Thousands of historic houses, factories, museums, music halls, formal gardens and many other places, spaces and communities will be opening their doors as part of this year's National Trust Heritage Open Days.
Running between September 8-17, 2023, England's largest community led festival celebrates heritage, community and history by taking visitors behind the scenes to experience local history first-hand.
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.
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.”
For further information, and to register your event, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Here are just some of the many events taking place in and around Derby this month.
1. Magpie Mine, Sheldon, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1QU
Magpie Mine - Join a guided tour of the mine surface and listen to the history of this piece of mining heritage, look down the 729ft-deep main shaft, learn about the years of boom and bust, the alleged murder of three miners, and the Widow's Curse that is said to continue to this day. This is one of the most iconic mining sites in the country and was the last working lead mine in the Peak District. Sunday 10 September: 11am to 4pm No booking required | Heritage Open Days
2. Pavilion Gardens, St. Johns Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6BE
Pavilion Gardens - Explore this beautiful Victorian concert hall, now known as the Octagon, which was originally designed by the Buxton Architect, Robert Rippon Duke and opened in 1875. This Grade ll listed building is one of the largest eight-sided rooms in Europe. The Octoagon is set amongst 23-acres of landscaped gardens which are not to be missed. Monday 11 September: 9:30am to 4:30pm No booking required | Heritage Open Days
3. Reuben’s Retreat, Woods Lodge, Park Crescent, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 7BQ
Reuben’s Retreat - Take a chance to look around the building that’s home to local charity, Reuben's Retreat. The old Woods Hospital dates back to 1886 and many of the original Victorian era features remain. Original wallpaper and fireplaces dating back to when nurses lived on-site have been uncovered during recent renovations. Event Times: Sunday 10 September: 10am - 4pm No booking required | Heritage Open Days
4. Sharpe's Pottery Museum, 23 West Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 9DG
Sharpe's Pottery Museum - Take a rare chance to join in with an object handling experience at Sharpe’s. Created especially for Heritage Open Days 2023, and celebrating 100 Years of Cornishware, experience the objects in their normal setting and learn about the history of this iconic blue and white pottery. Tuesday 12 September: 10am Thursday 14 September: 10am No booking required to explore the site, but the object handling must be pre-booked | Heritage Open Days