History

Open Day

Kent

Canterbury

Every September, thousands of volunteers across England host events to celebrate the country’s rich history and culture as part of Heritage Open Days. It’s a unique opportunity to discover hidden places, enjoy new experiences, and explore remarkable sites – all completely free of charge.

Join us at St Augustine’s Abbey in Canterbury on Monday 15 September for our annual Heritage Open Day. Come and explore the site, learn about its fascinating history, and take part in this nationwide celebration of heritage.

FIND OUT MORE ON THE HERITAGE OPEN DAYS WEBSITE

Heritage Open Day At St Augustine's Abbey

Experience the power and glamour of John Singer Sargent’s portraits in Kenwood's new exhibition; Heiress: Sargent’s American Portraits.

Heiress: Sargent’s American Portraits will reveal the real stories behind the fascinating American women who crossed the Atlantic to marry British aristocrats in an exchange of money for titles. These women include a war-time nurse and the first sitting female MP.

Sargent was one of the most sought-after artists of the Gilded Age and was ‘the artist’ to depict these intriguing women. On the centenary of his death, the exhibition will be a salute to John Singer Sargent (1856-1925), the most admired and sought-after portraitist of the Gilded Age on both sides of the Atlantic. These portraits represent some of his most glamorous and powerful works. In addition to full-length oil paintings, masterful charcoal portraits will also feature, depicting their subjects in a candid and perceptive light.

Heiress: Sargent’s American Portraits is curated by English Heritage with the charity drawing upon the expertise of Richard Ormond CBE. The renowned Sargent scholar and the artist’s great-nephew is the exhibition’s consultant.

Book online and save 15%.

Heiress:

On 9 July 1575 Elizabeth I rode down the Tiltyard at Kenilworth Castle and began her 19-day visit. Join our guide for a special tour around the castle, including the once magnificent state apartments, and symbolic gardens to commemorate the 450-year anniversary of the visit of one of England's most famous monarchs. A welcome drink and cake will be provided as part of this event.

This event is graded as moderate access as it will involve a walking tour with limited places to rest, and includes stairs which are steep in places and uneven terrain. This event takes place outside, so please wear suitable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather.

Members' Event:

Celebrate our partnership with Laithwaites and enjoy a 60-minute tutored wine tasting at Eltham Palace and Gardens. Savour a flight of superb wines – including English Heritage sparkling wine from Sussex – and discover the unique story behind each one. This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and splendour of our sites, glass in hand. All ticket proceeds go to English Heritage, who care for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites across England.

Over 18s only. Members can get 25% off the price for this event. Just enter the code EHTASTING at the checkout. You will need to take proof of a valid membership to the event, otherwise you will be asked to pay the remaining difference. 

BOOK TICKETS FOR THE WINE TASTING

Wine Tasting With Laithwaites - Eltham Palace And Gardens

Come to Marble Hill and learn about our trees and the work we've done in regard to trees across the park! Our wonderful guides will lead you around Marble Hill Park, showing you our wonderful collection of trees!

   Meet at the cafe at 1pm.

  This event runs every 2nd Friday of the Month.

Tree Tour At Marble Hill

Come join us at iconic Whitby Abbey for a night of electrifying beats and orchestral magic! The Dance Anthems Orchestra will have you grooving to your favourite dance tunes like never before. Get ready to dance the night away under the stars with friends and fellow music lovers. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!

This event (including booking) is managed by UKAC Productions. 

BOOK NOW

Dance Anthems Orchestra At Whitby Abbey

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

Join us for a special day of history at Reculver Towers, as local historian Dr David Wright shares insights from his ongoing research into the rich and complex history of the Reculver parish.

Dr Wright, an independent scholar and expert in Kent’s local heritage, is currently writing a comprehensive parish history of Reculver—one of the few places in England whose recorded past stretches back to the Roman fort of Regulbium and the Anglo-Saxon church founded in AD 669.

Drawing on years of study and a deep personal connection to the area, he will be on site on Sat 12 Jul to chat with visitors, answer questions, and offer fascinating context about the site's historical significance.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the stories behind this iconic coastal landmark, this is a unique opportunity to explore Reculver with someone who knows it intimately.

Also, you'll get the chance to meet our friendly volunteers, see the interior of the north tower, enjoy the sea air, and take in the dramatic ruins with fresh perspective.

Exploring Reculver’S Past With Dr David Wright

Since ancient times this stretch of the Thames has been instrumental to the success of London as a global city. It suffered terribly in the Second World War and has struggled to reinvent itself since. Join Nick Collinson for a walk along the Thames path, with wonderful views guaranteed whatever the weather. Hear stories of Scandinavians, royal falconry and the Pilgrim Fathers of America.

The access grading for this tour is moderate, as it involves walking for up to two hours with few places to stop and rest.

We are delighted to announce that the UK Proms Weekend will be returning to Whitby Abbey in 2025 as part of a UK wide tour of eight iconic historic locations. The 2025 tour will feature new set lists of the most loved classics from film and stage, a rousing finale of Last Night Of The Proms favourites, special guest host Rob Rinder and much else besides.

This event (including booking) is managed by UKAC Productions. 

BOOK NOW

Uk Proms Weekend At Whitby Abbey

Spend a lazy Sunday at Battle Abbey listening to live music.

Bring your chairs or blankets, grab a refreshing treat from our café, and enjoy a wonderful day of music.

Book early and save 15%.

Tickets will be on sale soon.

Sunday Music At Battle Abbey

Spend a lazy Sunday at Down House listening to live music.

Bring your chairs or blankets, grab a refreshing treat from our café, and enjoy a wonderful day of music.

Book early and save 15%.

Tickets will be on sale soon.

Sunday Music At Down House

Join Julian Humphrys of the Battlefields Trust on a guided walk around some attractive Hampshire countryside on the site of one of Parliament’s first major victories of the English Civil War. 

This event has been graded as challenging access as there will be plenty of walking with limited resting points and no seating. The battlefield walk covers a distance of around 5 miles (8km) and takes approximately 3 hours.

Soak up the sounds of summer as the grounds of Brodsworth Hall come alive with the music of traditional brass bands.

Enjoy performances from talented local bands from Yorkshire and Derbyshire, including historic colliery bands. Bring a picnic, relax on the lawn, and experience the rich heritage of brass band music in a stunning setting.

Book early and save 15%.

Tickets will be available soon.

Sunday 6th July - Harworth Brass

Sunday 13th July - Barnsley Concert Band

Sunday 20th July - Oughtibridge Brass Band

Sunday 27th July - Old Silkstone Band

Sunday 3rd August - Hallamshire Military Concert Band

Sunday 10th August - Yorkshire Volunteers Band

Sunday 17th August - Shepley Band

Sunday 24th August - Armthorpe Elmfield Band

Sunday 25th August - Miss Marina Mae

Brass Band Sundays At Brodsworth Hall

Spend a lazy weekend at Audley End House and Gardens listening to live music.

Bring your chairs or blankets, grab a refreshing treat from our café, and enjoy a wonderful day of music.

Join us on Sunday 6 July for performances by Space Choir, Reed Choir, and Juliette Fairhurst.

On Sunday 13 July come along for performances by Eva's Dream, Big Voice and Youth Band.

Sunday 20 July will see Buskerteers, Rock Choir and Somewhere 2 Sing perform.

And on Sunday 27 July we will be welcoming SWUKES, Imperial Men and Steve's Jazz.

Book early & save 15%.

Your admission price will depend on the day you want to visit. Find out more about our pricing.

Music At Audley End House And Gardens

Spend a lazy Sunday at Wrest Park listening to live music.

Bring your chairs or blankets, grab a refreshing treat from our café, and enjoy a wonderful day of music.

Book early and save 15%. Tickets available soon.

Sunday Music At Wrest Park

Spend a lazy Sunday at Eltham Palace and Gardens listening to live music.

Bring your chairs or blankets, grab a refreshing treat from our café, and enjoy a wonderful day of music.

Book early and save 15%. Tickets available soon.

Sunday Music At Eltham Palace And Gardens

Join us at Audley End House and Gardens for our monthly Pop-Up Markets, held on the second Sunday of each month from June through September. These special events take place in the historic dining parlour of the main house, offering a unique and atmospheric setting with stunning views across the gardens.

Discover a vibrant mix of local artisans, independent makers, and small businesses – all showcasing original, handcrafted goods and creative goods. These markets are the perfect addition to a full day out at Audley End.

Support the local economy and creative community, while enjoying everything Audley End has to offer – beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and now, a curated marketplace of exceptional local talent.

Upcoming Market Dates:

Sunday 13th July

Sunday 10th August

Sunday 14th September

Audley End House And Gardens Pop-Up Markets

Spend a lazy Sunday at Wrest Park listening to live music.

Bring your chairs or blankets, grab a refreshing treat from our café, and enjoy a wonderful day of music.

Sunday 6 July: TJ Johnson - Jazz, Blues, New Orleans & Country.

Sunday 13 July: Lee Gold - Jazz, Soul & Pop.

Sunday 20 July: Joy Ellis - Jazz, Soul & Pop.

Sunday 27 July: Corinna Piatti - Tango & Bossanova.

Book early and save 15%.

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. 

Heritage Open Day At St Augustine's Abbey

English Heritage

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