TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN APRIL
This April, discover a range of ideas to inspire your spring days out, from seasonal Easter events and exclusive garden tours to dog-friendly places perfect for a spring walk.
Visit Brodsworth Hall and Gardens to experience a brand-new exhibition, and uncover the fascinating story of St George in time for St George's Day.
Read on for our top tips and make the most of the brighter days.
1. Have an egg-cellent Easter
Make your own history with us this Easter.
Take part in a rewarding adventure quest, join in with The Big Brick Build, or just enjoy a great-value family day out.
See what's on this Easter2. Enjoy an evening garden tour
Now the evenings are getting lighter, explore beautiful historic gardens at our sites, all in partnership with the National Garden Scheme.
Meet the gardening teams to learn more about how these spaces are carefully developed and maintained to reflect their rich histories.
See all Evening Garden Tours3. Have a dog-friendly day out
April is National Pet Month which is the perfect excuse to enjoy a day out with your four-legged companion.
Explore our castles, abbeys and historic gardens, with plenty of dog-friendly places to discover together.
Before you visit, check the individual site page for full details and guidance.
Find dog-friendly sites to visit4.Check out a new exhibition
Celebrate spring in bloom by exploring our newly opened exhibition A Season of Flowers at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens.
Step inside previous owner Sylvia Grant-Dalton's recreated garden room, meet the team who care for Brodsworth's gardens and enjoy a special floral display in the dining room.
Visit Brodsworth Hall and Gardens5. Celebrate St George's Day
You’ve undoubtedly heard the story of St George and his legendary battle against the dragon. But who was the man behind the myth? Read our article to discover the facts and the fiction behind England’s patron saint to get ready for St George's Day on Thursday 23 April.
We also have a variety of crafting materials to help your young adventurers celebrate St George’s day. Follow our ‘how to’ guides to make a cardboard sword and shield. Learn about heraldry and use our templates to design your own coat of arms. Don't forget to share your creations with us on X, Facebook and Instagram.
Learn more about St George's DayThe month in history
- Sir Robert Walpole became the first British Prime Minister on 3 April 1721. His former London address is marked by a joint blue plaque shared with this son Horace Walpole, a Man of Letters.
- Rosalind Franklin, a pioneer in the study of molecular structures (including DNA), died on 16 April 1958. A blue plaque marks Franklin's Chelsea home where she lived between 1951 and 1958.
- Writer Bram Stoker, who wrote the literary classic Count Dracula, died on 20 April 1912. The novel features Whitby Abbey and it was during a trip to Whitby in 1890 that Stoker found a name for his famous vampire.
- On 21 April 1509, a 17-year-old Henry VIII became King of England. Driven by fears of invasion by Catholic Europe, he went on to build more than 30 coastal forts between 1539 and 1547. These included Pendennis Castle in Cornwall and Walmer Castle in Kent.
More to explore
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Inspire Me
Spring is here and we’ve got lots of ideas to get you out and about.
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THE ENGLISH HERITAGE PODCAST
Every object has a story to tell - but how can one mystery item lead us on a journey through history, people and places? Amy Matthews explores tales from unexpected places.
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