Top 5 Things To Do in June
This June, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help you step into history.
Celebrate the Summer Solstice, learn about LGBTQ+ historical figures and plan your summer holidays with English Heritage. Read on to discover fascinating people, must-see properties and captivating videos.
1. Make sense of history
We care for some of England’s finest historic gardens. These unique landscapes have been shaped by the people who owned, cared for and enjoyed them in the past. This summer, immerse yourself in sights, sounds and scents that have been enjoyed for hundreds of years.
Throughout June, we invite you to join us as we bring 12 of our gardens’ stories back to life through sensational gardener-led tours that focus on their sights, sounds and scents. Dates and times vary, so please check each individual property page for details.
Watch our video series to go behind the scenes at our historic gardens and find out more about the work of our expert garden teams.
Find out more2. Celebrate the Summer Solstice
At Stonehenge on the Summer Solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone in the north-east part of the horizon and its first rays shine into the heart of the stone circle. This year we once again bring the Solstice celebrations to you with a live-stream from the stones. On Wednesday 21 June you can marvel at the ancient wonder that is the Summer Solstice from the comfort of your home. The live-stream is free and easy to watch on our social media channels.
In preparation for the Solstice, why not learn more about the history and stories of this magnificent monument. Discover how Stonehenge was built and the importance of the solstice axis and the alignment of the stones.
Find out more3. Plan a historical summer holiday
With summer approaching and holidays to look forward to, start planning your summer getaway and take a look at our inspirational guides for the best holidays in historical locations that the UK has to offer. With suggested places to visit and detailed itineraries, you can plan your trip by location, or browse our website to find a completely new destination. If you fancy a trip with your four-legged friend in tow, check out our list of dog-friendly days out.
This summer is also the perfect time to visit one of our recently re-opened and enhanced sites, with Wroxeter Roman City, Richborough Roman Fort and Lindisfarne Priory all now featuring new interpretation and improved facilities.
Plan your holiday4. Learn about LGBTQ+ Historical Figures
As we celebrate Pride month in June, find out more about the lives of some of England’s LGBTQ+ people and their important place in the stories of English Heritage sites. From Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire’s romantic female friendships at Chiswick House, to the Eltham Palace transformation into an Art Deco masterpiece by John Seely and Paul Paget, partners both in life and business.
Watch our new video exploring the stories of Antinous and Sappho, two classical figures connected to the LGBTQ+ community, through objects from the Wernher Collection. This a world-class art collection held at Ranger’s House in London with 700 works of art including medieval sculptures, glittering enamels, ornate jewellery, paintings and tapestries.
Find out more5. Give the gift of membership this Father’s Day
This Father’s Day the past makes for a perfect present. Treat your dad to a year of fun-filled days out with an English Heritage membership. Our membership offers unlimited visits to over 400 historic places across the country, three Members' Magazines per year, our exclusive Members' Handbook, access to loads of exciting events and free entry to sites for up to six children. You can even personalise your Gift of Membership with a thoughtful message.
We also have several entertaining events happening over the Father’s Day weekend. Celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo with re-enactors at Apsley House, watch rival knights compete in a thrilling tournament at Bolsover Castle, and come face-to-face with Romans at Richborough. Alternatively, Brodsworth Hall offers a weekend full of classic cars, ranging from vintage vehicles to modern motors from the eighties and nineties.
Give the gift of membershipThe month in history
- The Battle of Waterloo was fought on Sunday 18 June 1815, where armies led by the Duke of Wellington and Gebhard von Blücher defeated Napoleon Bonaparte. A visit to the Duke’s London home of Apsley House lets visitors explore his personal life and his passion for art.
- Lindisfarne Monastery was brutally raided by Vikings on the 8 June 793. This attack was different from previous Viking raids because it took place in the sacred heart of the Northumbrian kingdom, where Cuthbert (d. 687) had been bishop.
- The SS Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury on the 22 June 1948 marking the start of post-war immigration from the Commonwealth.
- George Orwell, novelist and political essayist best remembered for his dystopian novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four, was born on 26 June 1903. He is commemorated with a blue plaque at 50 Lawford Road in Kentish Town, where he lived from August 1935 until January 1936.
- Alan Turing, pioneer of computer science was born on the 23 June 1912 at Warrington Crescent, now marked with a blue plaque. He was a leading cryptanalyst at Bletchley Park during the Second World War when he made his vital contribution to the deciphering of the German Enigma code.
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.
