As the evenings draw in, English Heritage comes alive

Don’t get disheartened by the lack of sun, English Heritage is offering plenty of Autumnal fun! With the autumn leaves starting to fall and the cold nights drawing in, English Heritage is bringing some Autumnal cheer with two contrasting events.

Wrap up warm and enjoy an enchanted evening exploring the magical gardens of Brodsworth Hall or experience an exhilarating medieval battle as 200 soldiers clash in English Heritage’s annual re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings!

Enchanted Garden
Brodsworth Hall, South Yorkshire
Fri 19 - Sun 28 Oct, 6.30pm -9pm

Visitors to Brodsworth Hall & Gardens, near Doncaster, this October will have the chance to see the Victorian splendour in a whole new light, as English Heritage opens the site after dark for a son-et-lumiere spectacular, the Enchanted Garden.

From Friday 19 October to Sunday 28 October, the grounds of Brodsworth Hall will reopen after dark, with fantastic lighting effects highlighting the exterior of the hall itself, as well as the restored Victorian gardens in an evening extravaganza that promises excitement around every corner. Through the clever use of static and moving light, key features of the garden are illuminated to take visitors on a journey of discovery around the grounds – making this normally beautiful garden seem positively enchanting.

The Enchanted Garden was first introduced in 2006 and the trail has been extended this year to include Whispering Woods, a section at the end of the walk where visitors will feel as though they are being watched by fairy folk, just catching brief snippets of their whispers are they dart around the dark trees.

Prices: Adults £5.50/Concessions £4.50/Children £3.50
English Heritage Members: Adult £4.50/Concessions £3.50/Children £2.50

The Battle of Hastings
1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex
Sat 13 Oct – Sun 14 Oct, 10am - 4pm

Finding an event that will entertain the whole family can often end up in a family war, but have no fear, sometimes just the thing you need is a battle - the Battle of Hastings to be precise! On Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 October visitors to Battle Abbey can experience the adrenaline and atmosphere of our annual 1066 Battle of Hastings re-enactment on the original battlefield.

Soak up Saxon life as you walk through the living history encampments and authentic medieval market with its displays of unusual wares. Marvel at the skill of medieval falconry, enjoy music from the time and discover how to make chain mail. There’s even an entertaining look at the Bayeux tapestry, involving a washing line and puppets!

New for 2007, each day children can put into practice all the skills they learnt at the Battle Boot Camp this summer in a fun, mock kiddie battle.

Prices: Adults £8/Concessions £6/ Children £4/Family £20/
English Heritage Members: Adult: £1.70/ Concessions £1.30/ Child £0.80/ Family - £4.20

For a free diary of events visit English-heritage.org.uk/events.

English Heritage members get free or reduced-price entry to events, as well as free entry to over 400 unique historic sites. To join visit English-heritage.org.uk/membership.