With the Easter holidays here, now is the time when we can all get out and enjoy the great outdoors.
With spring sunshine (hopefully!) shining, English Heritage has sites across England to enjoy this Easter break…and you could save with our offer 25 per cent off gift and annual memberships too!
If you want to inspire your children, the charity has put together a list of things to do before you become an official teenager!
These can be ticked off at home, at an English Heritage site close to home, or while you’re discovering new places on your holidays around England.
1. Conquer a castle!
Time to look out over your realm! With stunning views from the tops of English Heritage castles all over the country, this is your sign to get up there and take a good look.
2. Learn to draw a historical figure
Do you love art? Learn to draw some famous historical faces with the help from these tutorials from Kids Rule! Illustrator Wesley Robbins.
3. Make a Roman mosaic
The Romans decorated their homes with mosaics made up of small tiles called tesserae. English Heritage has tips for how to make your own on its website.
4. Design your own heraldry
Knights used coats of arms to represent themselves. But how did they work? Discover the secrets of heraldry and how to create your own.
5. Cook a history-inspired recipe
Do you want to try a medieval castle-themed pie, a Roman burger, or Victorian biscuits? There’s the chance to make a taste of history with one of the recipes which are fun for all and have some interesting facts to learn too.
6. Discover a local myth or legend
Lots of myths and legends are linked to places. In the past, people told stories to help them to make sense of things, such as strange features in the landscape, that they couldn’t explain. Many of the prehistoric sites around England have stories about magic, itches and wizards associated with them. Why not investigate the local stories in your area? If you love stories then you could make up your own mythical character like giants and witches, or creatures like dragons and unicorns, or both!
7. Look out to sea!
English Heritage looks after lots of castles by the sea. Make sure to find a good lookout point and see what you can spot!
8. Go on a bug hunt
There’s a tiny world of fascinating creatures to be discovered. Pack your magnifying glass, English Heritage’s spotter’s guide to minibeasts and a pencil to tick them off. Find the guide on the website.
9. Enjoy a picnic outdoors
Enjoy the great outdoors with a picnic outside – in a castle courtyard, a grand garden, or at the beach. You can make it special with your favourite foods and some games packed in your basket. Don’t forget the blanket!
10. Build a sandcastle
There are sandcastles, and then there are sandcastles. Everyone loves building a sandcastle and don’t forget to tag your creations on social media @englishheritage
11. Go bird spotting
Spend a mindful day spotting some of the wild birds which call English Heritage sites their home. You can get a handy spotter’s guide on the website.
12. Take a selfie with the stones!
If you’re heading to Stonehenge or are passing by on your travels, don’t forget to take a photo with your family and friends at this iconic site.
13. King or queen for the day!
Ever wondered what it’s like to sit on a throne? At Dover Castle in Kent, you can find out. Sit on a replica medieval throne and crown yourself king or queen of the castle.
14. Jump in puddles
Rain isn’t a problem, it’s an opportunity! There are few things more fun than jumping in the biggest puddles you can find. So next time it rains, grab your wellies and start splashing!
15. Play hide and seek at an abbey
With pillars and crumbling walls, abbey ruins are a perfect place for hide and seek! You can find your nearest on the English Heritage website.
16. Experiment like Darwin
Conduct your own investigations with our at-home Darwin inspired experiment ideas. You can also visit his former home at Down House in Kent to truly walk in his footsteps!
17. Make your own pet dragon
Have you always wanted your own pet dragon. English Heritage can help you create either a clay dragon or a felt one…find the tutorials for this craft challenge.
18. Send a postcard
Did you know that in Britain, people have been sending postcards for 155 years? Before the invention of the internet and social media, people sent postcards home from their travels to tell family and friends about the places they visited. Why not send one from a day out to a friend or loved one?
19. Play a real Viking game
Hnefatafl (pronounced ‘neva tapl’) means ‘The King’s Table’ in Old Norse and is a game of tactics and skill. Archaeological evidence for this Viking board game has been found in warrior burials, at religious sites and even in boat burials. You can play too, using our handy templates to make your own Hnefatafl set. Further details on the website.
20. Look inside a prehistoric house
Where did people live in prehistory? At Stonehenge and Beeston Castle you can go inside a replica roundhouse to see for yourself? Check out the website for demonstrations taking place at the venues.
To see the list and to find out more visit english-heritage.org.uk
We’ve teamed up with English Heritage to offer 25 per cent off gift and annual memberships which make for a great day out in the school holidays.
What’s more English Heritage membership allows every member to take up to six children under the age of 18 within the family group into any of the English Heritage properties at no extra charge.
Want to find out more? Simply click here!
Use code NEWSQ25 at the checkout.
Offer ends: December 31, 2025.
T&C’s: For use on new membership purchases only. Annual direct debit only.
