Venues across Bath and North East Somerset will open their doors this September for Heritage Open Days (6-15 September). Now in its 30th year, the nationwide celebration of history and culture is a chance to see inside hidden places and try out new experiences – all for free.
Bath and North East Somerset has a packed programme of events to look forward to: you can see inside churches, mills, cemeteries and more; enjoy exclusive talks and guided tours; and take part in family friendly activities and trails.
A few highlights include:
- Find out what it was like to live in Roman Bath with fun activities, crafts and crazy rituals at the Roman Baths Clore Learning Centre.
- Explore weird and wonderful objects on a store tour of the Roman Baths Local History Store – Lansdown, from Victorian spa equipment to Georgian furniture.
- See inside the store rooms at Bath Record Office and discover how the Record Office looks after its unique collections.
- Take a store tour at the Victoria Art Gallery and explore the marvellous collections housed in the art stores.
- Enjoy free admission to the gardens at the American Museum & Gardens on 15 September.
- Join local historian Ann Cullis at Museum of Bath at Work to hear fascinating tales about the museum, which was originally built as a ‘real tennis’ court in 1777.
- Visit the historic Albert Mill in Keynsham, which dates from 1700 and is now a private residence.
- See the remains of medieval Keynsham Abbey, and find out about its history with a guided talk and a ‘Monk’s Trail’ for children.
- Visit the National Trust’s Prior Park for free on 7 and 14 September, discover the recent renovation, and learn about the archaeology of the garden.
- Take a guided tour of the Church of Our Lady and St Alphege, an outstanding 1920s example of the work of Sir Giles Gilbert Scott – who also designed Battersea Power Station, the Chamber of the House of Commons, Bankside Power Station (now Tate Modern), and Britain’s famous red telephone boxes!
There are many more places to visit across Bath & North East Somerset during the 10-day celebration. For full listings, please see www.heritageopendays.org.uk.