The British Restaurant
Liam's choice:
I can't resist a food history event so this immersive theatre performance stood out to me. It offers a really cool opportunity to think about the food history of WWII, and some of the challenges people faced at the time. Red Sauce Theatre Company focus on real life stories from Portsmouth, and put on loads of cool creative events so I'm sure it'll be a memorable evening!
Torchlight Tour
Jade's choice:
I’m always excited by a Heritage Open Days event that happens at night! Somehow, it feels extra special to go out and discover some local history once the sun has set and most things are starting to wind down for the day. This torchlight tour instantly caught my eye – and its description didn’t disappoint. It feels like such a unique experience to explore 900 years of a church’s history after dark and see how the building changes once the lights fade. So, grab your torches and get ready for some intrigue with mason marks, witches’ marks, medieval graffiti and more to discover this September!
Echoes of the Maltings
Alex's choice:
Whenever I'm planning my annual festival itinerary, I'm on the lookout for a corner of the country where I can learn something new. This year, Suffolk looks like the place to be, with 'Echoes of the Maltings' catching my eye. With interactive guides allowing visitors to uncover the sights, sounds and stories of the people who shaped this once thriving industrial gem, this event is bound to captivate the curious explorers amongst us.
Ghost Walk
Charlotte's choice:
As a firm believer in the supernatural, a spooky event will likely pique my interest. This year, the one I keep returning to is 'The Knutsford Ghost Walk'. This brilliantly written event inspires intrigue and informs visitors of how they can explore the extensive history in Knutsford in a fun new way. From stories of the paranormal and weird encounters, visitors will discover how ghosts have helped (but mainly hindered) daily working life across the market town of Knutsford in various settings.
Farming Lives
Sarah's choice:
This year’s festival theme, ‘Everyday Histories’ is presented by Findmypast, and I’m loving how it's inspiring organisers. The team at St Mary's is using one of the special passes on offer to research the local legend of a giant who took up a dare to reap a field. What will they discover? We’ll have to go visit to find out! They’ll be sharing the stories as part of their open day exploring local farming lives, as illustrated in their amazing medieval misericords. They're also offering refreshments from different centuries, re-enactments, and the ever popular bell tower tours, so it sounds like there’ll be something for everyone here!
The Great Ginnel
Steph's choice:
I grew up in Leeds, a stones-throw from Headingley where this walk begins - and had my wedding reception at Weetwood Hall where it ends. When I moved away to university I realised that the word 'ginnel' is a peculiarly Northern one, along with the equally wonderful 'snicket', which has the same meaning - and I've always felt it was such a shame that in other places they were known as boring old 'alleys'! I have to admit that I never knew about the "Great Ginnel" until I spotted this fascinating journey of two miles and nearly a thousand years - definitely one to check out if you're in the area.
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.
Find out more
- What's on? - Check for events near you, thousands more will be added in the coming months
- Meet the team! - Not sure who everyone is? Find out here!
- Everyday Histories - Find out more about this year's theme, presented by Findmypast.