What's On
Photo of two adults and a child looking at snow-covered Christmas trees in a room at Wrest Park

What's On

Feel great at our unmissable historic events taking place this winter.

Follow a dazzling light trail through the ruins of Illuminated Battle Abbey as lights and sounds carry you back to winter 1066.

If you're an English Heritage member, you've got exclusive access to a selection of Christmas-themed member events across the country.

And be sure to book your tickets to meet Father Christmas and receive a special gift to take home!

Members enjoy free or discounted entry to events - join today to unlock a whole year of great days out.

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ILLUMINATED BATTLE ABBEY

Step into history this festive season with an immersive trail of stunning lights, unique installations and awe-inspiring effects, all themed around 1066 and the epic Battle of Hastings.

Warm up with a hot chocolate or, for the grown-ups, grab a glass of mulled cider or wine!

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Meet Father Christmas

Father Christmas has planned a series of special stops at sites around the country, as he prepares for the big day. This December, gather around the Christmas tree as he shares a festive story, receive a special gift to take home and make merry memories to treasure.

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Festive Fun Weekends

Wrap up warm and fill your weekends with Christmas cheer at our Festive Fun events. There’ll be a host of jolly entertainment for the whole family, from storytelling to toymaking, carols to Christmas crafts and more. 

Weekends at selected sites from 30 November until 22 December 

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Christmas Quests

From 30 Nov – 22 Dec

Join best friends Ellie and Jack on a festive quest to uncover the magic of the season and its much-loved traditions. There are 12 stops to discover, each filled with Christmas stories, activities and exciting challenges.

Find a quest near you:

Immersive Christmas experiences

Enter a world of storytelling and make-believe, as our sites brim with Christmas spirit this season.

Traditional wreath-making workshops

Get creative this Christmas and make your very own wreath to take home. Our gardening team will guide you through classic designs, using festive foliage and sprigs from English Heritage's gardens. Everything you need to create a wreath is provided for you – including tasty winter warmers!

Christmas Carols

As the winter evening draws in, celebrate the season at our traditional carols evenings in stunning surroundings.

 

CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEAS

Indulge in a festive feast this Christmas with a delicious afternoon tea at:

Enjoy classic Christmas treats like smoked salmon blinis, sandwiches and an assortment of sweet treats, all paired with your choice of tea, coffee or prosecco. Little ones can also enjoy fun finger sandwiches, fresh fruit and cakes with a choice of milkshakes or juice. Make this a part of your family's Christmas - simply add an afternoon tea at the checkout.

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

MORE TO EXPLORE

  • Top 5 things to do in November

    This November, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help inspire your visits. Discover the fascinating true story behind Bonfire Night, enjoy memorable days out and get ahead with the Christmas shopping!

  • Things to do on a rainy day

    If you're looking for rainy-day ideas, we have plenty of historic places in which the family can hide, play and enjoy a great day out, whatever the weather may have in store.

  • Become a member

    As an English Heritage member you can delve far deeper into our history. Join today to get unlimited access to the spectacular places where history really happened.