A backstage pass to history
HERITAGE Open Days (020 7824 7180/heritageopendays.org.uk) is England’s largest cultural festival with more than 5,000 events taking place around the country between September 7-10.
Theatres, cinemas and museums will grant access to restricted backstage areas, buildings that are usually closed to the public will open their doors while towns and villages across the country will come alive with walks, theatrical events and family activities.
Here are some of the best...
HUMAN HENGE, WILTSHIRE
Discover Britain’s most iconic heritage spot in a completely new way by joining the Human Henge group for a sensory experience of Stonehenge’s ancient landscape.
It includes walking a circuit of the stones and learning their secrets from archaeologists whilst also hearing about people’s experiences amd their connections to this magnificent and mysterious place.
SOUTH FORELAND LIGHTHOUSE, KENT
Venture inside this iconic National Trust property, a striking landmark on the White Cliffs of Dover.
The stunning building was the first to display an electrically powered signal and was used in experiments by Sir Michael Faraday and Guglielmo Marconi.
STRAWBERRY STUDIOS, STOCKPORT
Normally off-limits to the public, this building housing Strawberry Recording Studios from 1968-1993, where 10CC, Joy Division, The Smiths and other artists recorded their hits and madfe music history.
HERITAGE ON THE DOCK, LIVERPOOL
Free boat trips, walks and workshops will reveal the Albert Dock and Liverpool Waterfront’s rich history. Board a classic bus to drive from Albert Dock to Stanley Dock, or take a trip through the historic South Docks before discovering the area’s marine life.
USN P22, KENT
Take the chance to see inside a rare US Navy gunboat, built by a German shipbuilder for the American military to patrol the Rhine during the Cold War. The gunboat, now docked in Thanet, is the only one afloat out of a fleet of 23 and was used in the recent WWII blockbuster, Dunkirk.
FOUNTAINS ABBEY, RIPON, NORTH YORKSHIRE
Wander around the ruins of this medieval abbey on an estate which also features a deer park and a Georgian water garden in the Skell valley. There are 800 acres to explore, including the 12th century Fountains Mill and the gothic Victorian beauty of St Mary’s Church.
TOWN HALL, HALIFAX, WEST YORKSHIRE
Sir Charles Barry may be most famous as the architect of the Houses of Parliament, but he also designed Halifax Town Hall. After his death, the building was completed by his son Edward Middleton Barry and officially opened in August 1863. It will swing open its doors to reveal the spectacular Victoria Hall.