After 6am, Days out, Traditional & heritage | Events

Burns an' a' That! Festival

A whole festival dedicated to Scotland’s internationally acclaimed poet Robert Burns. To celebrate the 2013 Year of Natural Scotland, the festival heads outdoors to Belleisle Park for a programme of live music, and visual and performing arts.

Belleisle Park, Ayr

Fri 24 May

Prices vary / 01292 616143

12:00 – 17:30

Fri 31 May

Prices vary / 01292 616143

12:00 – 17:30

Fri 7 Jun

Prices vary / 01292 616143

12:00 – 17:30

…and 12 more dates until 30 Aug

Lost Dundee

You may think you know all the nooks and crannies of Dundee, but Scotia Heritage puts a new spin on the forgotten closes and streets of what was once Scotland's second city, uncovering visual markers of its thriving medieval and Renaissance past. Meet outside the DCA in weather-appropriate clothing.

Dundee Contemporary Arts

Sun 19 May

£10 (£8) / 01334 654833

14:00 – 16:00

Sun 9 Jun

£10 (£8) / 01334 654833

14:00 – 16:00

Sun 7 Jul

£10 (£8) / 01334 654833

14:00 – 16:00

…and 2 more dates until 1 Sep

The Scottish Vintage Tractor and Engine Club Farming Yesteryear and Vintage Rally

A whole host of tractors, stationary and steam engines, vintage cars, lorries and other vehicles, plus trade stands and auto jumble.

Scone Palace, Perth

Sun 8 Sep

Prices to be confirmed / 01738 552300

09:00 – 17:00

Swords of the Righteous

Partially dramatised explanation of how and why Cromwell's army came to lay siege to Edinburgh Castle, and how it was successful.

Edinburgh Castle

Sun 19 May

Included in admission / 0131 225 9846

~~14:00~~
15:00

Mon 20 May

Included in admission / 0131 225 9846

11:15
12:15
14:00
15:00

Mon 27 May

Included in admission / 0131 225 9846

11:15
12:15
14:00
15:00

…and 2 more dates until 26 Jun

Jacobite Clans Alive

Jacobite clansmen from The Alba Adventure Company show off their fighting skills in traditional costumes.

Scone Palace, Perth

Sun 26 May

£6 grounds admission (£5.40; Children £4.20; Family £25) / 01738 552300

11:00
12:00
14:00
15:00

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Women’s Heritage Walks

The Glasgow Women's Library leads these walks in various areas around the city, which unearth local histories that aren't commemorated on plaques and celebrate historical figures who aren't immortalized in statutes. Tickets must be purchased in advance as guides aren't able to handle money; contact the library for…

Glasgow Necropolis

Sun 19 May

£7.50 / 0141 248 9969

Walk: Women of the Necropolis.

13:00 – 15:00

Merchant City, Glasgow

Sun 30 Jun

£7.50 / 0141 248 9969

Women of the Merchant City – Discover the women behind the scandal, vice, radicalism, regeneration and revival of this famous quarter of the city.

14:00 – 16:00

Venue TBC, Glasgow

Sun 2 Jun

£7.50 / 0141 248 9969

West End walk: Learn all about pipe-smoking forewomen, revolting schoolmistresses, and the unique car made by and for women. Exact starting point will be communicated one week prior. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Part of West End Festival.

14:00 – 16:00

Sun 16 Jun

£7.50 / 0141 248 9969

Hidden Gems of Garnethill walk – Take in the area's grand tenements, painted gables, miniature park, synagogue and other architecture. Contact for exact meeting location. Part of West End Festival.

14:00 – 16:00

Antiques Roadshow Valuation Day

Fiona Bruce and the BBC's team of experts descend on Scone Palace for this valuation day. Take along your heirlooms and car boot discoveries to see if you have a dusty treasure on your hands.

Scone Palace, Perth

Tue 9 Jul

Free / 01738 552300

09:30 – 16:30

Armed Forces Day

A salute to our Armed Forces and Veterans with musical and military celebrations.

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Sat 29 Jun

£3.50–£7.50 / 0844 871 7607

13:00

Day Out With Thomas

Engines with friendly faces and children's entertainment for Thomas the Tank Engine fans. Booking is essential.

Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway

Sat 3 Aug

£10.50 / 01506 825855

(hourly departures 10.30 until 15.30)

10:00 – 17:00

Sun 4 Aug

£10.50 / 01506 825855

(hourly departures 10.30 until 15.30)

10:00 – 17:00

Sat 21 Sep

£10.50 / 01506 825855

(hourly departures 10.30 until 15.30)

10:00 – 17:00

Sun 22 Sep

£10.50 / 01506 825855

(hourly departures 10.30 until 15.30)

10:00 – 17:00

Medieval Castle Clash

The mighty castle of Conisbrough becomes the stage for the pageant of the Knights. See Escafeld re-enactors gather for courtly pursuits of archery and dancing, presentations of arming a knight and the tournament of Knights. Main combat at 3pm.

English Heritage: Conisbrough Castle, Doncaster

Sat 29 Jun

£5.50 (£5; Children £3.30; Family £14.50) / 0870 333 1181

12:00 – 17:00

Sun 30 Jun

£5.50 (£5; Children £3.30; Family £14.50) / 0870 333 1181

12:00 – 17:00

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Aden Pipe Band Competition

Over 15 pipe bands and 4,000 spectators are expected at this pipe band and highland dancing competition.

Aden Country Park, Mintlaw

Sun 18 Aug

£4 / 01771 624485

12:30 – 17:00

Afternoon Tea on the 14.05 Steam Train

Enjoy traditional afternoon tea on the 14.05 steam train from Bo’ness to Manuel. Tuck into sandwiches, cake and scones, washed down with tea or coffee.

Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway

Sun 19 May

£14–£18 includes steam train ticket / 01506 825855

14:00 – 16:00

Sat 25 May

£14–£18 includes steam train ticket / 01506 825855

14:00 – 16:00

Sun 26 May

£14–£18 includes steam train ticket / 01506 825855

14:00 – 16:00

…and 35 more dates until 13 Oct

Andrew Kerr: Explore Stockbridge

The historian delves into the archive to share photographs, maps and memories of the area, and then leads a walking tour of Stockbridge the following Saturday.

Stockbridge Library, Edinburgh

Wed 22 May

Free / 0131 529 5665

Today, a look back at the archive.

19:00 – 20:00

Sat 25 May

Free / 0131 529 5665

Today, Kerr leads a walking tour. Meet at the corner of Saunders St and Bridge.

11:00 – 12:00

Art Tour of Drumlanrig

A tour of the castle and its art collection, followed by cheese and wine. Booking is essential.

Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, Dumfries

Sat 25 May

£20 / 01848 331555

Part of Spring Fling Fringe.

18:00 – 20:00

Audley End Through The Ages!

Monks, Monarchs and Munitions! Discover the incredible history of Audley End House and Gardens when we bring history to life with camp life, music and dance, plus fun family activities!

English Heritage: Audley End House And Gardens, Saffron Walden

Sun 26 May

£15 (£13.50; Children £9; Family £39.20; Member £1.60; Member Concession £1.40; Member Children £1.20; Member Family £4.40) / 0870 333 1181

11:00 – 17:00

Mon 27 May

£15 (£13.50; Children £9; Family £39.20; Member £1.60; Member Concession £1.40; Member Children £1.20; Member Family £4.40) / 0870 333 1181

11:00 – 17:00

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Awesome Archaeology!

Let the kids get stuck into history with the chance to uncover clues and handle artefacts. Take part in a sand pit dig to unveil secrets from the past. Plus plenty of hands on activities.

English Heritage: Wrest Park Gardens, Bedford

Tue 28 May

£8.80 (£7.90; Children £5.30; Family £22.90) / 0870 333 1181

11:00 – 16:00

Wed 29 May

£8.80 (£7.90; Children £5.30; Family £22.90) / 0870 333 1181

11:00 – 16:00

Thu 30 May

£8.80 (£7.90; Children £5.30; Family £22.90) / 0870 333 1181

11:00 – 16:00

Fri 31 May

£8.80 (£7.90; Children £5.30; Family £22.90) / 0870 333 1181

11:00 – 16:00

The Battle of Stirling Bridge

Learn the story of William Wallace and his compatriots as costumed actors bring the Battle of Stirling Bridge to life.

The National Wallace Monument, Stirling

Sat 7 Sep

Free / 01786 472140

18:45

Battle Tactics for Kids

Learn the skills of a Norman or Saxon soldier. Paint your own shield and have a go in the Kids Battle of Hastings!

English Heritage: 1066 Battle Of Hastings, Abbey And Battlefield

Thu 1 Aug

£7.80 (£7; Children £4.70; Family £20.30) / 0870 333 1181

10:00 – 17:00

Fri 2 Aug

£7.80 (£7; Children £4.70; Family £20.30) / 0870 333 1181

10:00 – 17:00

Sat 3 Aug

£7.80 (£7; Children £4.70; Family £20.30) / 0870 333 1181

10:00 – 17:00

…and 28 more dates until 31 Aug

Battle Tactics for Kids

Could you be a brave Norman knight or bold Saxon warrior? Prepare for action by painting your own shield, then take part in a Kids Battle of Hastings!

English Heritage: Old Sarum Castle, Salisbury

Sat 17 Aug

£3.90 (£3.50; Children £2.30) / 0870 333 1181

11:00 – 17:00

Sun 18 Aug

£3.90 (£3.50; Children £2.30) / 0870 333 1181

11:00 – 17:00

Behind the Scenes Tour

Take a look behind the scenes on this guided tour around the house's Swimming Pool, Burges Chapel, Billiard Room and the gardens. Afterwards, afternoon tea awaits in the Private Family Drawing Room. Booking is essential.

Mount Stuart Visitor Centre, Isle of Bute

Sun 4 Aug

£50 / 01700 503877

13:00

Wed 7 Aug

£50 / 01700 503877

13:00

Sun 11 Aug

£50 / 01700 503877

13:00

…and 6 more dates until 31 Aug back to top

Big Wood in Winter

Brave the winter weather to take a walk through the beautiful woodland at Cathkin Braes and learn more about how nature copes with the frosty season.

Cathkin Braes Country Park, Glasgow

Sat 11 Jan

Free / 0141 287 8118

13:00 – 15:00

Bringing Audley End to Life

Come and see the Service Wing and Stables brought to life by costumed characters at Audley End. See how the estate springs to life at this time of year and learn some seasonal recipes from Mrs Crocombe in the kitchens.