Uncover our heritage
Take a virtual or actual tour of England’s history and culture – Charlie Bullough previews Heritage Open Days and its new digital events
Aclick of a mouse can transport you to a celebration of England’s rich heritage this autumn.
Heritage Open Days will for the first time offer a mix of virtual tours and socially-distanced in-person events in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year more than 2.4 million visitors came to 5,700 free events. But the latest edition of England’s largest festival of history and culture, from September 11 to 20, will look a little different.
Some venues and outdoor spaces will be open for prebooked events and visits by small groups, while others will provide digital experiences.
People will be able to participate in a range of online activities the length and breadth of the country without leaving the comfort of their own home or wherever they take their laptop or smartphone.
Virtual visitors can roam from a heritage pub quiz in Berwick-upon-Tweed to ‘viewing’ the surviving ruins of Hemyock Castle in Devon. They can also go through the keyhole at Langney Priory, which is thought to be the oldest building in Eastbourne, Sussex, or go underwater on a special online tour of Bolton Aquarium. This year’s theme is ‘Hidden Nature’. Annie Reilly, head of producing at Heritage Open Days said: “HODs are all about sharing amazing stories of the places, spaces, nature, heritage and history around us, and feeling part of a community has never been more important. We’ve been planning new ways to keep people connected with each other and their local area, whether it’s from home with our new digital programme or exploring Hidden Nature in the great outdoors.”
She added: “For many of our organisers, our encouragement of digital events has meant them thinking differently about their activities and trying technology they haven’t used before. The feedback is very encouraging and we’ve had a sneak peak at some brilliant tours and behind-thescenes experiences”.
But there is still plenty to see and do if you prefer your history within touching distance. In-person events will include exclusive walks, talks and exhibitions, and explore archives, tunnels and gardens not normally open to the public. These events will adhere to local government guidelines to ensure a safe and relaxing visit. And there will be no cost as continued support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery means every Heritage Open Days event is free - including entry to museums, country houses and other attractions which usually charge for admission.
Most things in 2020 have had to change because of COVID-19 and Heritage Open Days are no different. But this edition is a perfect mix of virtual and actual to cater for those who want to get out more and those who want to stay put.
Annie Reilly said: “Over the last few months, as we have coped with various restrictions and limits on our lives, access to nature has become even more important to many of us and HODs will give us all something to look forward to. From socially distanced ‘netwalking’ and rural rambles, to nature-inspired art collections, scavenger hunts, food and craft events, we’re excited to see how the theme of ‘Hidden Nature’ is being interpreted and used to create exciting online and offline events and activities.”