Things to Do

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN APRIL

This April, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help inspire your visits.

Go on an egg-cellent adventure, enjoy weather-proof days out and discover the real life story behind England’s patron saint. Read on to discover fascinating history, unmissable events and captivating places.

1. Have an egg-cellent Easter

Embrace the Easter spirit and discover the origins of many English traditions. From hot cross buns to egg hunts, find out more with our article on the history of Easter.

Our exciting Easter Adventure Quests will be returning to many sites during the Easter holidays. Hunt for clues in the grounds, track down the hidden Easter eggs and get rewarded with a tasty chocolate treat. If building is more your thing, why not come along to one of our LEGO® Brick Build events.

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2. Become a member to enjoy exclusive events

Membership unlocks unlimited days out at over 400 amazing historic places. By joining now you’ll be able to take part in Members’ Week. Between 3 and 11 May, we will have exclusive free events across the country, virtual events to enjoy from home and fantastic prizes to win.

During the week members can enjoy a 20% discount in our shops and cafes. They will also be able to visit sites and bring along a non-member for free.

Bookings for events open at 9am on 1 April. Become a member and start planning which Members’ Week events to attend.

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3. Explore spring gardens

Every spring our gardens come to life with beautiful seasonal flowers. April is the ideal time to explore these stunning gardens. Enjoy delicate snowdrops, spring daffodils and vibrant blossoms at some of the best historic gardens England has to offer.

Our outdoor play areas are ideal for making the most of the warmer weather and for giving your little adventurers the chance to burn off their extra energy. Don’t forget to stop off at one of our top tearooms for a tasty treat!

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4. Enjoy weather-proof days out

April showers are upon us, but there’s no need to let the rain keep you stuck indoors. 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.

If you're looking for rainy day ideas, take a 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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5. 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.

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.

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The 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

  • 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.