Top Ten Christmas Gifts
for English History Lovers

What do you give the person who loves English history? (Or yourself, if you're that person, of course....). Well, being a bit of a history nut myself I have a few ideas for you. So here are my top ten Christmas gifts for history lovers ... in chronological order.

Ancient History

Surprise the ancient history lover in your life with a truly exceptional visit to the most famous prehistoric site of them all.

Stonehenge is an English landmark. And every year thousands of people from all over the world come to see it.

A visit to Stonehenge usually involves a tour of the museum and a wander round a roped-off walkway outside the stone circle with an audio guide. But what if you could get up close and personal with the famous stones? Would that bring history alive for you?

Imagine standing right amongst the ancient stones. It's very early in the morning and only a handful of people are around you. Watch the sun rise over Salisbury Plain. See the stones as the ancients did.

English Heritage, who manage Stonehenge, offer stone circle access visits - outside of normal opening hours, very early in the morning or late in the evening. It's a unique opportunity to see Stonehenge in a new and different way. And if that doesn't make your top ten Christmas gifts ideas, then it should!

If the person you're planning to surprise is not a member of English Heritage, then why not add an English Heritage Membership subscription to your gift. Amongst the many benefits are special member events like the Stonehenge tour and free entry to over 100 castles and historic sites in England.

Medieval History

Few families have a history as fascinating as that of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. They ruled an empire stretching from the Scottish border to the Pyrenees, had eight children (amongst them King Richard the Lionheart, and King John), loved and fought one another fiercely and started a dynasty that was to last for 300 years.

English Heritage have put together a magnificent exhibition about the life and times of Henry II in the Great Tower at Dover Castle. A real must-see experience if medieval history is your cup of tea!

For opening times, directions etc. please see the English Heritage website .

Knight School

Always wanted to find out what it's like to be a medieval knight? I certainly did. And that's why this Medieval Jousting Experience makes it into my list of top ten Christmas gifts... I wish this had been around when I was growing up!

You'll learn knightly fighting skills like using a shield and lance, horse control and how to strike targets. And you can try your hand at foot fights with swords and quarterstaff.

And finally, there's your chance to dress up in medieval costume and show off your skills in a mini medieval tournament.

Medieval Banquet

This makes my top ten Christmas gifts list because it's something you might not think of as a 'history' gift.

But experiencing a Medieval Banquet a la King Henry VIII is a very 'educational' experience! The costumes alone are worth going for ... and if you really want to get into the spirit, why not dress up in period clothes yourself?

Dine like the king by flickering torchlight in the vaulted cellars of Ivory House, just minutes from the Tower of London. Watch duelling knights, incredible magic and feats of strength, before dancing the night away.