Top 5 Things To Do in August
This August, our extraordinary summer continues!
Don’t just dream of great days out – bring your imagination to life with inspiring places and allow yourself to be transported back in time with our summer of spectacular events. Get the best value from your summer and preserve history for future generations by becoming a Member and enjoying unlimited access to over 400 sites.
1. Experience an action-packed summer of events
Come face-to-face with history at one of our blockbuster historical events. Witness live-action clashes of brave Roman soldiers, gallant medieval knights, and swashbuckling pirates who sailed the English seas. Travel to medieval England to meet characters from the past and hear tales from centuries ago while taking part in a variety of hands-on activities. You could even experience our exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill as four legendary knights compete for honour and glory in the Grand Medieval Joust.
It's a summer of legends with something for everyone at our historic sites around the country.
Find out more2. Plan extraordinary days out
Make the most of your summer with our list of 21 unforgettable things to do.
Stand guard at a Roman fort, take in incredible views across England or discover Queen Victoria’s private beach. Whether you’re looking for an adventure, a stroll, a vista, a visit to an art collection or a day at the seaside, we have lots to offer all summer.
Read our article to find out the best places to let your imagination take you on a journey of discovery this summer.
Find out more3. Embark on legendary adventures
This summer seek out adventure at England's historic places.
We’ve chosen six of the best experiences on offer to help you decide how to spend your summer — one a week throughout the summer holiday. Whether it’s conquering castles and exploring secret war tunnels or coming face-to-face with a Roman encampment.
As an English Heritage Member you can delve far deeper into our history. Join before 31 August from £51.75* to get unlimited access to the places where history really happened. You also get free entry for up to six children and, until the end of the month, Members’ kids can eat free at 30 of our cafes across the country.
Find out more4. Enjoy a holiday in history
Plan a weekend away or a short break in England with our regional travel guides. They're packed with ideas of historic sites to visit, things to see and do, places to stay and practical advice for getting around.
Our detailed walking and cycling guides make for a terrific day out that takes in multiple sites at once, and for long road trips we have a list of scenic stops that are an excellent alternative to motorway service stations.
For last-minute weekend breaks or a mid-week adventure, discover savings on our holiday cottages and wake up in the heart of history.
Find out more5. 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.
You can also check the individual property pages of the sites you'd like to visit for the most up-to-date information.
Find out moreThe month in history
- The bacteriologist Sir Alexander Fleming was born on 6 August 1881. Best known for discovering penicillin, the Scottish scientist moved to London to study and lived at 20a Danvers Street in Chelsea, where he is commemorated by a blue plaque.
- Dame Helen Gwynne-Vaughan died on the 26 August 1967 aged 88. She was a prominent English botanist and is recognised for her significant contributions to military and public service. Her London home for almost 50 years is marked by a blue plaque.
- Richard III was defeated by Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth Field on 22 August 1485. This marked an end to the Wars of the Roses.
- Painter Thomas Gainsborough died on 2 August 1788. His portrait of Mary, Countess Howe can be seen at Kenwood, alongside famous works by Vermeer, Rembrandt and Reynolds.
More to Explore
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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.
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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.
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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 £53 a year.
