Children and young people

Heritage has a crucial role to play in enriching the lives of children and young people, creating a more inclusive society.

Since 1994, we are proud to have invested over £60million across the UK in projects working with children and young people. This includes the £10m Kick the Dust programme.

We are committed to supporting greater inclusion, diversity, access and participation in heritage – including for younger generations. We know that children and young people can play a significant role in creating innovative and exciting heritage projects that speak to them.

Explore some of our work below and find inspiration for your project, then discover whether your idea is eligible for funding.

A group of young people are smiling outdoors.

Young people have played a key role in shaping plans. Credit: 1625 Independent People.

Projects

Supporting young lives at Kingsley Hall

27/05/2026

Our funding is restoring a Grade II* listed building in Bristol and securing its future as a vital hub for disadvantaged young people.

13/09/2022

Two young people looking at collection items on display.

Victoria and Albert South Kensington is transforming its South Asia gallery for the first time since 1990. Credit: Victoria and Albert Museum.

News

We’ve invested £25million to connect young people with heritage

From safeguarding sharks to performing Shakespeare, our latest grants are creating opportunities for young people to explore, learn about and develop in heritage.

20/05/2026

Roy Francis wearing a striped rugby shirt running and carrying a rugby ball with a crowd of people watching behind him.

Archive image detail of Roy Francis playing rugby. Credit: The Brynmawr Museum and Historical Society.

Projects

Celebrating Roy Francis: Welsh rugby’s groundbreaking leader

15/05/2026

Born in Brynmawr in 1919, rugby league player Roy Francis was the first Black coach in UK sport.

03/03/2026

School children gather around a statue in a grassy courtyard in front of a castle keep on a sunny day

Mind Lab is helping young people see Bolsover Castle in new ways. Credit: © Historic England. English Heritage Trust.

Stories

Bringing the remarkable history of Margaret Cavendish to Bolsover Castle

English Heritage’s transformative Mind Lab project is challenging assumptions about women, science and the past.

Three children looking at a caterpillar and smiling

Publications

Children and young people in heritage good practice guidance

We’re committed to supporting children and young people to engage with heritage. We want them to have the best possible experience in the projects that we fund.

A group of 11 young adults in two rows; one row sitting at a table and the other row standing behind them

Hub

Future Heritage Leaders

Meet the members of our programme that's helping young adults get their foot in the heritage door, no experience necessary.

A stilt walker in an elaborate gold and blue costume with a flowing robe. Behind them other stilt walkers in a range of multi-coloured costumes

Moko Jumbe Stilt Walkers at the Edinburgh Festival Carnival.

Projects

Youth ambassadors champion Edinburgh's carnival heritage

20/02/2026

Young people are at the heart of this two-year project to document, celebrate and safeguard the cultural heritage of Edinburgh’s ethnically diverse communities.

21/01/2026