DIARY DATES
GREAT BRITISH EVENTS
SOUTH WEST OF ENGLAND 01 MADHATTERS AND MARCH HARES (10.30AM-4.30PM)
Explore the steam complex and working factory floor as well as a section of family crafts. Steam engines will run until 3pm.
Coldharbour Mill, Cullompton, Devon 01884 840960, coldharbourmill.org.uk
07 PARK TO PIER (10.30AM-12.30PM)
Enjoy a guided walk from Durlston Castle to Swanage Pier learning about wildlife, geology and the history of the country park, the pier and Swanage. No booking required.
Durlston Country Park, Swanage, Dorset 01929 424443, durlston.co.uk
15 TALK: THE RAILWAY CLEARING HOUSE AND THE GWR 1919-1939 (7PM)
Both members and non-members are welcome to attend this talk by Dr Roy Edwards. Free but donations to the Friends of Swindon Railway Museum appreciated.
STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway, Swindon, Wiltshire
01793 466646, steam-museum.org.uk
27 TIGER DAY SPRING
Dedicated to the world’s most infamous tank, Tiger 131. See the only running Tiger I in action at the Home of the Tank. World War Two tank display, living history and more.
The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset 01929 405096, tankmuseum.org
SOUTH EAST OF ENGLAND AND LONDON
01-04 SHUTTLEWORTH HOUSE – OPEN WEEK (11AM-3PM)
Visit Shuttleworth House and explore its rich history spanning nearly 150 years. Free entry, no ticket required but donations welcome.
Shuttleworth, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire 01767 627927, shuttleworth.org
07 VINTAGE CAR SHOW (10AM-4.30PM)
Admire more than 100 marvellous pre1956 vehicles, shop for collector’s items at autojumble stalls and speak to owners. Southdown vintage buses operating. Booking essential.
Amberley Museum, Near Arundel, West Sussex
01798 831370, amberleymuseum.co.uk
12-14 K&ESR DIESEL GALA
A celebration of everything diesel with D8568 in action for the first time at the railway, and Class 14 D9504 hauling scheduled passenger trains for the first time in four years.
Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden, Kent
01580 765155, kesr.org.uk
26-28 DEPOT OPEN DAYS: LONDON BY DESIGN
A three-day extravaganza celebrating all things London Transport design gives you the opportunity to explore the collections store, with its treasure trove of 320,000 objects.
London Transport Museum, Acton Depot, London
0343 222 5000, ltmuseum.co.uk
WEST OF ENGLAND
07 MODEL RAILWAY DISPLAYS
Layouts from Oxford & District Model Railway Club and free heritage bus rides departing from Oxford Bus Museum at 12.15pm and 2.15pm.
Oxford Bus Museum, Long Hanborough, Witney, Oxfordshire
01993 883617, oxfordbusmuseum.org
11 LUNCHTIME LECTURE: DAMNED GOOD SHOW (12PM)
James Jefferies will present a talk about the RAF during World War Two and its representation in film and television. Free but registration required.
RAF Museum Midlands, Cosford, Shropshire
01902 376200, rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford
18-21 SPRING STEAM GALA
Stanier Mogul 13268 will be welcomed back into service after overhaul alongside other members of the home fleet. Visiting locomotives include LBSCR Terrier No 72 Fenchurch.
Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster, Worcestershire
01562 757900, svr.co.uk
20-21 INTERNATIONAL LIVING HISTORY FESTIVAL
An unforgettable family day out, featuring hands-on activities, bronze age to cold war re-enactments, and a historically themed market.
Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire
01527 831363, avoncroft.org.uk
EAST OF ENGLAND
06 NORWICH INDUSTRIES, A GUIDED TOUR
Norwich has a rich industrial heritage. This guided tour will proudly explore the industrial collections at the Museum of Norwich.
Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell, Norwich, Norfolk
01603 629127, museums.norfolk.gov. uk/museum-of-norwich
07 AN INTRODUCTION TO LONDONTHORPE’S MILITARY HISTORY (9.30AM-1PM)
An opportunity to discover the military history of Londonthorpe and Bellmount. Visit war graves at Londonthorpe church and enter Bellmount Tower. Free but booking essential.
Londonthorpe Wood car park, Grantham, Lincolnshire
0344 249 1895, nationaltrust.org.uk/ belton-house
21 VISIT THE VULCAN DAY (10AM-4PM)
Walk round Vulcan XL426 and for an additional fee you can climb inside for a guided tour of the cockpit and see what it was like to fly in this huge aircraft. Plus, military vehicles display.
Vulcan Restoration Trust, London Southend Airport, Southend-on-sea, Essex avrovulcan.com
27-28 STEAM GALA
A Great Western weekend sees recreated Saint class locomotive 2999 Lady of
Legend and our Hall class locomotive 4953 Pitchford Hall working services on their own and double-headed.
Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar, Essex 01277 365200, eorailway.co.uk MIDLANDS
02 HOLIDAY RAILWAY DAY (11.30AM-4PM)
Enjoy a ride on the narrow-gauge railway. Train rides cost 50p cash only, to be paid on the train. Cafe open for light refreshments.
Abbey Pumping Station, Leicester, Leicestershire
0116 299 5111, leicestermuseums.org/ abbey-pumping-station
06 GUIDED TOUR OF WEOLEY CASTLE (11AM)
Explore Weoley Castle with experienced guides and see real finds from the site back on display for the first time in more than 10 years. Booking essential.
Weoley Castle, Alwold Road, Birmingham 0121 348 8000, birminghammuseums. org.uk/weoley-castle
21 HERITAGE OPEN DAY
Your chance to look behind the scenes at the railway and chat to the friendly team about volunteering opportunities.
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Wirksworth, Derbyshire 01629 823076, e-v-r.com
25 LEICESTER MUSEUMS STORE TOUR (10.30AM-NOON)
Take a fascinating behind-the-scenes stroll around the main object store. Booking essential.
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, Leicester, Leicestershire
0116 225 4980, leicestermuseums.org/ leicester-museum-art-gallery
NORTH OF ENGLAND
05-12 LAMBING WEEK AT THE FARM
Staff will share their expertise, giving informative talks (noon and 2pm) at the lambing shed. Learn how they spot the signs of lambing and how they look after sheep and care for lambs.
Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire 01625 374400, tattonpark.org.uk
10-14, 20-21 & 27-28 STORM THE CASTLE
A rare opportunity to ride behind historic Great Western Locomotive 4079 Pendennis, courtesy of Didcot Railway Centre, as part of the loco’s 100th anniversary celebrations.
The East Lancashire Railway, Bury, Lancashire
0333 320 2830, eastlancsrailway.org.uk
20-21 WEEKEND OPEN DAYS (10.30AM4.30PM)
In addition to marking the end of trolleybus operation 55 years ago in Bournemouth, Dorset the museum will be showcasing other trolleybuses from southern England.
Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft, Doncaster, South Yorkshire 01724 711846, sandtoft.org/wp
27-28 TRACTOR GATHERING 2024
See Fordsons, Fergies, Field Marshalls and more at this tractor-tastic event featuring a fantastic display of tractors on the events field. They will also be driven around the site.
Beamish Museum, Beamish, Stanley, County Durham
0191 370 4000, beamish.org.uk WALES
06 GUIDED TOUR (11AM-4PM)
Take a tour with guide Deian ap Rhisiart and discover the secrets of the castle that was originally built by Llywelyn the Great. Booking not required.
Criccieth Castle, Criccieth, Gwynedd 0300 025 2239, cadw.gov.wales
13 GRAND MID WALES CYCLE JUMBLE
A sale of cycle parts and surplus cycles in aid of the National Cycle Museum.
National Cycle Museum, Llandrindod Wells, Powys
01597 825531, cyclemuseum.org.uk
14 STARS OF TIME COMIC CON (10AM4.30PM)
A fantastic event in Swansea city centre with star guests, costumed characters, movie displays and so much more.
Oystermouth Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea
07703 809505, starsoftime.co.uk/ swanseacomiccon
20-21 WINGS OF WALES (10AM-4PM)
Experience birds of prey up close and get to know a few of them. Spend the day with Wings of Wales Falconry. Learn about the history of hawking and enjoy the birds’ majestic flight.
Tintern Abbey, Tintern, Monmouthshire 0300 025 2239, cadw.gov.wales
21 EARTH DAY (NOON-4PM)
An afternoon to champion environmental protection with activities in the GRAFT Garden and a Planet Cafe workshop to answer questions and help address eco anxiety. Free event.
National Waterfront Museum, Swansea 0300 111 2 333, museum.wales/swansea
25 FRANK GILBERTSON OF PONTARDAWE (6.30PM)
Dr D Hugh Jones presents a talk on metallurgical firm owner Frank Gilbertson who played a critical role in establishing the University College of Swansea in 1920. Free admission.
Swansea Museum, Swansea risw.org
27 BARLEY SATURDAY
Horse competitions, followed by a colourful parade of vintage cars, motorbikes, tractors, carriages, milk floats and gypsy wagons to celebrate the tradition of the hiring fair.
Cardigan, Ceredigion
01239 841524, facebook.com/ Sadwrnbarlysbarleysaturday SCOTLAND
07 OPEN SUNDAYS (11AM-4.30PM)
Explore the collection of 140 buses, coaches, fire engines and commercial vehicles, from fully restored vehicles to those awaiting or under restoration.
Bridgeton Bus Garage, Glasgow 0141 554 0544, gvvt.org
09 GUIDED WALK: STEP INTO SPRING (10.30AM-NOON)
Enjoy Scotland’s most exotic garden on this colourful tour. See the many radiant rhododendrons and magnificent magnolias with a member of the team.
Logan Botanic Garden, Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway
01776 860 231, rbge.org.uk
13-14 FIRE ENGINE RALLY (10AM-4PM)
Enjoy the sight of magnificent firefighting machines from past and present in all their glory. Climb aboard at this free event in association with the Scottish Fire Brigades Heritage Trust.
Riverside Museum, Pointhouse Place, Glasgow
0141 287 2720, glasgowlife.org.uk
20 SHIP AHOY! SCOTLAND’S MARITIME HERITAGE EXHIBITION (10AM-4PM)
Enjoy a walk down memory lane with memorabilia, postcards, photographs, artefacts, slide shows, books and more than 30 model steamers and other vessels outside on the water.
Scottish Maritime Museum, The Linthouse, Irvine, Ayrshire 01294 277177, scottishmaritimemuseum.org NORTHERN IRELAND
06 CARNEGIE DAY 2024 (1-3PM)
An afternoon of family-friendly activities celebrating 118 years since the official opening of Larne Carnegie Free Library in 1906. Free drop-in event.
Larne Museum & Arts Centre, Larne, County Antrim
028 2826 2443, midandeastantrim.gov. uk/events
19-20 BALLYMONEY SPRING FAIR (11AM-4PM)
Free family-friendly activities and lots of carnival colour. Look out for vintage cars, live music, dance displays and a showcase of artisan produce.
Ballymoney, County Antrim
028 2766 0230, visitcausewaycoastandglens.com
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