Things to Do

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN MARCH

This March, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help you to step into history.

Learn about the achievements of pioneering women, explore our sites from the air or plan a Mother’s Day adventure. Read on to discover fascinating people, must-see places and captivating videos.

1. Have a Mother’s Day adventure

This Mother’s Day, do something special and enjoy a family day out in some of the most beautiful surroundings and spectacular historical buildings England has to offer. Explore our historic gardens and enjoy delicious cake in one of our superb tearooms.

Try our list of hidden gems, for a memorable day out: an excellent example is Kirby Hall in Northamptonshire, one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th century houses, now semi-ruined yet retaining its rich and unique decoration. Another favourite is the beautiful sensory garden at Barnard Castle, a 12th century fortress in County Durham with fantastic views over the Tees Gorge.

Alternatively, our range of unique Mother’s Day gifts are sure to make your mum smile.

Plan your visit

2. Plan your Easter holidays

With Easter fast approaching (at the end of March) get ahead of the crowd and plan unforgettable days out for the whole family. For inspiration, check out our spotlight on the places we love and spend Easter discovering your next favourite historic location.

Our Easter Adventure Quests will also be returning to over 30 sites across the country. Gather your family to hunt for clues around the sites, track down the Easter eggs and get rewarded with a tasty chocolate treat. If construction is more your thing, why not come along to one of our LEGO® Brick Build events happening at several of our biggest sites.

Find out more

3. Celebrate Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month, an international month of highlighting and honouring the vital role of women in history. Join in the celebration by finding out more about the ground-breaking achievements of our nation's remarkable women.

Our blue plaques scheme commemorates the lives and achievements of many influential figures. This March we focus on the remarkable women behind some of our blue plaques and follow in the footsteps of outstanding women who made history, from pioneers of nursing to the gifted mathematician thought to be the world’s first computer programmer.

Visit our Women in History pages to learn more about these remarkable, trail-blazing women who helped shape our nation’s story.

Find out more

4. Explore our sites from the air

Why not use our stunning ‘postcards’ to help plan your next visit? These videos use drone technology to add a whole new perspective of our captivating sites and gardens.

Access the landscape in a way our ancestors could only dream of and view the tranquil secluded ruins of Lindisfarne Priory. Watch a striking sunset over coastal Pendennis Castle or gaze at the captivating gardens of Brodsworth Hall. Contrast the grand extravagance of Witley Court and Gardens with the imposing military might of Dover Castle.

Use this video series to obtain an extraordinary bird’s eye view of the properties in our care – whilst relaxing at home!

Watch on YouTube

5. Enjoy National Lottery Open Week

We are taking part in The National Lottery Open Week between the 9th and 17th March, to say a huge thank you to National Lottery players everywhere for their support. Several of our sites have been lucky enough to receive funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund which has enabled exciting and transformative projects for the sites and their local communities. During National Lottery week we will be hosting free behind-the-scenes tours which showcase the vital work that has been undertaken. Places will be limited and need to be pre-booked by the 5 March. Read our terms and conditions to find out more and book your spot.

Then on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March 2024 we will be inviting National Lottery players for free entry to select sites which have received funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Simply bring your National Lottery ticket or scratchcard to any of these sites to get free entry for 1 adult and up to 2 children. No pre-booking is needed.

Find out more

The Month In History

  • The first International Women’s Day occurred on 19 March 1911 and was especially celebrated in Austria and Germany. In 1913, the date was moved to 8 March. Rallies were held across Europe on 8 March 1914, including in London where Sylvia Pankhurst was arrested on her way to speak in Trafalgar Square.
  • Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh was born on 30 March 1853. He spent time in Stockwell in South West London in the 1870s, and today a blue plaque commemorates his stay.
  • The Scottish-born inventor, Alexander Graham Bell, was born on 3 March 1847. Bell invented the telephone, which he demonstrated to Queen Victoria at her island holiday home, Osborne, on the Isle of Wight, in 1878. The Queen immediately asked to purchase two of the devices to keep at Osborne.
  • The first international rugby football match, played between England and Scotland, was held in Edinburgh at Raeburn Place on 27 March 1871. England's love of sport has a rich history. Find out more in our article, Heroes and Highlights of Sports History in England.
  • Alfred Hitchcock’s film Psycho premiered on 16 March 1960. The film is considered definitive of the psychological horror genre, and the director is commemorated with a blue plaque at his South Kensington home.

More to Explore

  • Inspire Me

    Our historic sites offer something for everyone. Here we have gathered some of our favourite features, events and things to do to inspire your next visit.

  • THE ENGLISH HERITAGE PODCAST

    Join presenter Charles Rowe as we bring the history of our sites to life with news, views and expert interviews across over 150 episodes.

  • Become a member today

    Enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of historical places with an annual membership. Plus there's free entry for up to six children. Memberships start from £42 a year.