Inspire Me

We’ve handpicked our favourite articles, events and stories to inspire your next day out.

Find out what's new in our historic gardens, flick through the latest travel guides and read about seasonal scenic walks. Your next adventure starts here...

Discover what's on at our historic sites across the county.

The sunset at Stonehenge stone circle on the winter solstice.

What is the Winter Solstice?

The stones of Stonehenge have silently marked the winter solstice for thousands of years.

 

Find out what the winter solstice is and why prehistoric people might have built this extraordinary monument.

 

Book your visit to Stonehenge for the 2025 Winter Solstice on Sunday 21 December.

Learn more about the Winter Solstice

The Origins of Christmas Carols

Nothing quite says Christmas like the enthusiastic rendition of a seasonal carol or two. But where do carols come from, how did they become so popular – and why are some carols not actually carols at all?

 


We reveal the secret history of these festive favourites.

Read more about the history of Christmas carols
Father Christmas talks to a group of young children next to a Christmas tree in the gatehouse at Kenilworth Castle.

The History of Father Christmas

From festive folklore, winter traditions and very merry myths, explore the making of a festive icon.

Read more about the history of Father Christmas
Three women in historical clothing are cooking in a traditional kitchen at Audley End House.

What's in a traditional Christmas Dinner?

When Queen Victoria and her courtiers sat down to dinner at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight on Christmas Day in 1895, the menu included lots of things that most of us would include on a Christmas table today.

 

Food historian Sam Bilton explores what makes up a traditional Christmas dinner and how tastes have changed over the centuries.

Read about the history of Christmas dinner
Two children talk to Father Christmas in front of a Christmas tree

Celebrate Christmas at our historic sites

Make this Christmas unforgettable with festive markets, twinkling light trails, and Christmas carols at our historic sites across the country.

Find Christmas events near you

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? 

In the English Heritage podcast, comedian and writer Amy Matthews brings you entertaining tales from unexpected places. Each week, we begin with a mystery item and with the help of English Heritage experts and special guests, Amy explores what our past can tell us about our present and perhaps our future.

Listen now

Get cozy this winter

Put on your headphones and relax to the ambient sights and sounds from a selection of our historic sites across the country, or cozy up by a historic fireplace.

  • BRODSWORTH HALL AND GARDENS

  • PENDENNIS CASTLE

  • WITLEY COURT AND GARDENS

History for Kids

Are you ready to go back – way back – in time to learn all about England’s history? Discover what life was like in the past through fun facts, illustrated stories, games, crafts and more.