Planning a town
Housed in a building with an interesting history (it was once the laundry of the Ilfracombe Hotel) Ifracombe museum invites you to check out its archive. Look through old photos and plans to see how local buildings were designed. Then take a walk to explore some of the Victorian highlights left in the town.
Architectural myths
Settle down in a pub cellar for this enlightening talk. Explore the stories of secret passages, blocked doors that keep the devil out, and why staircases twist in the same direction.
Meet the architect
What does an architect do all day?! Find out on a visit to this newly renovated 700 year old home. The architect behind the new design will be on hand to answer your questions, and the bricklayer who helped bring them to life will be giving demonstrations.
The Flintstones
Never look at a flint wall the same way again! Take a gentle walk to uncover the story behind ‘Sussex Diamonds’, their geology and history as well as their use in local architecture.
Let's build it!
There are loads of fun building activities available across the country, from lego to paper crafts, but this one is a bit different. Take inspiration from the architectural plans in the archive to build your own digital town in Minecraft.
Architecture & advertising
Explore the role of print advertising in promoting the designs and products of architects, builders and suppliers from throughout history. The team are opening up their treasure trove and you can delve deeper with special talks and tours.
Meet the students
Join an architecture student for a tour of the largest deep plan naturally ventilated library in Europe. Archive displays will also be available including the patent for an ‘inflatable building’!
What next?
What will the ‘architectural heritage’ of our era look like? Explore this question with a panel of expert speakers including the town’s Head of Planning, an urban design consultant, and sustainable construction specialist.
Architecture through the ages...
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Beyond buildings...
Canals
Today canals seem peaceful channels designed for cruising along. Before the railway took over though they provided the essential arteries criss-crossing the nation to move resources around. Explore the work of an early 18th century canal engineer who established their blueprint on this guided walk.
Cemeteries
Grab a cuppa from the welcoming volunteers as you explore how to build a cemetery! From purchasing the right space and making it ready, to maintaining (and extending!) it
Railways
This year the nation is celebrating 200 years of passenger rail travel, but railways themselves actually have a longer history than that in transporting goods. Discover five centuries of railway engineering and architecture at one of the oldest operating in the world!
Nature's architects
From a display of bird nests to den and bug-hotel building - discover the wonders of nature’s own amazing architects as well as the shelters we construct for them.
Submarines
There’s no need to get wet as you dive in to this very special tour! Join the Royal Navy Submarine Museum team to discover what it takes to make a ship that can sail beneath the waves.
PLEASE NOTE - These events were accurate at the time of publication but details are subject to change. Check the individual entries for more - including any booking details needed.
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