Most editions of my Inside Track concentrate on ideas that will appeal to adults flying or cruising in and out of the UK but over the next couple of weeks, I’m going to highlight some of England’s countryside attractions which dramatically bring history to life during the summer months.  Weekends are when many of these imagination-stretching re-enactments take place and as that’s when the world descends on London, they offer a very good reason for escaping from our people and traffic-filled capital city.

If your client’s holiday starts on Saturday or Sunday, break the habit of a lifetime by heading straight into the English countryside and start the vacation with one of our jaw-dropping historic events.  Then on the Monday, with jetlag parked and a morning visit to a castle under their belt, head for London where, during the early afternoon, their rooms will be ready.  Doesn’t that get things off to a better start?  England offers a VERY long menu of experiential tour opportunities and here are just a few that have caught my eye.

I'm taking a few days off next week and the next edtion will be on Wednesday 15th May.

Alice's Day

Alice’s Day (Saturday 7^th July) is an annual celebration of Lewis Carroll’s celebrated book 'Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland' and its sequel ‘Through The Looking Glass’, which marked a turning point in children’s literature. This one-day event offers a day full of events inspired by the classic story, including tea-parties, croquet, storytelling and workshops. Visitors are encouraged to take part and dress like Alice.

Life Below Stairs

Audley End, just north of London is one of the best places in England to discover how a thriving country house worked.  On most July and August weekends, you can meet the servants as they bring the house back to its Victorian heyday. Meet the cook, Mrs Crocombe, Mrs Warwick, the housekeeper and other staff members as they organise the house for the day.

Elizabethan Weekend at Kenilworth Castle

From medieval fortress to Elizabethan palace, Kenilworth Castle has been at the centre of England's affairs for much of its 900-year history. On 13^th and 14^th July you can party like it's 1575 as you join others to celebrate the ultimate Elizabethan celebration with music, falconry displays and a feast of entertainment fit for the Virgin Queen. Add a visit to nearby Warwick Castle.

The Bosworth Medieval Fair

Taking place on 17^th and 18^th August, relive the dramatic events of the Battle of Bosworth and see how King Richard III lost his crown, and the Tudor dynasty was born.  As well as the battle re-enactments, there are large living history encampments to explore, jousting, archery, cannon fire demonstrations, mounted skill at arms displays, medieval cooking demonstrations and a roving Jester.

The Battle of Hastings

Every October, you can hear the clash of sword on shield and feel the thunder of galloping hooves as over 600 warriors clash in an epic re-enactment that changed the course of English history. Talk to Norman and Saxon soldiers in their encampments, meet falconers and admire majestic birds of prey, try your hand at archery and watch superb displays of cavalry horsemanship.

Kynren, An Epic Tale of England

This is the UK's 'must see' spectacular live action outdoor theatre show.  Taking place every Saturday evening from 29^th June-14^th September near the cathedral city of Durham, it’s presented on a seven-and-a-half-acre stage by a 1,000-srong cast who immerse you in a 2,000-year tale of the history of England. Stand by for ground-shaking invasions, royal splendour, wars, heroic sacrifice, daily life and seismic change.