Three cheers for St George
As England’s patron saint, St George is an iconic figure steeped in history and national pride with 23rd of April dedicated to him and all things English. If you are keen to prove your patriotism but just lack inspiration on how, then look no further.English Heritage has long been at the forefront of celebrations for St George’s Day and with a series of thrilling events at properties across the country, no budding dragon slayers (or their proud parents) need miss out.
Kick off events by cheering on St George while he fights the dastardly dragon at the St George’s Day Festival at Wrest Park (Bedfordshire) on 19th and 20th April, one of the biggest and most exciting St George’s extravaganzas in the country. If you just can’t wait until then, get a head start on everyone and build up your duelling skills in advance with five full days of family thrills and spills at the Children’s Festival at Dover Castle from 7th to 11th April.
Information about the origins of St George’s Day, the legend of St George and the many English Heritage events taking place across England is available at English-heritage.org.uk/stgeorgesday
SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAY
CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
Dover Castle, Kent
Monday 7 – Friday 11 April, 10am – 5pm
A week of fun and frolics for all the family. Children will love dressing up and performing in plays, clowning around in the circus skill workshops and getting active with have-a-go cross-bow, stage combat and duelling. Plus marvel at the side-shows, featuring death-defying skills including the bed of nails show and fire breathing. There’s plenty of fun for parents too, who can laugh at our jester or dance along with medieval music!
Prices: Adults £10.30/ Concessions £8.20/ Children £5.20/ Family Ticket £25.80
English Heritage Members: Free
ST GEORGE’S DAY
ST GEORGE’S DAY FESTIVAL
Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 April, 10am – 6pm
Join us for the biggest St George’s Day extravaganza in the country, with dramatic equestrian displays, falconry, children’s theatre and a historic craft market. Try traditional games, make mischief with our jugglers or visit the living history camps. Root for St George as he battles it out with the dastardly dragon at this fun filled family event.
Pre-booking recommended.
Prices: Adults £11.00/ Concessions £8.80/ Children £5.50/ Family Ticket £27.50
English Heritage Members: Adults £5.50/ Concessions £4.40/ Children £2.80/ Family Ticket £13.80
This event is supported by Wells Bombardier*
A VICTORIAN ST GEORGE’S WEEKEND
Scarborough Castle, Yorkshire
Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 April, from 11am
Make way for the grand pageant of St George in the presence of her majesty – Queen Victoria! Join the Redcoat soldiers and musicians as they celebrate St George’s Day with military drill, rifle firing and a pageant in his honour. Meet St George, mounted in shining armour as he faces a Saracen knight and the dragon in a play to entertain the Queen. An exciting range of children’s have-a-go activities and a series of Victorian music performances throughout the day, plus a chance to meet Queen Victoria, make this a thrilling day out for the whole family.
Prices: Adults £4.00/ Concessions £3.20/ £2.00/ Family Ticket £10.00
English Heritage Members: Free
This event is supported by Wells Bombardier*
ST GEORGE THE ROMAN
Housesteads Roman Fort, Northumberland
Saturday 19 April and Sunday 20 April, from 11am
Legend has it that the mysterious St George was a Roman soldier who stood up against his Emperor. You too can experience life as a Roman soldier with our Centurion who will teach you military drill and put you through your paces.
Prices: Adults £4.50/ Concessions £3.60/ Children £2.30
English Heritage Members: Free
A MEDIEVAL ST GEORGE’S DAY
Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Sunday 20 April, 11am – 4pm
Celebrate St George's Day with our medieval knights as they demonstrate skilled combat displays. Children can also take part in a 'kids’ drill' and hear traditional tales of St George.
Prices: Adults £7.00/ Concessions £5.60/ Children £3.50/ Family Ticket £17.50
English Heritage Members: Free
This event is supported by Wells Bombardier*
ST GEORGE’S DAY DRAGON TRAIL
Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 April, 11am – 5pm
Calling all dragon hunters! St George needs your help to find all the mini model dastardly dragons before they distress the damsels! Dragon-hunting skills will be rewarded with a fun sticker.
Prices: Adults £5.00/ Concessions £3.80/ Children £2.50/ Family Ticket £12.50
English Heritage Members: Free
(Prices include entry to the garden. House entry is extra)
ST GEORGE'S DAY CHILDREN'S CHALLENGE
Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex
Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 April, 10am – 5pm
Calling all budding dragon slayers! Learn the skills of archery, sword fighting, stage combat and knight training before you embark on your quest to slay the dastardly dragon. A full day out of fun for kids of all ages.
Prices: Adults £6.50/ Concessions £5.20/ Children £3.30/ Family Ticket £16.30
English Heritage Members: Free
ST GEORGE’S WEEKEND
Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 April, 11am – 5pm
Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire
Marvel at medieval-themed falconry displays with Raphael Falconry and meet a medieval St George and Dragon!
Prices: Adults £6.20/ Concessions £5.00/ Children £3.10/ Family Ticket £15.50
English Heritage Members: Free
This event is supported by Wells Bombardier*
* Wells Bombardier, the Drink of England, has led the campaign to celebrate St George’s Day for the last ten years, turning it into the third busiest day in the pub calendar. It is available in supermarkets, off licenses, pubs and bars throughout the UK. It is premium ale, brewed in Bedford by Wells and Young's Brewery. See Bombardier.co.uk for more information.
Why not become an English Heritage member? English Heritage members get free or reduced-price entry to events, as well as free entry to over 400 unique historic sites - so why not join today? Join online at English-heritage.org.uk/membership quoting EVEN.