Yesterday everyday
Sean’s pick:
Love all things technology and modern history? In that case, the Mini Museum of Retro Tech by Yesterday Everyday is a must see! I love how hands on this experience looks – visitors can type a memo, record their voice on tape or play retro video games! I really like the fact that these objects, now strange to us, were once just part of the everyday lives of our parents and grandparents. Whether it’s for nostalgia or curiosity, this event is worth visiting – even if just to see what a floppy disk looks like!
Protect the future
Milly’s pick:
In our current climate emergency, how can we protect the future of places like the Peak District National Park and the Derwent Valley Mills? The challenges that face some of our most important landscapes are such important topics to explore. This talk examines how a sustainable future for these sites might be created through agriculture and tourism, bringing people together to enjoy and protect their beauty. I encourage everyone to hear The Friends of Derby Arboretum Community Group share their ideas and wisdom. You will be in safe, green hands!
Secrets of the palace servants
Fatima’s pick:
I love the look of the Eltham Palace Servants' Trail. The palace has a really interesting history – it was both a former royal residence (where Henry VIII spent his childhood!) and a 1930s Art Deco home. It's easy to visit stately homes and palaces and admire their beauty, whilst overlooking the workers who made it all possible. The trail features personal testimonies from the people who worked at Eltham - I'm looking forward to attending and learning more about the conditions and treatment the workers of the past experienced.
Tudor interrogation room
Alice’s pick:
As a lover of historic houses, my pick goes to Smithills Hall in Bolton. The site is home to the start of the historic trial of protestant preacher, George Marsh. This year, Smithills Hall is giving visitors access to the room where he was interrogated. Not usually open to the public, this room is always a place I’ve been curious to see, to imagine how events would’ve unfolded. They also have gardens with wheelchair access and a lovely tearoom on site – I think it sounds like a great day out!
People behind the park
Rowan’s pick:
Built in the 1920s, Eaton Park is an important place to the residents of Norwich. This tour reveals more about the people who designed its iconic landscaping and buildings. Eaton Park is such a fixture in the city – this tour feels like a great way to step back and think about its inception. If you’ve walked your dog, learned to ride your bike or hung out with friends in Eaton Park, this is a timely opportunity to learn more about this special place.
Milling through the years
Aurora ‘s pick:
A combination of Cumbrian produce history, pre-industrial engineering, and a hands-on milling experience – Acorn Bank’s Watermill event is sure to be a crowd pleaser. The event will take visitors through the long history of flour milling in Sourebi (the Old Norse name for Temple Sowerby); from this mill’s beginnings in 1744 to only a few months ago, when the restoration of the second waterwheel finished and started turning in May.
As we become more interested in ultra processing and environmental issues within the food industry, small local mills such as Acorn Bank serve as the antithesis to this trend. There’s also an opportunity to try a sweet treat or two made from the flour milled on site – what more could anyone want?
Recommended reading
Carys’s pick:
I went on this tour last year and would highly recommend it to anyone! The chance to look inside a university college in Oxford can be rare, but the chance to explore a university library is even rarer. If the idea of exploring a 19th century book labyrinth with informative and friendly guides appeals to you, this is the one! The main reading room is not to be missed. As a bonus, the library is conveniently located near multiple bus stops if you're using public transport.
Jewellery Quarter walk
Naina’s pick:
Exploring Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter is the first and perhaps, most significant step in understanding how Birmingham became known as the 'city of a thousand trades'. Now full of thriving independent businesses, the Jewellery Quarter was formed from the heart of industry. Guided by RBSA President Ed Isaacs, this tour will give visitors a unique insight into the neighbourhood's combination of Georgian and Victorian architecture.
A curious collection
Teagan’s pick:
From christening robes to a Tibetan pipe (made from a thigh bone!), Butcher Row House Museum offers a range of objects covering a wide range of topics and interests. The museum’s collection of historical musical instruments looks fascinating; objects such as the Ledbury Lute shows amazing artistry. Alongside this, there are various Victorian costumes on display that shed light on historical clothing styles and everyday life during the 19th century.
Dream house
Jules’s pick:
When I think of my dream home, A la Ronde in Devon comes to mind - a beautiful house surrounded by flowers and nature. What makes it particularly unique is that it’s a 16-sided building! It was designed by cousins Jane and Mary in the late 18th century, at a time when women rarely had the opportunity to build their own home. As a result, A la Ronde feels incredibly imaginative. I particularly loved the shell gallery, where thousands of shells collected by the pair on a Grand Tour around Europe were displayed. I was struck that these souvenirs had become such a special part of the house.
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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