A couple holding hands walk in the grounds of Audley End House

Inspire Me

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit our historic places and make the most of the great outdoors. We have gathered some of our favourite features, events and things to do to inspire your next visit.

Discover our historic gardens, travel guides, historic walks, Victorian recipes and fun activities for all the family. All the inspiration you need is right here.

A girl in Halloween costume explores castle ruins

Top 5 things to do this October

There's lots going on at our historic places. Get inspired for your days out with our top things to do this October.

Unwind in our historic gardens, escape rainy days in our cosiest places or plan a 'frightfully' good day out at our Halloween events. Whatever your perfect October day out looks like, we've got you covered.

Find out more
Image supporting the Million and More appeal - shows a conservator examining a collection object

Million and More Appeal

More than 85% of our collections are protected within stores across the country, that's more than a million historic objects. Every piece in our collections tells a story about England's past and helps us to understand our present. We care for these objects to safeguard the stories that define who we are and to ensure they last for future generations. 

We urgently need your help to protect these stories and stop them being lost forever. 

Donate today

Culture

A portrait of Henrietta Howard, owner of Marble Hill House

Face-to-face: English Heritage through portraits

Before the invention of photography, painted or sculpted portraits were the sole method of recording a person's likeness. For centuries, they've projected power, flattered, and demonstrated the qualities of their subjects.

 

Explore the history of portraiture at English Heritage properties in this new article by Emily Burns.

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A large pink rose blooming in the gardens of Wrest Park

Blooming marvellous: Roses through time

The significance of roses over the centuries has been as potent as their fragrant scent.

 

In this article, English Heritage's Landscape Advisor, Emily Parker gives a brief history of the rose garden in England; while Senior Properties Historian Dr Michael Carter explores the symbolism of the rose in English culture.

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Peregrine falcons roosting in the ruins of Ashby de la Zouche Castle

Bird Spotting at English Heritage sites

Many English Heritage sites are in amazing locations: on the coast, in ancient woodlands, and in Sites of Special Scientific Interest. As a result, you  can often find rare species thriving, including birds. 

 

Find out more with our practical guide to spotting common and rare birds at English Heritage sites throughout the year.

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A wild kestrel hovering outside Dover Castle

Where to spot Autumn Wildlife

Autumn's the perfect time of year for a walk around our historic sites: it's not too hot, not too cold and there's plenty of beautiful colour still around.

 

It's also a great time of year to see wildlife - from finches and fungi to trees and trails, what can you spot at our sites this autumn?

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How to Make Lady Betty's Delight — The Victorian Way

Autumn is upon us and Mrs Crocombe is turning her culinary hand to something suitable for the season: the beloved steamed pudding. This particular variety involves some exotic ingredients including coconut, nutmeg and bone marrow.

Relax your mind with videos from our sites

Put on your headphones and relax to the ambient sights and sounds from a selection of our historic sites across the country.

  • BRODSWORTH HALL AND GARDENS

  • PENDENNIS CASTLE

  • WITLEY COURT AND GARDENS

History for Kids

Image: Illustration of character with dragon and horse

Are you ready to go back - way back - in time to learn all about England’s history? Read our magazines and discover our online pages where you can explore each of the key periods, from the Stone Age right through to the Second World War.

Find out what life was like at the time through fun facts, illustrated stories, games and more. 

Explore our history for Kids

More to Explore