May Family fun at English Heritage
Join us for an action-packed May at English Heritage. Watch on the big screen history being made as Charles is crowned King, then continue the coronation celebrations throughout half term at our castles, forts and country houses. Enjoy fun family events across both May bank holidays; from seeing the falcons soar above Whitby Abbey, and taking part in a grand medieval day out at Kenilworth Castle to travelling to the 1940s for the celebrated WWII Weekend at Dover Castle.
Coronation Weekend
Sat 6 May – Mon 8 May
Three English Heritage sites:
- Osborne, Isle of Wight
- Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire
- Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, South Yorkshire
Free entry for all to the above coronation screening sites on Saturday 6 May
Watch this once-in-a-generation event live on the big screen at one of three English Heritage sites. As the coronation of King Charles III airs, the livestream will be projected for all to see, followed by family-friendly movies throughout the rest of the weekend. Where better to see royal history made than from Osborne, the former home of Queen Victoria, the Elizabethan favourite, historic Kenilworth Castle, or the grandeur of Brodsworth Hall?
More information on the fun family day out can be found at https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/coronation2023/
EARLY MAY BANK HOLIDAY
Gothic Falconry
Sat 29 April – Mon 1 May
Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
Included in standard admission price – £12.50 adult | £11 concession | £7.50 child | £20 family (one adult) | £32.50 family (two adults)
Watch fierce falcons soar overhead as talented falconers tell gothic tales at Whitby Abbey this bank holiday weekend. As they explain the contrasts of the natural world through the eyes of the Victorians, explore the Gothic Revival period as myth and legend are pitted against science and fact.
Swing into Spring
Sun 30 April– Mon 1 May
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, South Yorkshire
Included in standard admission price – £16 adult | £14 concession | £9.50 child | £25.50 family (one adult) | £41.50 family (two adults)
Yorkshire’s finest swing bands are returning to Brodsworth Hall this spring to provide the perfect way to spend a relaxed afternoon. Bring deck chairs and a picnic blanket to listen to the performance against the stunning backdrop of Brodsworth Hall.
WWII Weekend at Audley End House & Gardens
Sun 30 April – Mon 1 May
Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
£26.50 adult | £23.20 concession | £16 child | £42.50 family (one adult) | £69 family (two adults)
Become immersed in life during wartime Britain as part of this action-packed bank holiday weekend; from training like a soldier and watching battle re-enactments, to putting on your dancing shoes for 1940s music and digging for victory.
A Grand Medieval Day Out at Kenilworth Castle
Sun 30 April – Mon 1 May
Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire
£16 adult | £14 concession | £9.50 child | £25.50 family (one adult) | £41.50 family (two adults)
During the Early May Bank Holiday, step back in time to medieval England to meet those who lived during the castle’s prime. Learn about medieval life through characters from centuries past and hear their tales from long ago.
LATE MAY BANK HOLIDAY AND HALF TERM
Kids Rule!
Selected dates between Sat 27 May – Sun 4 June
More than 20 English Heritage sites across the country, including:
- Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire
- 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex
- Dover Castle, Kent
- Boscobel House & the Royal Oak, Shropshire
- Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight
- Chesters Roman Fort and Museum – Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
- Witley Court and Gardens, Worcestershire
Included in standard admission price. Admission prices vary by site – see https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/
Get ready for a right royal knees-up at English Heritage’s Kids Rule events this May half term. Head on over to your favourite castle or stately home to continue the coronation celebrations, with hands-on activities and family fun.
Pirates! At Whitby Abbey
Sat 27- Mon 29 May
Whitby Abbey,
£17.50 adult | £15.70 concession | £10.50 child | £28 family (one adult) | £45.50 family (two adults)
Ahoy, me hearties! This weekend will see famous pirates fighting at close quarters and telling tales of booty, bounty and barnacles. With pirate-themed family fun including shows, demonstrations and hands-on activities, there’ll be plenty to get involved with - whether you’re a scallywag, a salty sea dog or a lily-livered landlubber.
WWII Weekend at Dover Castle
Sat 27 – Mon 29 May
Dover Castle, Kent
£32.50 adult | £29.20 concession | £20 child | £52.50 family (one adult) | £85 family (two adults)
Embrace the atmosphere and action of the 1940s as our celebrated WWII Weekend returns to Dover Castle. Witness an action-packed battle between the allied and German forces featuring pyrotechnics and real-life vintage army vehicles. Experience life on the Home Front and get a victory roll hairdo at our 1940s beauty parlour, or relive the blitz spirit whilst the kids try our Sergeant's infamous assault course.
The Big LEGO® Brick Build at Stonehenge
Sat 27 May – Sun 4 June
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Included in standard admission price. Admission prices vary by day – please see https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/lego-brick-build-stonehenge/
LEGO® experts needed! Take part in building our replica Stonehenge with LEGO® bricks alongside our artists, Kevin and Emily. After adding to our giant brick sculpture make a visit the real Stonehenge to see how it compares, or browse our exhibitions at the visitor centre.
Medieval Life at Stokesay Castle
Sun 28 – Mon 29 May
Stokesay Castle, Shropshire
£12.50 adult | £11 concession | £7.50 child | £20 family (one adult) | £32.50 family (two adults)
This May visitors can meet medieval characters at Stokesay Castle and learn what life was like centuries ago. Hear their historic stories, or step back in time to take part in the many medieval activities available to get involved in.
Victoria’s Family Day Out
Tues 30 May – Thurs 1 June
Osborne, Isle of Wight
£28.50 adult | £25.30 concession | £17.50 child | £46 family (one adult) | £74.50 family (two adults)
There’s nowhere better to experience coronation celebrations than at Osborne, the palatial seaside home of Queen Victoria on the Isle of Wight. Join Victoria and her beloved Albert and get involved in hands-on activities and marvel at splendid sideshows – including everyone’s favourite slapstick spectacular, Punch and Judy. Plus, don’t miss out on the traditional seaside fairground rides, including swing boats and a helter-skelter.
Knights’ Tournament at Pendennis Castle
Tues 30 May – Thurs 1 June
Pendennis Castle, Cornwall
£18.50 adult | £16.30 concession | £11 child | £29.50 family (one adult) | £48 family (two adults)
Immerse yourself in medieval life at Pendennis Castle. Learn from characters about weapon repairs and cooking in the historic encampment, before watching knights clash with swords and shields as they compete in an intense show of strength and skill. Pick a side and cheer them on – but remember, only one will emerge victorious in the Grand Melee finale.
For full English Heritage event details please visit https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/
