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 ... all things I'd love to get my hands on (or already have.)

Our top ten this year includes brilliant experiences, great reads, and lovely gifts with an exciting newcomer straight into the chart at number two. I hope you enjoy counting down our chart and that these ideas stimulate the old grey cells and help you find the perfect present for your friends and family. Happy gift hunting…



Top Ten Christmas Gifts for History Lovers


No. 10: English Heritage Membership


English Heritage Membership | english-heritage.org.uk


We've been members of English Heritage for years and it's one of the best gifts you can give anyone who loves history.

English Heritage looks after hundreds of historical sites all across England and as a member you have free access to all of them. As many times as you want to visit.

And while you're having a great days out, you're helping English Heritage to restore and repair and keep these wonderful places. One of my favourite gifts...






No. 9: The History of England


Exploring England Book | amazon.com



Books are made for Christmas, and if you’re looking for a gift for an England history aficionado, then the History of England could be the one.

It is one of a fourteen book series on English history. This particular book gives a broad overview of English History from the Roman period up to the end of WW2.

However, if you need a more specialised book on a particular time in history, check out the other books in the series.






No. 8: Stonehenge



Stonehenge by Francis Prior | amazon.com


Stonehenge by Bernard Cornwell | amazon.com


Stonehenge is England’s most iconic historical site, and no English history buff would be disappointed to receive a book about this mysterious standing stone circle. I’ve suggested either a factual book written by the hugely popular historian Francis Prior or a novel by the author Bernard Cornwell. Either will be a fantastic read.






No. 7: Medieval Banquet


Jousting Experience | buyagift.co.uk


Fancy an evening playing Lord and Lady Muck of the manor? Then this highly rated medieval banquet night may be just the pressie you’re looking for.

Enjoy a four-course feast while being entertained by medieval actors and story tellers. To enhance your experience, you can even hire traditional costumes at the venue.

Sounds like a great night!













No. 6: Navigo Boats Bayeux Tapestry

Navigo Boat Bayeux Taperstry | english-heritage.org.uk



Into the Norman period now, and while the ladies who worked on the Bayeux Tapestry didn't expect it to grace a family home, this smaller tapestry will look awesome wherever you put it.

This stunning wall tapestry captures the Norman invaders with their horses packed into their boats crossing the English Channel from Saint Valery to Pevensey. Lovely…






No. 5: English Heritage Sword Book Ends

Sword Bookends | english-heritage.org.uk



If you love books and history, then you will not be able to resist these gorgeous English Heritage sword bookends.

They would make a stunning display on your bookshelf, giving the impression that your books have been stabbed by a sword.

Amazing!















No. 4: Jousting Experience

Jousting Experience | buyagift.co.uk

This jousting experience in Warwick is made for the knight-loving English history fans.

The recipient gets to dress up in medieval armour and learn the tournament skills of a gallant knight. The day concludes with the “Grand Gauntlet Challenge” and a mini joust with the resident Black Knight.

I think this is one for braver men than me!






No. 3: English Heritage Suit of Gothic Armour

Suit of Gothic Armour | english-heritage.org.uk



We love this suit of armour, and it held the number one spot in our top ten Christmas gifts for history lovers for several years.

Made from 18-gauge steel and weighing around 30 kilograms, it’s made in the style used in the late fifteenth century.

The nice thing about this suit of armour is that although it is made for display, it can be worn by shorter, slimmer people.






No. 2: Escorted London Holiday



London Explorer | trafalgar.com


New to our top ten list of Christmas gifts for history lovers is this escorted 8-day break in London.

After all the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, London has been in the spotlight around the world. Now is an ideal time to come and see some of these iconic places for real.

Apart from exploring the best London sites, this tour also includes Stonehenge, Windsor, Oxford, and Stratford-upon-Avon. What a treat for an England history lover!













And the ultimate gift for a history lover...

No. 1: Fly in a Spitfire over the English Channel


Fly in a Spitfire Experience | buyagift.co.uk

Fly in a Spitfire Experience | buyagift.co.uk

Fly in a Spitfire Experience | buyagift.co.uk

...now this is a really special experience. Fly in an original Spitfire that was used by the RAF to train new Second World War pilots. Add that the flight will be over the English Channel, the scene of many Battle of Britain dog fights, then you will appreciate that this would be a breathtaking experience. What do you think?



Thank you for following me through my list of top ten Christmas gifts for anyone who loves history. I hope you found a little inspiration for your own Christmas shopping this year. And if you have any suggestions for items that other history lovers might enjoy, then please let me know.

Other Essentially England Gift Ideas...



English Dinner

Gifts for English Food Lovers

Christmas Stocking Photo

Christmas Stocking Presents

England Graphic from Canva

Gifts for England Fans






Jane Austen

Jane Austen Gifts

Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Graphic

Tolkien and Lord of the Ring Gifts

Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck Graphic

Beatrix Potter Gifts

Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes Gifts

For more Christmas, recipes, ideas and traditions, please check out our Christmas in England page.