join Christina Pascoe, English Heritage's National Venue Hire Manager, for a peek behind the scenes at film projects at Castle Acre Priory.

From The Tomb Of Ligeia to The Sandman, learn why English Heritage allows these projects to take place, the challenges they pose and the measures taken to protect the building and its artefacts in order to allow our fantastic heritage to appear on screen.

This talk is graded as easy access athough it will require navigating stairs.

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In May 1312, King Edward II and his favourite Piers Gaveston parted for the final time at Scarborough Castle. Chroniclers, poets and dramatists would soon develop their narrative into a tragic love story. But how did Edward II get his queer reputation? Join Dr Kit Heyam, author of The Reputation of Edward II, to uncover the life and afterlives of Edward and Gaveston at Scarborough and beyond.

This event is graded as moderate access due to uneven terrain.

Go deep underground at Dover Castle and discover the Dumpy level on a special guided tunnel tour.

In the early 1960s the government selected Dover Castle as one of 12 Regional Seats of Government, to be occupied in the event of nuclear war. The heart of this was in Dumpy level and the tour presents an ideal opportunity to view the tunnels as they were when the Government abandoned them in the late 1980s.

Please note the tour is not suitable for under 18s. The tunnels contain uneven surfaces and some trip hazards – please wear appropriate shoes.

During a fire evacuation or other emergency, the lift to Dumpy cannot be used. In this case, visitors would need to climb 80 steps unaided to leave the tunnels. Unfortunately, it is not possible to accept bookings from visitors unable to climb these 80 steps unaided.

The tour is not recommended for anyone with chronic asthma, serious respiratory problems or a fear of enclosed spaces. You will be asked to sign a form to accept these recommendations and restrictions before the tour.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the time of the tour. You will also need a valid Dover Castle ticket in order to join the tour.

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Dumpy Level Tunnel Tour

Gain a rare insight into the famous World Heritage Site with an exclusive tour around the monument led by one of English Heritage’s experts. Learn all about the stones and discover the fascinating details on the sarsens and bluestones that are only visible up close.

This event will include exclusive early-morning access to the stone circle accompanied by our expert and a light breakfast served after.

Please note this event is graded as moderate access as it will involve some walking with limited places to rest, and uneven terrain.

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Join us for unprecedented access to the War & Peace Collection as Rex Cadman and his team give you a tour of the Second World War vehicles, weapons and equipment that they restore and maintain, some of which are used at English Heritage events at Dover Castle and Wrest Park.

During the event you will see unique vehicles that have taken a lifetime to collect, including the AEC Command Vehicle - the only one of its kind in the world - along with seeing and handling the historic firearms they have in store.

Due to the value of the collection and the need for discretion, the exact location will be revealed in the booking confirmation and photography will not be allowed during the event.

This event is graded as moderate access as some parts of the tour require climbing stairs. Refreshments will be provided as part of the event in the form of a buffet lunch.

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The siege of Kenilworth Castle in 1266 was one of the longest in English medieval history, as a party of rebel barons held out against the forces of Henry III and his son Prince Edward for nearly six months. In an entertaining talk, Julian Humphrys will talk about how medieval castles were attacked and defended before leading us around the castle and giving a blow-by-blow account of the siege itself.

This event is graded as moderate access, as parts of the tour will involve walking on uneven terrain and navigating several stairs.

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Experience the story behind one of 18th century London’s most beautiful residences with a tour around Marble Hill House. Gain an appreciation for the life of the magnetic founder of Marble Hill, Henrietta Howard, and discover a special insight into these extraordinary premises.

Book online and meet outside the front of the main house at 12:00 to start this fabulous tour.

Tickets Coming Soon!

Wed 15th Jan

Wed 12th Feb

House Highlight Tour

Join characters from the past for heritage-inspired hijinks and hands-on shenanigans at Dover Castle this half term.

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The price you’ll pay depends on the day you want to visit. Find out more about our pricing.

Half Term History Makers At Dover Castle

Join us in the exhibition space and learn how to use archaeological evidence to reveal what people might have looked like thousands of years ago, and even have a go at reconstruction yourself.

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Half Term History Makers At Stonehenge

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. 

Half Term History Makers At Wrest Park

English Heritage

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