Two English Heritage members plan their visit from a bench amid historic gardens

Inspire Me

September 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 sitting on her father's shoulders looks towards Dover Castle

Top 5 Things to do in September

This September, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help inspire your visits.

Enjoy a host of showstopping events, find inspiration for memorable family days out and uncover places that have inspired iconic English literature. 

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A group of reenactors depicting Saxon warriors gather around the fighting man of Wessex banner

The Battle of Hastings

The famous Battle of Hastings reenactment returns to Battle Abbey this October. Witness warriors clash and mud fly as over 300 re-enactors bring the battle to life on the very spot where it was fought in 1066.

Book online and save 15%

Were you born in the wrong era?

Are you Roman, Tudor, Victorian or medieval? Take our fun quiz to find your perfect era. Then check out the suggestions below to find the English Heritage places where you'll feel perfectly at home.

Culture

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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Characters from the TV show Bridgerton.

The History behind Bridgerton

Bridgerton has undoubtedly brought a sense of renewed interest to the Georgian period. An era of great social, political and cultural change, but was it anything like the regency world that Netflix has created?

 

Find out all you need to know about Georgian society that continues to inspire the world of Bridgerton.

© Netflix Inc, 2024

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Swing boats at a traditional fair.

All the fun of the fair

Whether visiting a travelling funfair or enjoying a trip to an amusement park, we all love the bright lights and the thrill of fairground rides.

 

Historian Dr Allan Brodie traces their story from the humble swing to today's death-defying rides. And follows this national love affair from the fairs of the Middle Ages to the modern theme park.

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How to Make Splits and Scones — The Victorian Way

Today, Mrs Crocombe is making a classic teatime delicacy: scones to go with jam and cream. She's also preparing Devonshire Splits, a lesser-known dessert from the county of Devon where Mrs Crocombe herself was born.

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