Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="961" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Heritage-Open-Days-Pic-Paul-Harris.jpg" alt="Heritage Open Days " class="wp-image-34953" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Heritage-Open-Days-Pic-Paul-Harris.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Heritage-Open-Days-Pic-Paul-Harris-800x513.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Heritage-Open-Days-Pic-Paul-Harris-1000x641.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Heritage-Open-Days-Pic-Paul-Harris-768x492.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic: Heritage Open Days/Paul Harris</figcaption></figure>



<p>Celebrate England’s&nbsp;local history, architecture and culture with a fascinating snoop around buildings that are hidden away, closed to the public, open for the first time, or where you usually have to pay. <a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heritage Open Days</a>&nbsp;is a nationwide event, with 250+ locations to visit in Hampshire alone, running from Fri 6 to Sun 15 Sept.</p>



<p>Just type in your postcode on the Heritage Open Days site to see what’s open near you. Take a look too at <a href="https://www.winchesterheritageopendays.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winchester Heritage Open Days</a> and see local roundups at <a href="https://visitsouthampton.co.uk/heritage-open-days" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Visit Portsmouth</a>, <a href="https://historicdockyard.co.uk/whats-on/category/heritage-open-days/">Portsmouth Historic Dockyard </a>and <a href="https://visitsouthampton.co.uk/heritage-open-days">Visit Southampton</a>. Places can be limited and book up fast, so if somewhere takes your fancy, snap it up now!</p>



<p>Here are a few of our Heritage Open Days highlights from around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explore-canute-s-palace-and-medieval-wine-vaults-fri-6-sun-8-september-southampton">EXPLORE: <a href="https://www.winchesterheritageopendays.org/programme-of-events/2024/9/6-8/canutespalace">Canute&#8217;s Palace and medieval wine vaults,</a> Fri 6 – Sun 8 September, Southampton</h2>



<p>A rare glimpse of one of Southampton oldest and recently restored buildings. Discover how Canute’s Palace got its name then peek inside two corking neighbouring medieval wine vaults for an insight into the port city’s once flourishing wine trade.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-workshop-hampshire-regency-dancers-sat-7-september-winchester">WORKSHOP: <a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/hampshire-regency-dancers.html">Hampshire Regency Dancers</a>, Sat 7 September, Winchester</h2>



<p>Don’t be a wallflower! The historic Great Hall will play host to Hampshire Regency Dancers for Heritage Open Days. Watch dances from the Regency era then have a go at dancing Jane Austen and Bridgerton-style with one of the pros.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-museum-of-island-history-sat-7-september-newport">HISTORY: <a href="https://heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/free-entry-museum-of-island-history-1.html">Museum of Island History</a>, Sat 7 September, Newport</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Isle-of-Wight-Pic-sean-mccammon-unsplash.jpg" alt="Isle of Wight beach coastline countryside" class="wp-image-34952" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Isle-of-Wight-Pic-sean-mccammon-unsplash.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Isle-of-Wight-Pic-sean-mccammon-unsplash-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Isle-of-Wight-Pic-sean-mccammon-unsplash-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/09/Isle-of-Wight-Pic-sean-mccammon-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic:&nbsp;Sean McCammon&nbsp;on&nbsp;Unsplash</figcaption></figure>



<p>From from fossils to festivals, drop by this small museum within the historic Guildhall on Newport High Street and learn more about the history of the Island. Also on display, there&#8217;s an exhibition of landscape pictures of the Isle of Wight and archaeological treasures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport-farnborough-air-sciences-trust-s-24-foot-wind-tunnel-building-sun-8-amp-sun-15-september-farnborough-nbsp">TRANSPORT: <a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/former-royal-aircraft-establishment-24-foot-wind-tunnel-building-q121-2024.html">Farnborough Air Sciences Trust’s 24 foot Wind Tunnel Building</a>, Sun 8 &amp; Sun 15 September, Farnborough&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A world class aerodynamic testing facility opened in 1935 and in continuous use until 1996. Heritage Open Days are a great opportunity to take a look at Farnborough’s 24-foot, Grade I listed Wind Tunnel Building.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-scallywags-an-interactive-talk-on-the-stansted-patrol-weds-11-september-rowlands-castle">HISTORY: <a href="https://stansted-park.arttickets.org.uk/stansted-park/scallywags-an-interactive-talk-on-the-stansted-patrol-66c32f589e923">Scallywags- An Interactive Talk on the Stansted Patrol</a>, Weds 11 September, Rowlands Castle</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1373" height="1030" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Stansted-House.jpg" alt="Stansted House Hampshire Heritage Open Days" class="wp-image-34835" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Stansted-House.jpg 1373w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Stansted-House-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Stansted-House-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/08/Stansted-House-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1373px) 100vw, 1373px" /></figure>



<p>The Grade II* listed Stately Home&nbsp;has a fascinating past. Learn about life here during World War World War Two, when the clandestine Stansted Patrol of the 203rd Home Guard – including estate staff and local farmers – met in a secret underground base hidden in the woodlands.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explore-gilbert-white-s-house-amp-gardens-thurs-12-september-selborne">EXPLORE: <a href="https://gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk/event/heritage-open-day/">Gilbert White’s House &amp; Gardens</a>, Thurs 12 September, Selborne</h2>



<p>One for the nature lovers. Tour the great naturalist’s East Hampshire home and grounds with free entry for Heritage Open Day. Visitors can also go on a guided walk to learn about the careful eco management here, from hedgerows that benefit the rare Brown Hairstreak butterfly to corridors for bats and habitat for insects and small mammals. Be sure to leave time for a spot of tea and cake in the café afterwards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explore-the-grange-thursday-12-september-northington-alresford">EXPLORE: <a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/the-grange-northington-2024-1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Grange</a>, Thursday 12 September, Northington, Alresford</h2>



<p>Set like a lakeside temple in a landscaped park,&nbsp;The Grange&nbsp;at&nbsp;Northington&nbsp;is a rare and rather magnificent example of the Greek Revival style in England. Find out more about the historic site and Opera venue with a special Heritage Open Days tour.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explore-farnborough-hill-saturday-14-september-farnborough">EXPLORE: <a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/farnborough-hill-celebrating-135-years-in-farnborough.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farnborough Hill</a>, Saturday 14 September, Farnborough </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/09/Farnborough-Hill-library.jpg" alt="Library at Farnborough Hill School Hampshire girls seniors independent" class="wp-image-34807" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/09/Farnborough-Hill-library.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/09/Farnborough-Hill-library-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/09/Farnborough-Hill-library-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2021/09/Farnborough-Hill-library-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Founded in 1889, <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/farnborough-hill/">Farnborough Hill</a> is a leading Catholic independent day school for girls. The Grade I listed building was once home to the Empress Eugéne, wife of Napoleon III. The sumptuous drawing rooms here are really something to behold &#8211; not to mention the sweeping hilltop views from the school library.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport-romsey-signal-box-saturday-14-september-romsey">TRANSPORT: <a href="https://heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/romsey-signal-box.html">Romsey Signal Box</a>, Saturday 14 September, Romsey</h2>



<p>A great place to celebrate this year’s Heritage Open Days <em>Routes, Networks and Connections</em> theme. The family-friendly Romsey Signal Box museum will go back in time and operate on a full-timetable for the day. </p>



<p>Help out by pulling levers connected to signals outside, ringing bells, and assisting with the operation. Then take in the other displays and attractions, including a miniature signal box, garden railway and new Discovery Centre with hands-on activities for kids.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-joan-of-navarre-the-unorthodox-making-of-an-english-queen-sat-14-september-winchester">HISTORY: <a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hampshire-history-trust/joan-of-navarres-circuitous-route-to-winchester-the-unorthodox-making-of-an-english-queen/e-mbeazb">Joan of Navarre: The unorthodox making of an English Queen</a>, Sat 14 September, Winchester</h2>



<p>One of England&#8217;s least known Queens – and all the more fascinating for it. Joan of Navarre married Henry IV in Winchester Cathedral, all the way back in 1403. Hear how this Duchess of Brittany came to the historic Hampshire city and the secret negotiations that led to her marriage to Henry IV in this special Hampshire Historic Trust talk at The Arc, Winchester.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explore-the-vyne-sherborne-st-john-sat-14-september-basingstoke">EXPLORE: <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne/events/">The Vyne</a>, Sherborne St. John, Sat 14 September, Basingstoke</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min.jpg" alt="The Vyne National Trust Hampshire" class="wp-image-27360" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/06/The-Vyne-in-summer-National-Trust-Images-Arnhel-de-Serra-978549-1-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic: National Trust Images/Arnhel-de-Serra</figcaption></figure>



<p>Open with free entry for the day, there’s plenty to explore at this former Tudor Palace. Look out for the pre-Reformation chapel with stained-glass windows, Oak Gallery and tapestry room and beautifully-tended walled garden and 17th century summerhouse.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport-the-watercress-line-sat-14-sun-15-september-ropley">TRANSPORT: <a href="https://watercressline.co.uk/special-days/open-weekend/">The Watercress Line</a>, Sat 14 – Sun 15 September, Ropley</h2>



<p>Choo, choo! Head for the engineering hub at Ropley Station during the Watercress Line’s Engineering Open Weekend for a free tour. Better still, get a ticket to ride to see inside all the heritage stations from&nbsp;Alresford&nbsp;to Alton with unlimited travel along the 10-mile route.</p>


Heritage Open Days: Visit Hampshire’s historical and cultural gems – for free

You may also like