English Heritage Members’ Appreciation Week returns from 17–25 October 2026, with a free guest visit, extra member discounts and more. Here’s what’s included – and where I’m planning to go.
Free things to do in Dorset that are actually worth leaving the house for? Absolutely. These 12 spots have £0 admission, plenty to see, and just enough parking drama to remind you that “free day out” is sometimes a very British phrase.
I nearly skipped the Stonehenge Summer Solstice completely. A few hours later, I was standing inside a crowd of more than 20,000 people waiting for the sun to rise through one of Britain’s most famous ancient monuments. Some of it was extraordinary. Some of it was nothing like I expected.
Blandford Forum is more than its handsome Georgian centre. Wander through its historic streets, then follow the town towards the River Stour for bridges, weirs and a surprisingly peaceful riverside escape.
Old Wardour Castle is far more than a ruin to admire from the lawn. Step inside its six-sided walls, climb worn spiral stairs, look down into roofless rooms and discover how one of Wiltshire’s most beautiful castles ended up spectacularly broken.
Gold Hill in Shaftesbury is one of England’s most recognisable streets — but is it worth the stop? Come for the famous Hovis view, stay for the cottages, countryside and a surprisingly spectacular sunset.
Milton Abbas looks like the kind of Dorset village that shouldn’t quite be real. But those neat rows of thatched cottages have a surprising story — and make this one very easy detour to recommend.
Titchfield Abbey looks more like a ruined castle than a monastery. Discover how a medieval abbey became a Tudor mansion — and why it makes such an easy Hampshire heritage stop.
A long walk across Portland, a spontaneous climb inside Portland Bill Lighthouse and wild coastal views made this windy Dorset day one to remember.
