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.
5. The Children's Country House, Sudbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, Derbyshire, DE6 5HT
The Children's Country House - Join a guided walk from the Children's Country House at Sudbury to explore historic parkland features on the National Trust estate. This 4km walk will take you into the wider estate which is usually closed to the public and includes a visit to Vernon's Folly, the 18th century Deercote, and historic square pond. Places are limited for the walk and offered on first come, first served basis. Saturday 9 September: 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.Sunday 10 September: 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. Saturday 16 September: 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. Sunday 17 September: 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. No booking required | Heritage Open Days
6. Sacheverell-Bateman Mausoleum
Sacheverell-Bateman Mausoleum - Morley Parish Church, Church Lane, Morley, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 6DE. Laren about the history of the Mausoleum before visiting the adjacent St Matthew's Church. The Grade II* mausoleum, designed by G. F. Bodley, was built in 1897, in memory of Sir Hugh Alleyne Sacheverell-Bateman, by his wife Anna. It is built in red sandstone in a Perpendicular Gothic revival style and is noted for its medieval stained-glass windows, encaustic floor tiles and memorial brasses. Saturday 9 September: 10am to 4pm. No booking required | Heritage Open Days
7. Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derby, Derbyshire, DE73 7LE
Calke Abbey - Discover the tales of the eccentric Harpur-Crewe family who amassed a vast collection of hidden treasures, on a visit to Calke Abbey. Grand rooms are crammed full of collections which contrasts with abandoned rooms and objects no longer used. The stables have overgrown courtyards and peeling paintwork and are great for exploring. Faded garden buildings such as the orangery and the rare auricula theatre, hint at the former fortunes and passions of the family. Sunday 17 September: 10am to 5pm – the mansion opens 11am to 4pm (last entry at 4pm). No booking required | National Trust
8. Derby Arboretum, Grove St, Derby, Derbyshire, DE23 8EL
Derby Arboretum - Join the celebrations as Derby Arboretum marks its 183rd anniversary. Discover the history of this site, Britain’s first public park, while enjoying music, spoken word and dance performances, alongside a range of family activities. Sunday 17 September: 12pm to 4pm. No booking required | Google