Top 5 Things To Do in October

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

Get ready for a ‘frightfully’ good Halloween, make the most of Autumn with our historic gardens and explore stories of black history. Read on to discover fascinating people, must-see places and captivating videos.

1. Unwind in autumnal gardens

Autumn is one of the best seasons to explore our historic gardens. Take in gorgeous views of castles and abbeys nestled in golden woodland, see country houses swathed in morning mist and wander through historic gardens ablaze with spectacular autumnal colour.

Read our list of top autumnal gardens to help inspire your next visit. These spaces are brought to life by their vibrant autumnal colour palette and we have several unusual seasonal features for you to spot.

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2. Plan a frightfully good day out

Find ghoulishly great-value days out this October at our sites.

Follow trails of clues on a Halloween quest and join storytellers for spooky woodland walks through the shadowy grounds of historic places. Over 16s can venture on eerie evening tours filled with chilling tales of the supernatural.

Get in the mood for Halloween by learning about its origins. Discover why we carve pumpkins and how trick-or-treating started.

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3. Marvel at illuminated ruins and a legendary re-enactment

As dusk falls this Halloween, join us for ghostly tales at the awe-inspiring ruins of Whitby Abbey. Time Will Tell theatre group will take you on a journey into a nightmare world of Victorian gothic in their new creation 'If these Stones could Talk'. Have your camera at the ready to capture the lights, and enjoy spook-tacular food and drink from our local vendors.

You can also experience the drama of England’s most iconic battle. On the very spot where King Harold and Duke William clashed in 1066, over 300 reenactors will bring the Battle of Hastings to life.

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4. Escape rainy days in our cosiest properties

With the recent abundance of wet weather, we have prepared a list of historic places in which the family can hide, play and enjoy a great day out - whatever the weather may have in store.

If you're looking for rainy day ideas, take at look at some of our favourite activities or check out the map of our rain-proof places.

Make sure to check the individual property pages of the sites you'd like to visit for the most up-to-date information.

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There are no known surviving images of James Chappell. This portrait of him was painted by Glory Samjolly as part of English Heritage’s 2021 ‘Painting our Past’ project, which invited contemporary artists to portray historical figures from the African diaspora.

5. Explore Stories of Black History

Black history is a vital part of England’s story, with evidence of African people in Roman Britain as far back as the 3rd century AD.

Discover the remarkable stories of black figures connected to our historic sites. From James Chappell's heroic rescue of the family who owned Kirby Hall. To Sarah Forbes Bonetta, who went from an orphan to being the protégée of Queen Victoria.

You can also listen to our podcast series on black history. Or learn about the blue plaques that honor pioneering black figures and their achievements.

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The Month in History

  • The Women’s Social and Political Union was founded on 10 October 1903, by Emmeline Pankhurst. Its members used tactics including civil disobedience to campaign for women’s rights, becoming known as suffragettes. A blue plaque marks the home of Emmeline and her daughter Dame Christabel Pankhurst.
  • King Harold, England’s last Anglo-Saxon king, was killed during the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066. The victory for William the Conqueror and his Norman army changed the course of English history.
  • On 11 October 1982 the ‘Mary Rose’, Henry VIII’s flagship, was raised. She sank off Portsmouth in 1545, and over 22,000 artefacts were recovered from the depths.
  • Harold Moody, physician and campaigner for racial equality, was born on the 8 October 1882. His home in Peckham is now the site of a blue plaque.

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.