Heritage Open Days 2018

I have some wonderful news to share with you, the Heritage Open Days have been extended for 2018! This event will now create eight, very special days during September 2018, where you can experience local history, culture, and architecture. The Heritage Open Days provide a rather wonderful opportunity to both open, and visit interesting, historic, beautiful and important places, which are normally closed to the public; as well as giving you an opportunity to enjoy free entry to some lovely places that usually charge an admission fee.

This year, there is a focus on the achievements of women and the suffragette movement, but there are houses, museums, lighthouses, castles, windmills, private gardens, nature reserves, and many other places open that have all manner of themes and features.

The 2018 Heritage Open Days will be held on: Thursday 6th September 2018, Friday 7th September 2018, Saturday 8th September 2018, Sunday 9th September 2018, and Saturday September 2018, and again, for four days the following week: on Thursday 13th September 2018, Friday 14th September 2018, Saturday 15th September 2018, and on Sunday 16th September 2018.

Although the Heritage Open Days events are all free of charge, some of these events do require you to book your place in advance – so do please check the listings on The Heritage Open Days website, where you’ll also find details of many additional events, and any cancellations. Here are some of my favourite openings for the 2018 Heritage Open Days……

Thursday 6th September 2018

The Bear Shop Garden

The Bear Shop Garden is a small terraced garden, located in a historic area of Norwich. This garden is considered to be based on a design by Gertrude Jekyll. The Bear Shop Garden, The Bear Shop, 18 Elm Hill, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1HN is open for the Heritage Open Days, from 11am until 4.30pm, on Thursday 6th September 2018, Friday 7th September 2018, and Saturday 8th September 2018, from 11am until 4pm on Sunday 9th September 2019, from 11am until 4pm, on Saturday 15th September 2018, and from 11am until 4pm, on Sunday 16th September 2018. There will be a Teddy Bear Raffle, refreshments, and plants for sale, in aid of charity. Wheelchair access is limited to the upper level of the garden, for all the details, please click here.

Hanley Park, Past, Present, and Future

On Thursday 6th September 2018, and again on Thursday 13th September 2018, (from 6pm until 7pm on both dates), Hanley Park, Stoke-on-Trent College, Cauldon Campus, Stoke Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 2DG, is opening for the Heritage Open Days. English Heritage have listed Hanley Park as a Grade 2* listed park and garden of special historic interest. At this event, you can learn more about this interesting park and garden, you’ll discover why it is considered such an important site, and see for yourself the extent of the restoration works that have been completed so far, and find out about the future plans for this historic park and garden. Do remember to pre-book your place, for all the details, please click here.

Ightham Mote

Ightham Mote, The Mote, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0NT, is opening for the Heritage Open Days on Thursday the 6th September 2018, from 11am until 4.30pm. Explore this moated manor house, which has areas that were created as long ago as in medieval times, alongside parts that were created in the 1950s. At Ightham Mote, there are streams, lakes, formal lawns, and flower borders, as well as the surrounding picturesque, Kent countryside to explore. For all the details, please click here.

The Peace Garden

On Thursday 6th September 2018, Friday 7th September 2018, Saturday 8th September 2018, and Sunday 9th September 2018, Thursday 13th September 2018, Friday 14th September 2018, Saturday 15th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, and on Sunday 16th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, The Peace Garden at the Muslim Burial Ground will be opening as part of the Heritage Open Days. This is a quiet, peaceful garden that was opened in 2015, the garden is planted with Himalayan birch and pink and white heather. The Peace Garden will be open anytime apart from the last weekend of the Heritage Open days when the opening is restricted to 2pm to 4pm. For all the details, including access information for disabled visitors, please click here.

Peterborough Energy Recovery Facility

Peterborough Energy Recovery Facility turns residual waste into energy, this work is all part of the city’s admirable ambitions to avoid sending any waste to landfill. Discover the science behind this important work, and see an exhibition that celebrates the women that work in the waste industry. Peterborough Energy Recovery Facility will be opening for the Heritage Open Days on Thursday 6th September 2018, when there’s a talk and tour offered to visitors from 2pm, on Friday 7th September 2018, when a talk and tour is available from 10am, and lastly on Saturday 8th September 2018, when a talk and tour is available from 10am. This event is only suitable to those of 18 years and above, pre-booking is required, for all the details, please click here.

Preston Rock Garden

Preston Rock Garden, Preston Road, Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, BN1 6SD, is opening for the Heritage Open Days on Thursday 6th September 2018, Saturday 8th September 2018, and Saturday 15th September 2018, from 12 noon to 1.30pm, when the Head Gardener, Andy will be giving tours to visitors. This Rock Garden was built on the site of a railway bank which had been unused for sometime. Work to create this garden began in 1934, the garden was completed by 1936. The Preston Rock Garden has recently undergone some restoration work, which was of considerable scope – 155 tons of silt were removed from the pond, the waterfall has been repaired, and the planting has been overhauled. This is a great time to visit the rock garden, for all the details, please click here.

Ryton Organic Gardens

Ryton Organic Gardens, Wolston Lane, Ryton on Dunsmore, Coventry, West Midlands, CV8 3LG, will be opening for the Heritage Garden Open Days on Thursday 6th September 2018, from 10am until 4pm, on Friday 7th September 2018, from 10am until 4pm, on Saturday 8th September 2018, from 8am until 4pm, on Sunday 9th September 2018, from 8am until 4pm, on Thursday 13th September 2018, from 10am until 4pm, on Friday 14th September 2018, from 10am until 4pm on Saturday 15th September 2018, and from 8am until 4pm, on Sunday 16th September 2018, from 8am until 4pm. This is a famous organic garden, as a demonstration garden it’s the perfect place to learn more about organic gardening and see the principles of organic gardening in effect. Visitors can explore the vegetable garden, learn about the importance of composting and see Ryton’s compost heaps in operation, find refuge in the sensory garden and learn more about Ryton’s garden therapy projects. This is a great place to learn more about gardening, it’s the perfect place for horticulture students to visit! For all the details, please click here.

Tea Dance Taster Session

On Thursday 6th September 2018, Burton Street are holding a Tea Dance Taster Session at the Burton Street Foundation, The Burton Building, 57 Burton Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S6 2HH, from 2pm until 4pm. For all the details, please click here.

Friday 7th September 2018

No 4 Circus: a Restored Georgian House and Garden

This is a one off opportunity to visit a complete and restored Georgian home and garden. Visitors will be able to see inside both the house and garden of this building, which is now used by Bath Spa University’s Fashion Department. The gardens of this property were the site of an earlier archaeological dig, they have since been restored and laid out as a Georgian garden, using designs and plantings from this period. This restored Georgian house and garden at No 4 The Circus, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2EW is opening especially for the Heritage Open Days on Friday 7th September 2018, from 10am until 12 noon, they close for lunch, before opening again, from 1pm until 3pm. For all the details, please click here.

The Bear Shop Garden

Visit Elizabeth Gaskell’s Garden

On Friday 7th September 2018, Knutsford Heathwaite Garden, 17 Gaskell Avenue, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 0DA, the gardens in the childhood home of writer, Elizabeth Gaskell will open for the Heritage Open Days. This house was the inspiration for ‘Cranford’, and is now a private home. This is not a place that is usually open to the public, the owners are opening the garden of this listed property especially for the Heritage Open Days, at 11am, 12.30pm, and 1.30pm. There will be three tours, places are limited, and pre-booking is required, for all the details, please click here.

The Swiss Garden and House at Shuttleworth

On Friday 7th September 2018, the Swiss Garden and the House at Shuttleworth, Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Aerodrome, Old Warden, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP, will be opening from 9.30am until 5pm, (with the last entries allowed at 4pm), as part of the Heritage Open Days. Tours of both the garden and house are offered, you will need to pre-book your places, for all the details, please click here. The gardens are descried as being wheelchair accessible, for more details, please click here.

Ryton Organic Gardens

Ryton Organic Gardens, Wolston Lane, Ryton on Dunsmore, Coventry, West Midlands, CV8 3LG, will be opening for the Heritage Garden Open Days on Thursday 6th September 2018, from 10am until 4pm, on Friday 7th September 2018, from 10am until 4pm, on Saturday 8th September 2018, from 8am until 4pm, on Sunday 9th September 2018, from 8am until 4pm, on Thursday 13th September 2018, from 10am until 4pm, on Friday 14th September 2018, from 10am until 4pm on Saturday 15th September 2018, and from 8am until 4pm, on Sunday 16th September 2018, from 8am until 4pm. This is a famous organic garden, as a demonstration garden it’s the perfect place to learn more about organic gardening and see the principles of organic gardening in effect. Visitors can explore the vegetable garden, learn about the importance of composting and see Ryton’s compost heaps in operation, find refuge in the sensory garden, and learn more about Ryton’s garden therapy projects. This is a great place to learn more about gardening, it’s the perfect place for horticulture students of any age to visit! For all the details, please click here.

The Peace Garden

On Thursday 6th September 2018, Friday 7th September 2018, Saturday 8th September 2018, and Sunday 9th September 2018, Thursday 13th September 2018, Friday 14th September 2018, Saturday 15th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, and on Sunday 16th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, The Peace Garden at the Muslim Burial Ground will be opening as part of the Heritage Open Days. This is a quiet, peaceful garden, that was opened in 2015; the garden is planted with Himalayan birch and pink and white heather. The Peace Garden will be open anytime during the Heritage Open Days, apart from the last weekend when opening is restricted to 2pm to 4pm. For all the details, including access information for disabled visitors, please click here.

Peterborough Energy Recovery Facility

Peterborough Energy Recovery Facility turns residual waste into energy, this work is all part of the city’s ambitions to avoid sending any waste to landfill! Discover the science behind this important work, and see an exhibition that celebrates the women that work in the waste industry. Peterborough Energy Recovery Facility will be opening for the Heritage Open Days on Thursday 6th September 2018, when there’s a talk and tour offered to visitors from 2pm, again on Friday 7th September 2018, when a talk and tour is available from 10am, and lastly on Saturday 8th September 2018, when a talk and tour is available from 10am. This event is only suitable to those of 18 years and above, pre-booking is required, for all the details, please click here.

Saturday 8th September 2018

The Bear Shop Garden

The Bear Shop Garden is a small terraced garden, located in a historic area of Norwich. This garden is considered to be based on a design by Gertrude Jekyll. The Bear Shop Garden, The Bear Shop, 18 Elm Hill, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1HN is open for the Heritage Open Days, from 11am until 4.30pm, on Thursday 6th September 2018, Friday 7th September 2018, and Saturday 8th September 2018, and from 11am until 4pm, on Sunday 9th September 2019. Wheelchair access is limited to the upper level of the garden, for all the details, please click here.

Secret Cirencester Garden

A secret Victorian, residential garden located in Silver Street, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2BL, a private residence with a courtyard garden that is not usually open to the public, is opening from 10am until 4pm on Saturday 8th September 2018. For all the details, please click here.

Lombard House

Lombard House, The Hertford Club, Lombard House, Bull Plain, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1DT, will be opening on Saturday 8th September 2018, from 12 noon until 5pm, and on Sunday 9th September 2018 from 12 noon until 4pm. Situated on the banks of the River Lea, Lombard House is a 15th century, Grade II* listed building. For the past 120 years, Lombard House has been home to The Hertford Club, this is a members only club, which is not usually open to the public. Members of The Hertford Club will be on hand to give tours and the bar will be open for refreshments. For all the details, including access information for disabled visitors, please click here.

Lords Wood

Lords Wood, Marlow Common, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 2QS, is a private home, it’s opening for the Heritage Open Days on Saturday 8th September 2018, to celebrate the achievements of the Suffragette movement 100 years ago. There will be a particular focus on a leading Suffragette Campaigner, Mary Sargent Florence. Mary built Lord Wood, the home that is opening for the Heritage Open Days, she lived at this house for over 40 years. The extensive gardens are very attractive, they feature a series of sculptures, while the part of the house that is opening will display artwork by Mary Sargent Florence, and memorabilia relating to the Bloomsbury Group and the Suffragettes. Lords Wood will be opening from 10am until 4pm, for all the details, please click here.

Oakhurst Cottage

On Saturday 8th September 2018, Oakhurst Cottage, Hambledon, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 4HF, will be opening without charge, from 12 noon until 4pm, for the Heritage Open Days. Explore this humble 16th century timber framed cottage and its cottage garden, and see how a farm labourer used to live. For all the details, please click here.
Information for disabled visitors can be found here.

Ryton Organic Gardens

St James’s Place Roof Garden

St James’s Place Roof Garden, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP, is opening for the Heritage Open Days, from 10am until 4pm, on Saturday 8th September 2018. This top floor garden is owned by St James’s Place Wealth Management, the garden is not usually open to the public. This roof top garden provides visitors with the best views across the town. For all the details, please click here.

The Peace Garden

On Thursday 6th September 2018, Friday 7th September 2018, Saturday 8th September 2018, and Sunday 9th September 2018, Thursday 13th September 2018, Friday 14th September 2018, Saturday 15th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, and on Sunday 16th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, The Peace Garden at the Muslim Burial Ground will be opening as part of the Heritage Open Days. This is a quiet, peaceful garden that was opened in 2015. The garden is planted with Himalayan birch and pink and white heather. The Peace Garden will be open anytime during the Heritage Open Days, apart from the last weekend when opening is restricted to 2pm until 4pm. For all the details, including access information for disabled visitors, please click here.

Peterborough Energy Recovery Facility

Peterborough Energy Recovery Facility turns residual waste into energy, this work is all part of the city’s admirable ambitions to avoid sending any waste to landfill. Discover the science behind this important work, and see an exhibition that celebrates the women that work in the waste industry. Peterborough Energy Recovery Facility will be opening for the Heritage Open Days on Thursday 6th September 2018, when there’s a talk and tour offered to visitors from 2pm, again on Friday 7th September 2018, when a talk and tour is available from 10am, and lastly on Saturday 8th September 2018, when a talk and tour is available from 10am. This event is only suitable to those of 18 years and above, and pre-booking is required, for all the details, please click here.

Winkworth Arboretum

On Saturday 8th September 2018, Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 4AD, are offering free entry to visitors, from 10am until 5.30pm, to celebrate the Heritage Open Days. Winkworth Arboretum is a beautiful place to visit. Winkworth Arboretum is situated on a steep site, with uneven, rough ground, which is exacerbated due to the many tree roots, so it’s not easy for disabled visitors, but this is a beautiful location, which makes for a lovely walk. This is a good spot for wildlife, there’s a lake and a great many fantastic trees. For all the details, please click here.
Information for disabled visitors to Winkworth Arboretum can be found by clicking here.

Sunday 9th September 2018

The Bear Shop Garden

Lombard House

The Peace Garden

On Thursday 6th September 2018, Friday 7th September 2018, Saturday 8th September 2018, and Sunday 9th September 2018, Thursday 13th September 2018, Friday 14th September 2018, Saturday 15th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, and on Sunday 16th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, The Peace Garden at the Muslim Burial Ground will be opening as part of the Heritage Open Days. This is a quiet, peaceful garden that was opened in 2015. The garden is planted with Himalayan birch and pink and white heather. The Peace Garden will be open anytime during the Heritage Open Days, apart from the last weekend when opening is restricted to 2pm until 4pm. For all the details, including access information for disabled visitors, please click here.

Ramsey Abbey Walled Kitchen Garden

On Sunday 9th September 2018, Ramsey Abbey Walled Kitchen Garden, Wood Lane, Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, PE26 1XA, is opening from 11am, until 5pm, for the Heritage Open Days. Visitors can explore these Victorian walled gardens, which have been restored by volunteers, who grow vegetables, fruit, and flowers, in pretty herbaceous borders. For all the details, please click here.

Ryton Organic Gardens

Thursday 13th September 2018

Cliveden

Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire, SL1 8NS, used to be home to the Astor family, these statuesque gardens, which overlook the Thames, now belong to the National Trust. At Cliveden you have the opportunity to lose family and perhaps yourself in the maze, to admire topiary, take riverside walks and explore the gardens, which feature a parterre, and house quite a number of statues, This rather proud, formal garden does include more naturalistic areas. Cliveden will be opening from 10am to 5.30pm for the Heritage Open Days on Thursday 13th September 2018 and Friday 14th September 2018. For all the details, please click here.

Denbies Wine Estate

On Thursday 13th September 2018, Friday 14th September 2018, Saturday 15th September 2018, and Sunday 16th September 2018, Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA, will be opening for the Heritage Open Days. Denbies are offering 45 minute tours of the vineyard to visitors, pausing to take in scenic viewpoints along the way. Tours start at 10am each day and there’s an additional 11am tour on Thursday and Friday mornings. Pre-booking is required, for all the details, please click here.

Farnham’s Green Spaces Tour

On Thursday 13th September 2018, Peter Bridgeman will be giving an illustrated talk entitled, ‘Farnham’s Green Spaces’, which will be a stationary, illustrated version of the walking tour that Peter is offering on Saturday 15th September 2018, this virtual tour will given via slides shown in the Cellar Bar, at the Farnham Maltings, Red Lion Lane, Farnham, Surrey. GU9 7QR. This talk will begin at 10am, featuring all manner of Farnham facts, the talk will last for around an hour. For all the details, please click here.

Gatton Park

Gatton Park, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 0TD is opening for the Heritage Open Days on Thursday 13th September 2018, pre-book your place on one of the guided tours taking place at 10am, 12 noon, and 2pm. The Park and Gardens at Gatton Park were originally laid out by Capability Brown. Visitors can admire the Rock Garden, the Japanese Garden, the serpentine canal, a series of ponds and a lake, and the beauty of the trees and the landscape across the 260 acres of grounds at Gatton Park. This is not the easiest of gardens for disabled visitors, I would not recommend this garden to wheelchair users, for all the details, please click here.

Hanley Park, Past, Present, and Future

On Thursday 6th September 2018, and again on Thursday 13th September 2018, (from 6pm until 7pm on both dates), Hanley Park, Stoke-on-Trent College, Cauldon Campus, Stoke Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 2DG, is opening for the Heritage Open Days. English Heritage have listed Hanley Park as a Grade 2* listed park and garden of special historic interest. You can learn more about this interesting park and garden, discover why it is considered such an important site, and see for yourself the extent of the restoration works that have been undertaken so far at Hanley, and find out about the future plans for this historic park and garden. If you’d like to attend this opening, do remember to book your place in advance, for all the details, please click here.

A Walk in Jane’s Footsteps

On Thursday the 13th September 2018, the Garden Manager of Chawton House, Andrew Bentley, will be giving a tour of the gardens of the former home of Jane Austen’s brother, at Chawton House Library, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1SJ. Jane Austen often stayed with her brother, she lived in Chawton and was a frequent visitor to Chawton House. Jane explored the gardens here at Chawton House on many occasions. The gardens at Chawton extend to around 15 acres in size, they include a large walled garden, sweeping lawns, a Ha-ha, a fernery, an area of wilderness, and two arts and crafts terraces. Attendees will discover interesting details about the house and garden at Chawton and learn more of the realities of Jane Austen’s life at this fascinating event that combines history, literature, garden design from the 1600s to the present day, and gardening. Pre-booking is required, for all the details, please click here.

This photograph is of Jane Austen’s house at Chawton, which is now the Jane Austen House Museum. The Jane Austen House Museum is located just half a mile away from Chawton House, the home of Jane’s brother, which is opening for the Heritage Open Days. It’s a lovely museum, I wanted to make sure you knew of it if you’re planning to visit Chawton House, as you may wish to see them both!

Ryton Organic Gardens

Ryton Organic Gardens, Wolston Lane, Ryton on Dunsmore, Coventry, West Midlands, CV8 3LG, will be opening for the Heritage Garden Open Days, on Thursday 6th September 2018, from 10am until 4pm, on Friday 7th September 2018, from 10am until 4pm, on Saturday 8th September 2018, from 8am until 4pm, on Sunday 9th September 2018, from 8am until 4pm, on Thursday 13th September 2018, from 10am until 4pm, on Friday 14th September 2018, from 10am until 4pm on Saturday 15th September 2018, and from 8am until 4pm, on Sunday 16th September 2018, from 8am until 4pm. This is a famous organic garden, as a demonstration garden it’s the perfect place to learn more about organic gardening and see the principles of organic gardening in effect. Visitors can explore the vegetable garden, learn about the importance of composting and see Ryton’s compost heaps in operation, find refuge in the sensory garden and learn more about Ryton’s garden therapy projects. This is a great place to learn more about gardening, it’s the perfect place for horticulture students to visit! For all the details, please click here.

The Peace Garden

On Thursday 6th September 2018, Friday 7th September 2018, Saturday 8th September 2018, and Sunday 9th September 2018, Thursday 13th September 2018, Friday 14th September 2018, Saturday 15th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, and on Sunday 16th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, The Peace Garden at the Muslim Burial Ground will be opening as part of the Heritage Open Days. This is a quiet, peaceful garden that was opened in 2015 the garden is planted with Himalayan birch and pink and white heather. The Peace Garden will be open anytime apart from the last weekend of the Heritage Open Days when opening is restricted to 2pm until 4pm. For all the details, including access information for disabled visitors, please click here.

Victoria Garden

The Victoria Garden, Brightwells Road, Off South Street, in Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7RN, will be open to visitors during all of the Heritage Open Days, there will be a special opening on Thursday 13th September 2018, Friday 14th September 2018, Saturday 15th September 2018, and Sunday 16th September 2018, when from 10am until 2pm, Victoria Garden volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about the garden. The Victoria Garden will be open from 9am until 5pm throughout the Heritage Open Days. This charming town centre garden is funded, run, and looked after by volunteers, find out about this town centre garden’s transformation from swimming bath to garden. For all the details, please click here.

Luton Hoo Walled Garden

On Thursday 13th September 2018, Luton Hoo Walled Garden, Luton Hoo Estate, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 4LF, will be opening from 11am, until 3pm. Luton Hoo Walled Garden is a five acre, octagonal garden, that was designed by Capability Brown for the third Earl of Bute in 1769. Refreshments will be available and fresh produce grown in the grounds will be offered for sale at this opening, For all the details, including access information for disabled visitors, please click here.

Friday 14th September 2018

Wolfson College Gardens Tour

A tour of Wolfson College Gardens, Wolfson College, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 9BB, led by the Head Gardener is offered on both Friday 14th September 2018, from 10.30am until 12 noon, and on Saturday 15th September 2018, from 2pm until 3.30pm. Wolfson College Gardens feature mature trees, topiary, roses, and colourful herbaceous perennial planting in a number of ‘garden rooms’. If you’d like to take a tour of these gardens, you’ll need to pre-book your place in advance, for all the details, please click here.

Cliveden

Cliveden, Cliveden Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire, SL1 8NS, used to be home to the Astor family, these statuesque gardens, which overlook the Thames now belong to the National Trust. At Cliveden you have the opportunity to lose your family and yourself in the maze, to admire topiary, take riverside walks and explore the gardens, which feature a parterre, and house quite a number of statues, This rather proud, formal garden does include more naturalistic areas. Cliveden will be opening from 10am to 5.30pm, for the Heritage Open Days on Thursday 13th September 2018 and Friday 14th September 2018. For all the details, please click here.

Denbies Wine Estate

On Thursday 13th September 2018, Friday 14th September 2018, Saturday 15th September 2018, and Sunday 16th September 2018, Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA, will be opening for the Heritage Open Days. Denbies are offering 45 minute tours of the vineyard to visitors, pausing to take in scenic viewpoints along the way. Tours start at 10am each day and there’s an additional 11am tour on Thursday and Friday mornings, pre-booking is required, for all the details, please click here.

Ryton Organic Gardens

The Peace Garden

On Thursday 6th September 2018, Friday 7th September 2018, Saturday 8th September 2018, and Sunday 9th September 2018, Thursday 13th September 2018, Friday 14th September 2018, Saturday 15th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, and on Sunday 16th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, The Peace Garden at the Muslim Burial Ground will be opening as part of the Heritage Open Days. This is a quiet, peaceful garden that was opened in 2015 the garden is planted with Himalayan birch and pink and white heather. The Peace Garden will be open anytime apart from the last weekend of the Heritage Open Days, when opening is restricted to 2pm until 4pm. For all the details, including access information for disabled visitors, please click here.

Saturday 15th September 2018

Albury Organic Vineyard

On Saturday 15th September 2018, and Sunday 16th September 2018, Albury Organic Vineyard, Shere Road, Albury, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 9BW, will be opening for two special days. Albury Organic Vineyard is the producer of the award-winning Silent Pool Rosé, and other still and sparkling wines. Visitors can walk around the vineyard, and taste the vineyard’s latest releases, which will be available to purchase by the glass or bottle. Albury Organic Vineyard will be open from 11am until 4pm, on both of these special open days. For more details, please click here.

The Bear Shop Garden

Denbies Wine Estate

On Thursday 13th September 2018, Friday 14th September 2018, Saturday 15th September 2018, and Sunday 16th September 2018, Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA, will be opening for the Heritage Open Days. Denbies are offering 45 minute tours of the vineyard to visitors, pausing to take in scenic viewpoints along the way. Tours start at 10am each day, and there’s an additional 11am tour on Thursday and Friday mornings. If you’d like to attend, you’ll need to pre-booking your place, for all the details, please click here.

Farnham’s Green Spaces

This tour of Farnham’s green spaces, led by Peter Bridgeman will take in ten of central Farnham’s green spaces. This guided tour on Saturday 15th September 2018, begins at 10.30am in the Victoria Garden, just off South Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7RN, and lasts for approximately two and a half hours. This garden tour takes in the steep walk up Farnham’s Castle Street, which includes quite a number of steps. Attendees will also need to cross several busy roads in the town centre, so sadly this event is not suitable for wheelchair users, but Peter is giving an illustrated talk on these rather lovely green spaces in Farnham on Thursday the 13th September 2018, which is accessible for everyone. If you would like to attend, please book your place in advance, for all the details, please click here.

Gertrude Jekyll – a gardener and so much more

On Saturday 15th September 2018, Michael Edwards will be giving an illustrated talk about Gertrude Jekyll and the gardens she designed, from 2pm until 3pm, at the Leatherhead Institute, 67 High Street, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8AH. Michael will talk about his involvement in restoring a number of gardens that Gertrude Jekyll designed. For all the details, please click here.

Godalming Nature Walks

The Lammas Lands in Godalming, Surrey, are an important site for flora and fauna, 108 different species of flowering plants have been recorded in this area of flood plains, meadow, and grasslands between Godalming and Farncombe. For the Heritage Open Days, a special walk has been arranged to take in the beauty of this important area. This one and a half hour nature walk starts at 10.30am. If you’d like to join this tour, remember to wear sturdy, waterproof footwear. Meet by the Waverley Borough Council Offices entrance in Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1HR. For all the details, please click here.

The Grange

On Saturday 15th September 2018, from 11am until 3pm, The Grange, Rectory Lane, Bookham, Surrey, KT23 4DZ, will be opening for the Heritage Open Days. The Grange is a 19th Century House that features a magnificent late Victorian ballroom, a secret walled garden, and beautiful grounds. Sewing and needlework will be on display, which was created when The Grange was ‘The School Of Stitchery and Lace’. Tea and cakes will be available between 11-3pm, in the Victorian Conservatory. For all the details, please click here.

Heritage Apple Day

There’s a Heritage Apple Day being held at York House Community Gardens, York House Centre, London Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK11 1JQ, from 12 noon until 4.30pm. Visitors can see a range of apples laid out on display, apple experts will be identifying apple varieties and giving advice on fruit problems. Bring along your apples for identification. This is an accessible garden, with wood chip covered paths, for more details, please click here. For all the details of this Heritage Open Days event, please click here.

Hidden Garden at 72 Ravensdowne

This private home at 72 Ravensdowne, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1DQ, has been extensively restored by its present owners. The house dates from the 1820s, it’s of classical style and is Grade 2 listed. This private home’s hidden, walled garden, features a newly built, stone garden room. Access is via a narrow passageway with three steps, for all the details, please click here.

Madingley Hall Gardens

On Saturday 15th September 2018, from 10am until 4.30pm, Madingley Hall Gardens, University of Cambridge, Madingley Hall, Madingley, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB23 8AQ, will be opening for the Heritage Open Days 2018. Madingley Hall Gardens occupy eight acres of grounds, with step free access, features include a woodland walk and a walled garden, where visitors can discover dye plants, healing plants, and herbs, as well as trees and topiary. Head Gardener Richard Gant and other local experts will be on hand to give tours of the garden. For all the details, please click here.

RISC Edible Roof Garden

On Saturday 15th September 2018, RISC Edible Roof Garden, 35-39 London Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4PS, will be opening for the Heritage Open Days, from 12 noon until 4pm. This is a small, edible, rooftop, forest garden, which features plants from all over the world that we depend on for food, clothing, and medicine. This rooftop garden is a permaculture, forest garden that has been designed to demonstrate our dependance on plants. The garden demonstrates renewable energy, water harvesting methods, and irrigation systems. Please note, there is no wheelchair access to this garden – access is via a steep, outdoor, external staircase. For all the details, please click here.

Ryton Organic Gardens

Warmley Grottoes Museum

On Saturday 15th September 2018, Warmley Grottoes Museum, Kingswood Heritage Museum, Tower Lane, Warmley, Bristol, BS30 8XT, is opening from 11am, until 5pm, for the Heritage Open Days. The old, historic grottoes at this Museum are not normally open to the public, but for the Heritage Open Days 2018, the Museum is open on Saturday and the Gardens and Grottoes are open on Sunday 16th September 2018, both openings are free of charge. Information for disabled visitors can be found here. For all the details of this Heritage Open Days event, please click here.

The Peace Garden

On Thursday 6th September 2018, Friday 7th September 2018, Saturday 8th September 2018, and Sunday 9th September 2018, Thursday 13th September 2018, Friday 14th September 2018, Saturday 15th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, and on Sunday 16th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, The Peace Garden at the Muslim Burial Ground will be opening as part of the Heritage Open Days. This is a quiet, peaceful garden that was opened in 2015. The garden is planted with Himalayan birch and pink and white heather. The Peace Garden will be open anytime during the Heritage Open Days, apart from the last weekend when opening is restricted to 2pm until 4pm. For all the details, including access information for disabled visitors, please click here.

Sunday 16th September 2018

Albury Organic Vineyard

On Saturday 15th September 2018, and Sunday 16th September 2018, Albury Organic Vineyard, Shere Road, Albury, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 9BW, will be opening for two special days. Albury Organic Vineyard is the producer of the award-winning Silent Pool Rosé, and other still and sparkling wines. Visitors can walk around the vineyard, and taste the vineyard’s latest releases, which will be available to purchase by the glass or bottle. Albury Organic Vineyard will be open from 11am until 4pm, on both of these open days. For more details, please click here.

The Bear Shop Garden

Denbies Wine Estate

On Thursday 13th September 2018, Friday 14th September 2018, Saturday 15th September 2018, and Sunday 16th September 2018, Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6AA, will be opening for the Heritage Open Days. Denbies are offering 45 minute tours of the vineyard to visitors, pausing to take in scenic viewpoints along the way. Tours start at 10am each day and there’s an additional 11am tour on Thursday and Friday mornings, pre-booking is required, for all the details, please click here.

Leatherhead Historic Town Walk

On Sunday 16th September 2018, at 2pm, Dr Fred Meynen of the Leatherhead and District Local History Society will be hosting a guided talk for the Heritage Open Days, starting from the Institute, 67 High Street, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8AH. This circular walk will focus on the history of Leatherhead’s High Street, the town’s connection to Jane Austen, its links to Dr Marie Stopes, alongside the history of the River Mole, the Mansion House, Museum, and the Parish Church. The walk will take around an hour and a half, the journey will include some steps, pre-booking is required, for all the details, please click here.

Plantpassion

As part of the Heritage Open Days, Plantpassion, a lovely flower farm run by Claire Brown, at Hilltop Barn, Hilltop Farm, Staple Lane, East Clandon, Surrey, GU4 7FP, will be opening without charge on Sunday 16th September 2018, from 1pm until 5pm, for the Heritage Open Days. There will be tea and cake, farm gate sales of flowers, plants and seeds, and tours of the flower farm which will be full of sunflowers, Zinnias, Dahlias, and other pretty flowers at this time of year. There is disabled access to the upper part of the flower farm, but disabled visitors may find the short journey to the adjoining flower field difficult, and may require assistance. For more details, please click here.

Ryton Organic Gardens

The Peace Garden

On Thursday 6th September 2018, Friday 7th September 2018, Saturday 8th September 2018, and Sunday 9th September 2018, Thursday 13th September 2018, Friday 14th September 2018, Saturday 15th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, and on Sunday 16th September 2018 – from 2pm until 4pm, The Peace Garden at the Muslim Burial Ground will be opening as part of the Heritage Open Days. This is a quiet, peaceful garden that was opened in 2015 the garden is planted with Himalayan birch and pink and white heather. The Peace Garden will be open anytime during the Heritage Open Days, apart from the last weekend when opening is restricted to 2pm until 4pm. For all the details, including access information for disabled visitors, please click here.

The Grounds of Guildford Castle are well maintained, they are always colourful.

Strassenbahnhaltestelle Clarinet Quartet

There will be a special free performance of by Strassenbahnhaltestelle Clarinet Quartet in the grounds of Guildford Castle, Castle Street, Castle Hill, Guildford, Surrey, on Sunday 16th September 2018, from 2pm until 4pm. This performance will feature music written over the past 500 years, which has been written for clarinet quartets. For all the details, please click here.

Warmley Grottoes

On Sunday 16th September 2018, Warmley Grottoes, Kingswood Heritage Museum, Tower Lane, Warmley, Bristol, BS30 8XT, are opening from 11am, until 4.30pm, for the Heritage Open Days. The old, historic grottoes at this Museum are not normally open to the public, but for the Heritage Open Days 2018, the Museum is open on Saturday 15th September 2018, and the Gardens and Grottoes are open on Sunday 16th September 2018, both openings are free of charge. Information for disabled visitors can be found here. For all the details of this Heritage Open Days Event, please click here.

The full details of all of the participating historic buildings, gardens, and other special places taking part in the Heritage Open Days, can be found on the Heritage Open Days Website. I hope this article will help you to discover some wonderful days out and helps you to find magical places that you might not have otherwise discovered. Have a super time!

Other articles that may interest you………

To see photographs from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018, please click here.

For information on beautiful, special, and historic gardens in Surrey, Hampshire, and West Sussex, please click here.

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