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1:00 AM 29th August 2023
lifestyle

Heritage Open Days Programme Unwraps England’s History Of Creativity - Yorkshire

 

Heritage Open Days (HODs) returns this September with thousands of free events and experiences. Brought to you by the National Trust, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and run by thousands of local organisations and volunteers, HODs brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history.

The packed programme of more than 5000 events features everything from historic houses to factories, museums to music halls, formal gardens to graveyards, places, spaces and communities across the country who are once again hosting free events this autumn.

Hundreds of activities will adopt this year’s theme, Creativity Unwrapped, sharing England’s colourful history of creativity. The festival will celebrate the experts and enthusiastic amateurs whose passions and skills add something special to our daily lives.

Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days Marketing & Projects Manager says:
“Whether it’s art, music, writing, or another outlet, creativity moves us and shapes our history and culture. This year organisers have once again come up trumps and created a stellar programme of events which put the spotlight on the people and places who give England’s heritage the X-factor and inspire festival-goers to engage with thousands of years of creativity. And it is the organisers who make this possible, and whose hard work enables over a million people to engage with heritage, for free, on their doorstep, every September.”


The festival features thousands of events and activities across the country including a wide range of places that usually charge, free sites that put on extra special events for the festival and places that aren't usually open to the public. Take a behind the scene tour of the iconic Tyne tunnels, visit the Gothic Temple - a splendid historic folly within the National Trust’s Stowe, and explore that most iconic item of creativity, the television, at the BFI Film & Television Archive.

Founded in 1994, Heritage Open Days has captured imaginations for almost 30 years. Last year more than 45,000 organisers and volunteers ran nearly 5,000 events across the country, attracting one million visits.

Around one-third of visitors had not visited a heritage site/event in the past year while 80% of festival-goers said their visit made them more proud of their local area.

A visitor from 2022 said:
“Such passionate individuals who were generous enough to share their knowledge. Forever grateful for their time and effort. It allowed me to connect with sections of the society that I do not normally interact with within the specific context.”


And organisers see a real benefit:
“I feel that Heritage Open Days is really important, both to provide access to less visited/usually closed places and also to bring about more of a diverse audience than usual, opening up places for people who may usually avoid heritage attractions.”


Laura Chow, head of charities at People's Postcode Lottery, said:
“Once again Heritage Open Days organisers have come out in force for this fantastic opportunity to explore, celebrate, and enjoy England’s national heritage. It's wonderful that our players are helping to ensure Heritage Open Days events are accessible and free for all. In fact, Postcode Lottery players have now raised over £1.1 billion to support thousands of great causes, including this amazing event and many others run by the National Trust.”


Heritage Open Days is brought to you by the National Trust with support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Every single Heritage Open Days event is free, including access to many sites that usually charge for admission.

Events in Yorkshire:

Gisborough Priory and Woodland Garden
Gisborough Priory, Church Street, Guisborough, North Yorkshire, TS14 6HG

Join a guided tour of the Priory and woodland garden and discover how the site has gone from impenetrable wilderness to tranquil green space. At the centre is the historic Monk’s Walk, a kite-shaped avenue of lime trees which forms a cathedral of trees. Younger visitors can get involved in creative crafts, all of which have a woodland theme.

Sunday 10 September: 13.00 -15.30

No booking required


Nidderdale Museum
Nidderdale Museum, King Street, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5LE

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Dales during your visit to this imposing Victorian Workhouse. Sit in an old school room or pub snug, walk down the mine tunnel, see the table laid for tea in a Victorian parlour, visit a complete Cobbler's shop and follow the children's trail.

Saturday 16 September: 1030-1630

No booking required


Ogden of Harrogate
Ogden of Harrogate Ltd, 38 James Street, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 1RQ

Learn about Founder, James Roberts Ogden's interests in archaeology, his work with Howard Carter to test and replicate ancient objects found in the 1922 discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb, and with Sir Leonard Woolley at the excavations of the Royal Graves at Ur. A highlight will be Ogden’s sparkling replica of the Imperial State Crown, created by the firm in 1937.

Friday 8 September: 1000-1130

Tuesday 12 September: 1500-1630

Thursday 14 September: 1500-1630

Pre-booking: Required


Ormesby Hall
Ormesby Hall, Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, TS3 0SR

Take a tour of this green oasis in the heart of industrial Middlesbrough and see the conservation team in action. The classic Georgian mansion, with a listed stable block, is surrounded by 240 acres of parkland and farmland. The formal garden boasts colourful seasonal displays and newly established herbaceous borders, with a wildflower meadow, orchard and pond. In the year that marks 90 years since the first theatre performance at Ormesby Hall, you can discover more about the theatrical daring of Ruth Pennyman and all her artistic exploits.

Friday 15 September: 1030-1600, Guided Tour 1130 & 1400

Saturday 16 September: 1030-1600

Sunday 17 September: 1030-1600, Guided Tour 1130 &1400

Pre-booking: Book on day


Ayton Castle
West Ayton Castle, Off Castle Rise, West Ayton, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO13 9JY

A rare chance to explore Ayton Castle Tower, part of the grade I listed Castle not usually open to the public, all guided by a local archaeologist. There will also be a display of artefacts and mini archaeological digs for children to enjoy.

Saturday 9 September: 1030-1600. Wider tours: 1100 & 1430

No booking required


Giggleswick School Chapel
Giggleswick School, Giggleswick, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 0DE

Take the opportunity to visit this imposing landmark which dominates the surrounding countryside. With its impressive copper dome and stunning interior, the Chapel was built in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Speak to volunteers about the history of the site, enjoy occasional musical performances from members of the school community, and attend a chapel service (Sunday morning).

Saturday 16 September: 1100-1600

Sunday 17 September: 1100-1500 (Chapel service at 1000)

No booking required


Fishergate Postern Tower
Friends of York Walls, Fishergate Postern Tower, Piccadilly, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9AF

A rare chance to see inside the watch-tower on York’s City Walls. Explore the spiral staircase, Tudor toilet and timber roof, find out about the history of the Walls and look out for any approaching invaders! Volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions.

Saturday 9 September: 1000-1600

Saturday 16 September: 1000-1600

No booking required


Howsham Mill
Howsham Mill, Howsham Hall Road, Howsham, York, North Yorkshire, YO60 7PA

Enjoy a short walk along the bank of the River Derwent and cross the bridge onto the small island where you will find the 18th century watermill beautifully restored to its former glory. Discover the history of the mill and the story of its decline and rescue. You will also be able to learn about the 21st century use it has of generating hydro-electricity by two Archimedes Screw turbines and the waterwheel.

Sunday 17 September: 10.30 to 17.00

No booking required


Living History Day at Bedern Hall with Frei Compagnie
Bedern Hall Co Ltd, Bartle Garth, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7AL

Travel back in time to the 15th century and enjoy a family day of medieval food, weaving, costumes and knights in shining armour. There will be plenty of hands-on experiences thanks to medieval re-enactors Frei Compagnie and you can have your photo taken with a Knight in shining armour.

Sunday 10 September: 10.30am to 4pm

No booking required


Nature & Heritage: Botanical Sun Printing with Angela Chalmers
St Martin-on-the-Hill, Albion Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Join artist Angela Chalmers for a drop-in botanical sun printing workshop and create your own unique blueprint inspired by nature and the stained-glass windows of this church. Your creation can then be displayed in the church!

Sunday 10 September: Church open 1100-1600 - Free drop-in sun printing session with resident artist Angela Chalmers 1200 - 1400

No booking required


Rotunda Museum Scarborough
Rotunda Museum, Vernon Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2PS

Explore Rotunda Museum and learn about dinosaur footprints, fossils, the 11,000-year-old artefacts in the museum’s collection. Get creative in interactive sessions including making your own Mason Marks, with help from a qualified Stonemason and Hot Lime and Decorative Art Demonstrations.

Friday 8 September: Tour: 1000-1100, 1200-1300 & 1400-1500

Pre-booking: Required


Central Tramway Company
Central Tramways, 1 Marine Parade, St. Nicholas Cliff, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2ER

Enjoy a unique opportunity to see inside the famous cliff railway's engine room, normally closed to the public in the heart of Scarborough’s South Bay. Discover the history and recent engineering project of the Tramway and experience a free return ride on the Tramway!

Friday 8 September: 0930-1015 & 1115-1200

Monday 11 September: 0930-1015 & 1115-1200

Pre-booking: Required


The Bayle Museum
The Bayle Museum, Baylegate, Old Town, Bridlington , East Riding of Yorkshire, YO16 7JT

Explore one of Bridlington’s oldest buildings, an ancient monument dating back to the 12th Century that is now home to the Bayle Museum filled of artefacts and interactive exhibitions relating to the local area’s history. Don’t miss the latest exhibition in the Court Room - “Beside the Seaside” featuring artwork from Royal Academy of Arts featured artist, Estella Brown.

Saturday 9 September: 11:00-16:00

No booking required


How Stean Gorge
How Stean Gorge, Lofthouse, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5SF

Get ready for a jam-packed day of exploring with maps provided to help you explore every nook and cranny of this natural hidden gem. See the gorge and water flow over unusual rock formations, explore the dark caves, and keep your eye out for wildlife and natural hidden gems. Orienteering courses will run for free, and wellies and torches are advised!

Monday 11 September: 9.00-17.00

Tuesday 12 September: 9.00-17.00

No booking required


Fountains Hall
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG43DY

Go behind the scenes of Fountains Hall and see rooms usually closed to the public, including the recently restored Oak Room and the Great Chamber. Also explore the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal with guided tours of the Garden and Abbey available on the day.

Thursday 14 September: Tours start at 11.15, 12.15, 14.15, 15.15

Pre-booking: Required


CWGC Stonefall Cemetery
Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Stonefall Cemetery, Forest Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 7BQ

Discover the stories of those buried in a guided tour at Stonefall, one of the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission sites in the North of England. Explore the site and get involved with Q and A’s with the gardeners, architectural talks, family activities such as headstone rubbings, and stonemasons demonstrating their craft.

Wednesday 13 September: Open Day 1100 - 1500

Pre-booking: Book on day


Gazebo
Blossomgate Court, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2AW

Stroll in the surroundings of this stunning folly of the late 17th century/early 18th century. Beautifully restored this hidden gem was built to give a view of the countryside and is rarely open to the public.

Friday 8 September: 1300-1600

Saturday 9 September: 1300-1600

No booking required


All Saints Church and Bell Chamber Tour to see the Bell Ringing Demonstration
All Saints Parish Church, Church Road, North Ferriby, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU14 3DA

All Saints’ Church will be open with intermittent organ music. Come and visit All Saints Church to see what the bellringers do in the Bell Chamber. The 6 bells date from the 14th - 19th century, as well as one of the oldest bells in East Yorkshire, dating 1371. Look for the three carved church mice by Thompson’s of Kilburn, founded by Robert Thompson, famous for his signature mouse carvings.

Sunday 17 September: 1300-1600

No booking required


Join Hull Tour Guide Paul Schofield for a village walk in North Ferriby
Coronation Gardens, Church Road, North Ferriby, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU14 3JP

This year North Ferriby is excited to participate in the Heritage Open Days Festival opening our historic village to visitors. Join Hull Tour Guide Paul Schofield for a circular walk featuring village history and architecture, a fascinating 3 mile walk, approx 1.5-2 hours, through the historical village, featuring the many places of significance, extant and lost. There are 30 labelled locations to visit, with over 50 points of interest for visitors or residents to explore.

Sunday 17 September: 1430

No booking required


Bridlington Lobster Hatchery and Laboratory
Harbour Cafe, South Pier, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO15 3AW

Experience first-hand how we raise baby lobsters from eggs to three months old. Learn about their lives, their regional significance, and the important science Bridlington Lobster Hatchery and Laboratory are doing. See them up close in stunning detail through a microscope! The facility is normally closed to the public, but in support of Heritage Open Days, groups of up to ten (10) people may attend a behind-the-scenes tour of Bridlington’s fisheries and coastal marine research station and its lobster hatchery located on South Pier of Bridlington Harbour.

Saturday 16 September: 1000, 1130, 1300, 1430 & 1600

Sunday 17 September: 1000, 1130, 1300, 1430 & 1600

Pre-booking: Required


Hull New Theatre
Hull New Theatre, Kingston Square, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU1 3HF

Hull New Theatre has a fascinating history since it first opened on Saturday October 16th 1939. Founder Peppino Santangelo came to the City in 1924 to join the Hull Repertory Company based at the Little Theatre Kingston Square. After turning the struggling company around, he turned his attention to the Assembly Rooms next door. Peppino thought the venue could be a new home for the company. At the same time, he realised that the Little Theatre's other neighbour Hull Central Fire Station needed more space so he suggested a swap. The Little Theatre for the assembly rooms - and the deal was done for £9,000. Today, a huge £15.9m revamp of the venue has now been completed – come see what it looks.

Monday 11 September: 10.30 and 1400

Pre-booking: Required


Bishop Burton Walled Garden
Bishop Burton College, York Road, Bishop Burton, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU17 8QG

Bishop Burton College is opening its very special walled garden to visitors, and the head gardener will be there to do his best to answer any questions you might have about the garden, its history and its plants.

Sunday 10 September: 1100-1600

No booking required


Skidby Mill
Skidby Milll, Cottingham, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU16 5TF

Get your cameras ready for a picturesque day at the grade II listed Skidby Mill. Admire the famous tower windmill, enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surroundings with views of Humber Bridge, and explore the new children's play area nestled by the wildflower meadow – all for free!

Saturday 9 September: 1000-1600 (close 1230-1300 for lunch)

Sunday 10 September: 1000-1600 (close 1230-1300 for lunch)

No booking required


The Birchcliffe Centre
Pennine Heritage, Birchcliffe Centre, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 8DG

Discover vibrant never-seen-before portrait photographs depicting the life and character of Hebden Bridge residents from 1921 to 1992 all taken by photographer Alice Longstaff and displayed in this new exhibition. Go behind-the-scenes at the Birchcliffe Centre and learn how the Alice Longstaff Collection is stored preserved for future generations.

Saturday 16 September: 10:00-16:00

Sunday 17 September: 10:00-16:00

No booking required


Sound Leisure Ltd - Jukebox Manufacturer Factory Tour
Sound Leisure Ltd, Sandleas Way, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 8AR

The Jukebox transformed the way we listen to music, and Sound Leisure have been leading the way since 1978. Take this rare opportunity for a tour behind the scenes of the manufacturing process; see how this talented team transform raw wood into musical masterpieces.

Thursday 14 September: 1000

Pre-booking: Required


Try Your Hand at Ceramic Sculpture
The Piazza, Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BR

Get ready for a hands-on creative experience in the Piazza. See a Ceramicist at work from The Sculpture Gallery, then get stuck in and have a go yourself.

Saturday 9 September: 1300-1700

Sunday 10 September: 1300-1600

Saturday 16 September: 1300-1700

Sunday 17 September: 1300-1600

No booking required


Roche Abbey
Roche Abbey, A634, Maltby, South Yorkshire, S66 8NW

See the stunning Gothic architecture of early monastery transepts and enjoy the beautiful surroundings landscaped around the ruins of this 12th century monastery. Free to visit, you can enjoy guided tours and family activities throughout the day!

Sunday 17 September: 1000-1630

No booking required


Wentworth Woodhouse
The Mansion, Wentworth Woodhouse, Wentworth, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S62 7TQ

Explore the house and gardens of Wentworth Woodhouse. Navigate a series of State Rooms, including the Whistlejacket Room, Van Dyck Room and the stunning Marble Saloon, then head to the gardens to discover a wildflower meadow, ancient trees, and 18th century follies. Children can pick up a history ‘pastport’ and enjoy the Forest of Bewilderment natural play area.

Sunday 10 September: House & Gardens Admission: 10am to 5pm (last entry 4:15pm)

Tuesday 12 September: House & Gardens Admission: 10am to 5pm (last entry 4:15pm)

Pre-booking: Required


The life and times of Archbishop Rotherham
Bridge Street, The Bridge over the River Rother, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S60 1RB

Discover the life and career, both political and religious, of Archbishop Thomas Rotherham on a visit to this chapel on the bridge. Explore his connection with many universities and cathedrals throughout England and take the chance to see the crypt/jail.

Saturday 16 September: 10:30am to 2pm

No booking required


Rotherham Minster
Rotherham Minster, Church Street, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S60 1PD

Explore this magnificent Grade I listed town centre church. There will be tours and talks held throughout the day, along with displays to celebrate the life and times of Archbishop Thomas Rotherham, marking 600 years since his birth.

Saturday 9 September: 10:00am - 3:30pm

No booking required


St James’ Church, Ravenfield
Church Lane, Ravenfield, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S65 4NG

Take the opportunity to look around this hidden gem of a church from the 18th century.

Built in 1756 with a rare, recently restored one-fingered clock and six bells that can be rung by one person this small church is well worth a look around.

Friday 15 September: 10am to 2pm

Saturday 16 September: 10am to 2pm
Sunday 17 September: 12pm to 3pm

No booking required


Creativity Unwrapped: Art Endures
Community Hub, Wombwell Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Wombwell, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S73 8HY

Learn about Wombwell’s architects, artists, dancers, musicians, poets, and more! Uncover the lives of Joss Hudson, entomologist, poet, historian and writer; Willie Johnson the violinist of Ibbotson String Band; Colin Clarkson, a multi-scholarship local artist; and even more wonderful Wombwellers who gave the town its creative sparkle. Explore your own creativity by designing a stained-glass window.

Saturday 15 and Saturday 16 September: 10am to 4pm

No booking required



For further information, and to register your event, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.