From 8th – 17th September the UK’s largest festival of history and culture will take place, offering people the chance to try new experiences and celebrate their local heritage and community. Over 5000 events with everything from “historic houses to factories, museums to music halls, formal gardens to graveyards, places, spaces and communities across the country” are once again hosting free events.
Getting out and engaging in the local community is an important part of living an active and fulfilling lifestyle in retirement. It’s something we encourage all our residents to do through our in-house events programmes, as well as sharing what’s going on in the local area. And because of their excellent community locations, there are many events taking place in the vicinity of our luxury retirement communities. Many of which are free and all of which promise a fantastic day of discovery. So, if you’re looking to celebrate heritage open day, here’s our pick of the best ideas:
ALBANY LODGE, DERBY
Within easy reach of our beautiful, new retirement apartments at Albany Lodge in Derby there are a number of exciting and varied events, all of which can be found by clicking here
Celebrate Heritage Open Day in Derby with one of these…
National Trust, Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derby, Derbyshire, DE73 7LE
A unique house owned by an eccentric family who collected many hidden treasures over the years. Unlike many historic houses that are restored to their former glory once under the ownership of the National Trust, this one has been kept exactly as it was when it was discovered in order to tell the story of the property. Some rooms are grand and crammed full of hidden treasures – others are disused and abandoned providing a unique contrast. Calke Park is also home to a National Nature Reserve which is teaming with wildlife along with plenty of parkland to explore.
The Heritage Open Day at Calke Abbey is on Sunday 17 September between 10am and 5pm with the Mansion open between 11am and 4pm. No booking is required.
Access
There is a buggy available to take visitors with mobility issues to the Mansion and gardens. Wheelchairs are available and visitors who can’t access the stairs can view a virtual tour of the house.
Contact
Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/calke-abbey or call the property office on 01332 863822
George Turner Exhibition and Outdoor Gallery
St. Wilfrid’s Church, Church Lane, Barrow-on-Trent, Derby, Derbyshire, DE73 7HB
George Turner lived in the village of Barrow upon Trent and his house is still visible close to St Wilfrid’s Church which will become a hub serving refreshments and cream teas during the day on this exciting Heritage Open Day event. Turner painted many beautiful views of this delightful village, many of which will be displayed as part of an art trail on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th September. Other talented artists from the village and surrounding areas will be around to demonstrate their art and children too can make their own masterpiece, in an event that is fun for the whole family.
The George Turner Outdoor Gallery will take place on Saturday 16 September from 10.30am – 4.00pm and Sunday 17 September between 11.30am – 4.00pm. No booking required
Access
The trail is accessible but does include a wide, slightly uneven pathway in part. The church is fully accessible.
Jane Loudon, a talk by Sara Porter
Loudon Lodge, Derby Arboretum, Grove St, Derby, Derbyshire, DE23 8EL
Join the organisers for an insightful talk on the life of Jane Loudon who among many accolades wrote the Mummy, one of the first science fiction novels. Married to a famous garden designer she worked on Derby Arboretum with her husband before it was gifted to the people of Derby in 1840.
Although the Arboretum is free to explore, booking on this event is essential as there are only 30 places available. CLICK HERE TO BOOK
The event takes place on Tuesday 19th September 2023 at 7.30pm for 8pm, at Loudon Lodge, Derby Arboretum DE23 8EL
ROYLE’S LODGE, THORNTON-CLEVELEYS
Royle’s Lodge is our retirement apartment development situated in the quaint town of Thornton-Cleveleys. It has a number of interesting and inspiring places nearby to explore during as you celebrate Heritage Open Day, all of which can be found here: CLICK HERE
A few of our favourites include…
1906 Cleveleys Cottage Exhibition Walk
Cleveleys Avenue, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 2BJ
These historical homes were first proudly exhibited in a guided walking tour in 1906 in an event that is sometimes regarded as “The World’s First Ideal Home Exhibition”. They were originally built to demonstrate advances in building methods at the time. During your tour you can examine the original publicity materials to see how the groundbreaking project has changed in the last century.
The tour takes place at 12 noon on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th September.
Booking is required, call: 01253 478624 or CLICK HERE TO BOOK
Marsh Mill Windmill, Thornton
73 Fleetwood Road North, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 4AB
This grade II listed building dates back to 1794 and is throwing open its doors for a free tour during the time of Heritage Open Days. The Mill is one of the tallest in Europe and stands at a height of 70ft (21.5m). Uncover its unique construction, engineering, and history with free guided tours during the Heritage Open Days.
Marsh Mills Sails will turn for the event (weather dependant) and there will be children’s activities on the ground floor. there will also be arts and heritage exhibitions to see on the ground floor.
The Heritage Open Day takes place on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th September between 11am and 3pm. No booking is required.
Access
As an historic windmill built in 1794, there is no wheelchair access above the ground floor, but there is lots of interpretation about the mill on the ground floor. The stairs become gradually steeper the higher the Mill goes up. Click here for more information.
Important to note, that Marsh Mill Windmill is located right next door to Royle’s Lodge. So, whilst you’re visiting, it’s an ideal opportunity to call into the lodge at take a look around. Call 0800 999 1989 to arrange a viewing Tuesday – Saturday.
Heritage of the Wyre Estuary
Wyre Estuary Country Park, River Road, Stanah, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 5LR
Wyre Estuary Country Park is an amazing place to spot wildlife, especially birds and water dwellers as it sits on the estuary. This guided walk with the rangers will uncover tales from the locations past and help you seek out the wildlife that the park plays home to. Walking boots are strongly encouraged as it can get muddy.
The guided walk takes place on Thursday 14 September from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
Booking is required please call 01253887502, email greatoutdoors@wyre.gov.uk or Click here for more
For more information Click here visit Heritage Open Days
ALDERMAN LODGE, BRIGHOUSE
Close to Huddersfield, our beautiful Brighouse retirement development has a host of events nearby for you to celebrate Heritage Open Day. Take a look at just a few.
Greenhead Park in Pictures
Greenhead Park, Trinity Street, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 4DN
The history of Huddersfield’s beautiful Victorian town park will be celebrated for Heritage Open Days with an eclectic display of old maps, postcards, and photographs. As well as views of the park and its features, you’ll find images of people, events, and activities through the years – which may bring back childhood memories for some!
Opened in 1884 Greenhead Park it is much more than just a leisure facility and has brought joy to generations.
It is a beautiful Grade II listed Victorian park which was restored in 2011 thanks to a multi-million-pound Heritage Lottery funded project. With a lake, bandstand, Italian Gardens & fountain, conservatory, and two war memorials, all of which were refurbished during the restoration, it’s not hard to see why local people flock here.
Greenhead Park in Pictures takes place on Saturday 16 September from 9.30am to 4pm. No booking required. Click here to find out more
Huddersfield Heritage Mile
St. George’s Square, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 1JB
Enjoy a free guided walk which is suitable for most levels of fitness (just over 1 mile) and learn all about the town’s historic buildings, its growth, and the influence of the Ramsden Family.
The walk will take you on the route known as the Huddersfield Heritage Mile, starting at the Harold Wilson statue, St. George’s Square and culminating at the Huddersfield Open Market. With entertainment en route from the Huddersfield Samba Band and the Northern Tweedsters it promises a fun afternoon for all ages.
The Huddersfield Heritage Mile Guided Walk will take place on Sunday 17 September between 12.30-2pm. Pre-booking is required, contact John Lamb on 01484 22100
Behind the Scenes at Lawrence Batley Theatre
Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen Street, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 2SP
Take a special backstage tour of this iconic building followed by delicious refreshments in the café bar.
A Grade II* listed building which was once the largest Wesleyan mission in the country, the theatre has brought joy to audiences for centuries and to this day presents a wide-ranging year-round programme of in-house and visiting productions.
Behind the scenes tours take place on Thursday 14 September and Friday 15th September between 11am & 1pm
Call: 01484 430528 or Click here to find out more
Why not make the most of your retirement lifestyle by exploring some of these intriguing events and celebrate Heritage Open Day in your local community. Enjoy!
