English Heritage properties Kenwood and Kenilworth Castle are hosting celebrations of women in history in 2025. Kenwood has launched an exhibition of art by John Singer Sargent, looking at the fascinating lives of American heiresses and their roles in Britian, while Kenilworth focuses on Elizabeth I, one of Britain’s most formidable monarchs.

Kenwood, on the edge of London’s Hampstead Heath, is hosting an exhibition of portraits by John Singer Sargent. To commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the artist’s death, Heiress: Sargent’s American Portraits will reveal the stories behind the American women who crossed the Atlantic to marry British aristocrats in an exchange of money for titles.

English Heritage will gather together, for the first time, eighteen Singer Sargent portraits of women once dismissively known as the “Dollar Princesses”.  These women include a war-time nurse, a helicopter pilot, and the first sitting female MP. Sargent was the most admired and sought-after portraitist of the Gilded Age on both sides of the Atlantic, and the portraits represent some of his most glamorous and powerful works.

The exhibition takes place from 16 May to 5 October. On a visit to Kenwood, guests can also see the permanent artworks on display from painters including Vermeer, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, and Constable.

Meanwhile, Warwickshire’s Kenilworth Castle marks the 450th anniversary of Elizabeth I’s most famous visit with the opening of its garden restoration project. Kenilworth’s greatest period began when Elizabeth I’s childhood friend, Robert Dudley, took possession of the castle in 1563.

Dudley spent fortunes turning it into a showpiece mansion to impress the queen. Elizabeth made an extended visit in July 1575, with Dudley creating a spectacular garden for the event. This year, the castle team has restored the garden, including a Renaissance aviary and large fountain. While general entry enables a tour of the garden, English Heritage is also hosting special members-only events for private tours.

Commemorations of Elizabeth I’s visit will also include a new art installation by Lindsey Mendick on display in the Great Hall from 9 July to 31 October 2025. Wicked Game will explore a new perspective on Queen Elizabeth I’s relationship with her courtier and long-term suitor Robert Dudley.