The History Magpie

20/08/2026

Come with me to uncover the secrets of Britain’s most famous concert hall, the Royal Albert Hall🎭Ad

For over 150 years, the Royal Albert Hall have been putting on shows to remember, and I was given exclusive access to explore its long history in their very own archives 📚

Best part is, you can do this too. When you’re not visiting the hall for whatever musical phenomena they’ve got going on (like the BBC Proms on until 12th September), you can head down into the archives and explore some of the worlds most unique pieces that have been handled by the likes of Sir Ian McKellen.

You can visit the Royal Albert Hall Archive by appointment from Monday - Fridays or on a guided tour. You can grab your tickets to tours of the Archive at royalalberthall.com

We are so lucky to have the Royal Albert Hall here in Britain and I can’t imagine a more cultured day in London than watching a show in their auditorium after digging through their archives 🎻🎶

17/08/2026

Immersive history is the best history, and I think I’ve found the best place in the West Midlands for just that. Black Country Living Museum allows you to transport back in time, where you can walk through key periods of Britain’s history, from the Industrial Revolution right through to post-war prosperity 🇬🇧 Ad

This open-air living museum has over 80 reconstructed houses, shops, and industrial workshops where you can meet historic characters and experience what life was like in the Black Country during the years between 1712 and 1968.

Perfect for a family day out. Perfect for lovers of history. Perfect if you want a new type of museum experience.

14/08/2026

06/08/2026

Have a Mongolian Summer with this historic activity in Leeds🏹Ad

For the entirety of August, the Leeds Royal Armouries are putting on free horse shows and displays of Mongol horseback archery to celebrate their brand new exhibit - Genghis Khan: How The Mongols Changed The Word, that’s on until November 1st

The Mongol Empire was vast, spanning centuries, and this summer in Leeds, you can learn all about it with a dedicated exhibit priced at just £9 for adults and completely free for under 16s

Step back in history at the Leeds Royal Armouries ⚔️

04/08/2026

Did you know that Herefordshire has dedicated trails within the city and wider county that are dedicated to military history? 🪖 Ad

Last weekend, I visited Herefordshire ahead of the Hereford Military History Festival returning for its second year in September (25th-27th), where I found the perfect thing to do for history lovers.

Walking the trails, in my case the northern one, had me visiting First and Second World War memorials, sites, and cemeteries, including medieval wonders for those who love a sword-and-shield battle instead.

Herefordshire truly is a historic county, and for anyone looking to fill up their time while visiting, these trails are fantastic! 🥾

30/07/2026

I recently discovered that Hereford city is a military history lovers dream 🪖Ad

From the Romans, to the deep rooted connection with the SAS today, this old garrison town offers up a plethora of things to see and do in the city.

Places I recommend visiting:
⛪️ Hereford Cathedral - explore the Mappa Mundi, Chained Library and SAS memorial

🏛️Hereford Town Hall - Pop into the Heritage Suite and Mayor’s Office for the chance to view medieval seals, military honours, and ceremonial swords

🏰 Castle Green - Drenched in sunshine, this is a perfect historic picnic spot. Right where Hereford Castle once stood, history is, quite literally, beneath your feet

🐉 Green Gragon Hotel - Spend the night in one of Britain’s oldest hotels, with roots going back 900 years

In September, the Hereford Military History Festival will also return for its second year running, utilising most of these historic places and more. Military history lovers can enjoy talks, displays, and historical reenactments in the heart of Hereford from the 25th to the 27th September