Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, returns in September with many events arranged across West Northamptonshire.
The theme of this year’s heritage celebration, which runs between 6 and 15 September, is Routes, Networks and Connections.
We are therefore delighted that Northampton’s famous heritage red Daimler double-decker buses, which have appeared every year since 1994, have been featured in a National Heritage Open Days showcase gallery.
They will once again be running out of George Row in Northampton town centre on Saturday 14 September, transporting passengers to attractions in Northampton and beyond.
Once routes and times have confirmed they will appear on this page – so watch this space!
Heritage Open Days is a once-a-year opportunity to explore some of the area’s unique historic buildings and sites.
Many of these sites are usually restricted access or charge for entry. For the event they will be open and free of charge, enabling visitors to find out about the area’s vibrant culture and heritage like never before.
For more information about each event, see National Heritage Open Days.
Sites registered for Heritage Open Days to date are as follows:
Heritage Open Days attractions
Find out more information on Canons Ashby House, a peaceful Tudor manor house set in sparse terraced gardens
- Saturday 14 September and Sunday 15 September, 10am to 5pm
For information on Daventry Heritage bus services see:
Northampton Transport Heritage
- Saturday 7 September, 10am to 4:30pm
A Grade I listed house surrounded by charming gardens and parkland, see Kelmarsh Hall for events on:
- Thursday 12 September, 11am to 3pm
Explore the fun at Wicksteed Park
- Saturday 7 September to Sunday 15 September, 10am to 12pm
Find out more information on Lamport Hall, a Grade I listed building in Northamptonshire, set in 10 acres of wonderful gardens
- Saturday 14 September, 10am to 4pm
For events and attractions throughout Northampton see:
- Saturday 14 September, 10am, 11:30am and 2:30pm
- Sunday 15 September, 11:30am and 2pm
Crusader Community Boating specialised boat trips allowing everyone regardless of age, physical or mental ability to experience the fun of the waterways of the Grand Union Canal and the River Nene
- Saturday 7 September to Sunday 8 September, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm
- Sunday 15 September, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm
- Saturday 14 September, 9:30pm to 4:30pm
Hunsbury Hill Fort, an Iron Age hill fort 2 miles from Northampton town centre
- Saturday 7 September to Sunday 8 September, 11am to 5pm
Northamptonshire National History Society for those interested in the wonders of science and nature
- Saturday 7 September to Sunday 8 September, 10am to 4pm
Playhouse Theatre, a small community theatre in the heart of Northampton
- Saturday 14 September to Sunday 15 September, 10am to 5pm
A redundant church in Marefair, Northampton, which is recorded in the National Heritage List for England, visit St Peter's Church
- Saturday 7 September, 10am to 4pm
- Sunday 8 September, Saturday 14 September and Sunday 15 September, 2pm to 4pm
- Saturday 7 September and Wednesday 11 September, 10am to 3pm
A famously re-modelled house, originally built between 1815 and 1820, visit 78 Derngate
- Friday 13 September, 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Performing Room, a community group that has won an award for promoting fun learning, improving education and giving everyone the chance to access music workshops
- Saturday 7 September and Sunday 8 September, 12pm to 6pm
- Saturday 14 September, 12pm to 5pm
Stanwick Lakes, a unique nature reserve located in the countryside of the Nene Valley
Find out more information on Thornby Hall, a meditation centre, set in the middle of 17 acres of grounds with woodland walks
- Sunday 8 September, 11am to 4pm
Discover where military history is stored and fascinating information regarding the other buildings surrounding the depot see:
- Saturday 14 September, 11am to 3pm
Learn about the history and function of the moated medieval manor house
- Sunday 8 September, 11am to 12pm
Visit St Andrew's Church for a short talk about this Grade I listed building and its George Washington connections
- Tuesday 10 September and Thursday 12 September, 10:30am
Social historian Philomena Liggins returns to Towcester Mill with a fascinating historical talk entitled ‘The Post Office’. Pre-booking required.
- Thursday 12 September, 7pm to 8pm
How does Towcester Mill Brewery brew the perfect award-winning pint? Pre-booking required.
- Saturday 14 September, 12pm to 4pm
Last updated 25 July 2024