England’s largest volunteer-led festival of history and culture – Heritage Open Days – is back, celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Historic houses to factories, museums to theatres, formal gardens to churches, and lots more places and spaces will welcome visitors in celebration of this year's theme of Routes, Networks & Connections.
Here's a taste of what's happening in and around Cheshire. Many of the events include walks and talks.
Halton Heritage Partnership: A Love Letter
Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, Tudor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn
To mark the golden jubilee of Halton Borough, a special performance by renowned storyteller Gav Cross, will form a love letter celebrating Halton’s 50-year relationship with its residents, followed by a week-long tour around selected community venues within Halton.
September 6
Wilmslow History Tour
Bank Square, Wilmslow
Discover Wilmslow's hidden history, from Lindow Man to Alan Turing.
September 10-15
St Peter's Parish Church, Stockport
St Peters Square, Stockport
A tranquil retreat from the busy town centre. A new history display charts St Peter's journey from the 18th to the 21st century.
September 14 &15
Wharf Wide Web
Online event
Documentary video series exploring the role of Preston Brook Wharf and its village in foreign and home trade during the Industrial Revolution.
Floral Journeys: The heritage and craft of canal boat roses
Civic Hall, Park Lane, Poynton, Stockport
Demonstration and talk on the art of canal boat roses, with an opportunity to try your hand.
September 6
Riding Retro: Poynton to Avro vintage bus ride
Civic Hall, Park Lane, Poynton, Stockport
Take a 1966 Routemaster bus travelling on the route taken by displaced miners after the closure of the Poynton collieries to their new place of work – the nearby A.V Roe Factory. Free entry to the Avro Heritage Museum.
September 15
The Women's Line
Silk Museum, Park Lane, Macclesfield, Macclesfield
The Women’s Line is a snapshot of Macclesfield-resident women’s family trees presenting their female lines artistically through mixed media portraits and memories, opening September 6 at the Silk Museum. The exhibition will include a launch celebration on September 14 with music, discussions and arts workshops during its run.
September 6, 7, 11, 12, 13,14
Pie and Paint: A Picture of the Past
Crewe Market Hall, Earle Street, Crewe
Join artist David Jewkes to paint a street scene taken from Crewe’s past. Members of Cheshire Archives staff will be on hand with photos and documents to provide points of inspiration.
September 14
Family-Friendly Painting: Horse from History
Crewe Market Hall, Earle Street, Crewe
A free paint-along for all the family with David Jewkes. Paints, paper, brushes, and guidance provided.
September 14
St James’s Church, New Brighton
A Grade II listed building Gothic Revival church of 1854 by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, with an elaborately painted canted chancel, five-bay north and south arcade.
September 7 & 14
New Ferry Butterfly Park
Howell Road, New Ferry
The tour will consider the effect of industrial processes on the biodiversity of the park.
September 15
West Kirby Museum & History Fair
St Bridget's Centre, St Bridget's Lane, West Kirby
Special displays and talks include Acacia Grove and its shops, History of the RNLI, Local Routes, Networks and Connections, Who do you think you are? Experts will run a Family History Help Desk.
September 7
Hare Hill gardens and parklands
Over Alderley, Prestbury Road, Macclesfield
A tranquil space to escape, explore and unwind, away from the hustle and bustle.
September 7
Oxton Guided History Walk – East
Rose Mount/Village Road, Oxton
September 8
Oxton Guided History Walk – West
September 11
Rose Mount/Village Road, Oxton
Oxton Guided History Walk – Arno
Sainsbury's, 342A Woodchurch Road, Birkenhead
September 14
Walks exploring the history of Oxton village, its development from agricultural beginnings to the community it is today.
Crewe Heritage Walking Tours
Join councillor Ben Wye for a walk around Crewe Town Centre to explore the heritage and fascinating stories and memories of the town. The tour will take in heritage spaces including Memorial Square, the Lyceum Theatre, Gaffers' Row, Jubilee Gardens, the Railway Cottages, Christ Church and the Block Houses.
September 7 & 12
Beating the Bounds of Greasby
Mill Lane, Greasby
A walk taking in the entire perimeter of the township of Greasby, exploring the natural features that determined its course and the many clues to the lives of the past
September 7
Journey of Possibilities at National Trust Quarry Bank
Quarry Bank Mill, Quarry Bank Road, Styal
Follow the Howlett family's historic journey from Buckinghamshire, via road and water, to begin their new life at Quarry Bank.
September 7 & 8
Costume Day at Port Sunlight Museum
23 King George's Drive, Port Sunlight
The Port Sunlight Museum Experience will be brought to life through costumed interpreters reliving Edwardian lives, inspired by people and stories of Port Sunlight.
September 7
Booths Hall, Booths Mere and ruins of St Helena’s chapel
Booths Park, off Chelford Road, Knutsford
Tour of Booths Hall and business park followed by a circular walk to St Helena’s ruins.
September 6
Open Building: YMCA Cheshire
189 Gresty Road, Crewe
Join YMCA Cheshire in the GLO Café to find out more about the importance of this locally listed building.
September 6-14
Geology, Landscape & History of Bidston Hill
Wilding Way, Bidston
Explore an important local landmark and country estate. A beacon for ships entering the port of Liverpool, its science led to safer global navigation.
September 13
Flaybrick Chapels and Cemetery
Flaybrick Cemetery, Tollemache Road, Birkenhead
A public cemetery opened in 1864 and extended in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Including guided walks.
September 7, 12 & 15
St Mary’s Church, Liscard
Withins Lane, Wallasey
Fine example of Mid-Victorian architecture. Magnificent set of bells, rung 2pm.
September 15
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Birkenhead
Cavendish Street, Birkenhead
Grade II listed building designed by renowned architect Edward Welby Pugin.
September 7, 8, 14, 15
Bidston Windmill
Bidston Hill, Vyner Road North, Bidston
Brick-built tower mill used for grinding corn from 1800 until 1875.
September 14
St Oswald's Church, Bidston
Bidston Village Road, Bidston, Birkenhead
Thirteenth-century Anglican parish church renowned for its Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass.
September 7
Wirral Archives – Behind The Scenes
Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council, Cheshire Lines Building, Canning Street, Birkenhead
An introductory talk about Wirral Archives in the Search Room, and then a guided tour of the Strong Room.
September 10
Grange Hill: a Landscape of Remembrance
Hoylake and West Kirby War Memorial, Grange Hill, West Kirby
A walk over Grange Hill and Grange Cemetery, taking in the War Memorial and epitaphs that tell the stories of local people affected by 20th-century wars.
September 6
Trinity with Palm Grove, Oxton
63 Alton Road, Birkenhead
Grade II listed church opened in 1866 and built in the Gothic Revival style. See the memorial plaque to Sandy Irvine, on the centenary of his attempt to scale Everest with George Mallory.
September 7
Little Moreton Hall
Newcastle Road, Congleton
Topsy-turvy Tudor house. Discover its story and why Little Moreton Hall may be the wonkiest house you’ll ever see.
September 7
St Mary’s Church, Eastham
Stanley Lane, Eastham
Mainly 14th century in origin, with Victorian restoration, many Kempe stained-glass windows and Saxon font.
September 7 & 8
St Peter's Church, Crewe
Earle Street, Crewe
Displays showing how the church came to Crewe, children's activities and a chance to look around this diverse building there will be something of interest for everyone.
September 7
Hilbre Island
Dee Lane, West Kirby
Friends of Hilbre Island Open Day. Walkers must set off on their own from Dee Lane, West Kirby.
September 14
St Mary's Church Heritage Display
Church Road, Upton
A display about the Parish of Overchurch (Upton), and its various parish churches, from Saxon times.
September 9-14
Explore Nantwich Geology
Nantwich Museum, Pillory Street, Nantwich
Specially designed guided tour of Nantwich starting at Nantwich Museum at 11am.
September 14
King Edward Street Chapel
4 King Edward Street, Macclesfield
One of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Macclesfield.
September 14
Bidston Community Archaeology
Tam O'Shanter Urban Farm, 25 Boundary Road, Birkenhead
Tour of the ongoing excavation of the Pig Field site.
September 8
St Hilary of Poitiers Parish Church, Wallasey
Church Hill, Wallasey
Built in 1859 with the Old Tower in the grounds dating from 1537. Extensive views over the town and the coastline from the top of the tower. Organ recital on Saturday at 4pm and a musical recital on Sunday.
September 7 & 8
Farms and Fields of Frankby
Frankby Road, Frankby
A late summer walk over one of Wirral’s best-preserved ancient landscapes.
September 14
Warrington Museum of Freemasonry
15 Winmarleigh Street
Find out about Freemasonry and dispel the myths at this historic location.
September 14 & 15
St Mary and St Helen Parish Church, Neston
High Street, Neston
Parish church with a display of Viking stones. Falklands Memorial Chapel in memory of naval personnel and marines lost in action.
September 9, 14 & 15
National Waterways Museum
South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port
Author/musician Tom Kitching, accompanied by mandola player, Marit Fält perform a storytelling and music concert tour, Where There’s Brass.
September 15
Pottery at Nantwich Museum
Pillory Street, Nantwich
Pottery workshop with Chester artist Neil Glendinning at Nantwich Museum's Millennium Gallery.
September 7
St Matthew's Church Stretton Open Day with tower tours
Stretton Road, Stretton, Warrington
Heritage and local history with visits to the tower to learn about bell ringing.
September 14
Bidston Lighthouse
Bidston Lighthouse, Wilding Way, Bidston
Guided tours of Bidston Lighthouse and Telegraph Station. .
September 14 & 15
Storeton Woods Guided Walk
Marsh Lane, Storeton, Birkenhead, Cheshire, CH63 5PP
A guided walk of Storeton Woods led by a Friends of Storeton Wood guide.
September 7 & 14
Behind the Scenes Tours: The Lyceum Theatre
Crewe Lyceum, Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe
Explore the Grade II listed auditorium and go backstage to see areas normally only open to performers. The Crewe Lyceum Theatre is the only Edwardian theatre in Cheshire.
September 8
Christ Church United Reformed Church, Port Sunlight
Christ Church, Church Drive, Port Sunlight
In the picturesque garden village of Port Sunlight.
September 6, 7, 9, 10, 11,12,13, 14
Ness Botanic Gardens
Ness Botanic Gardens, Ness Gardens, Neston Road, Ness
A guided tour of Ness with Mike Roberts, plant records officer. S
September 9
Vernon Mill Artist Studios Arts – Celebrating 25 years
Third Floor, Vernon Mill, Mersey Street, Stockport
A weekend of events and workshops celebrating 25 years of artists' studios in the former Victorian cotton mill.
September 13-15
Floral Journeys: The heritage and craft of canal boat roses
Civic Hall, Park Lane, Poynton, Stockport
Demonstration and talk on the art of canal boat roses, with an opportunity to have a go yourself.
September 6
Panto Costume Design Workshop
Studio Theatre, Crewe Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe
Collaborate with a professional costume designer to create a unique costume for a character from Beauty and the Beast.
September 7
Holy Cross Parish Church, Woodchurch
Holy Cross Church, Church Lane, Upton
Grade II* listed medieval church dating from the 12th century. Climb the 100+ steps for views of Woodchurch and beyond.
September 14
Eastham Victorian Pleasure Gardens
Eastham Country Park, Ferry Road, Eastham, Wirral
Discover Eastham Pleasure Gardens, which provided extensive attractions and entertainments for day-trippers on the Liverpool to Eastham ferry from the 1840s to 1920s.
September 14
Discovering Ancient Meols
Meols Parade,, Meols
A mindful late summer walk at the beautiful northern end of Wirral.
September 8
Melrose Hall, Hoylake
Melrose Hall, 6 Melrose Avenue, Hoylake
Melrose Hall was built for the pensioners of Hoylake, with the King George VI Memorial Fund. Display showing changes in Hoylake over the years.
September 7 & 8
History, Archaeology & Nature at Wirral Country Park
Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre, Station Road, Thurstaston
One of Wirral’s most historical and beautiful locations, next to the Dee Estuary at Thurstaston.
September 11
Williamson Art Gallery & Museum
Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Slatey Road, Birkenhead
Join the curatorial team for a talk on the renowned Birkenhead artist, Philip Wilson Steer, with a guide through his life and works
September 12-14
Wallaseyans Club
140-142 Grove Road, Wallasey
The Wallaseyans' Club houses the Wallasey Grammar School archive. Any boy who attended between 1876 and 1967 can be traced.
September 15
Central Lodge, Birkenhead Park
27 Ashville Road, Birkenhead
Self-guided tour with explanatory descriptions in each room. Central Lodge is one of the eight gatehouses built in the early 1840s as part of the original Birkenhead Park.
September 7 & 14
Oxton Guided History Walk
Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Slatey Road, Birkenhead
Guided history walk exploring the development of Claughton and Oxton, its architecture and residents.
September 15
St Mary's Church, Great Sankey
Liverpool Road, Great Sankey, Warrington
Eighteenth-century grade II listed church building. Slideshows of stained glass windows, former vicars of the parish, old photos of the church and the churchyard.
September 7 & 8
Let's Sketch Upton
Arrowe Park Road, Upton
Urban sketching event. Artists will be encouraged to focus on locations mentioned in the Upton Heritage Trails. This an outdoor event and participants will be encouraged to get to their chosen location in the village to sketch/draw/paint.
September 14
Rock Park Social History Walk
New Ferry Road, New Ferry
Walk around Rock Park highlighting its social history and significance. T
September 12
Thingwall Viking Trail
The Basset Hound, 107 Barnston Road, Thingwall
Professor Steve Harding, author of Ingimund’s Saga, and Sue Bishop guide a walk around one the most historical sites in NW England – Cross Hill, believed to be the site of the 'Thing' Assembly or parliament of Wirral’s Norse settlers.
September 14
Building of Bromborough Pool
1 The Green, Bromborough Pool, Wirral
Autism Together guided and self-guided tours of Bromborough Pool Village and its heritage buildings.
September 7, 10, 12, 14
Open Buildings: Explore St Andrew's Church, Crewe
St Andrew's Church, Bedford Street, Crewe
Discover how the church was built and how it has changed over the years.
September 7
Dunham Massey National Trust
Dunham Massey Hall, Altrincham
Free admission to Dunham Massey, including the car park, house, garden, deer park, and family activities.
September 11 & 14
Hooton Park Hangars
The Hangars, Airfield Way, Hooton, Wirral
Light and jet aircraft and other transport artefacts including vehicles, tram, and engines on display. Experience an air raid in an air raid shelter. See radio-controlled model boats and vehicles. Listen to amateur radio contacts worldwide. Visit the working Museum of Printing.
September 7 &
Uncomfortable Histories Talk
23 King George's Drive, Port Sunlight
Thought-provoking Uncomfortable Histories talk and Q&A exploring a broader picture of Port Sunlight’s past, delving into the history of William Lever’s colonialist enterprises.
September 6
Knutsford, our streets through time
Knutsford Library, Toft Road, Knutsford
Book talk by author Jenny Collis. Find out who and what inspired her to write about the history of Knutsford streets.
September 6
The Big Halton Heritage Nature Watch
Runcorn Promenade, Runcorn
Join Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust and Hazlehurst Studiosfor a family-friendly walk from Runcorn Promenade to Wigg Island. Enjoy nature spotting, art, and ecology activities.
September 14
St Nicholas Church, Wallasey Village
Newport Avenue, Wallasey Village
A memorial church built in memory of James and Jane Harrison (Harrison Shipping Line) in Gothic revival style with exceptional stone and wood carvings.
September 14 & 15 September
Sir William Inman – Evening Talk
St Mary's Church, Church Road, Upton
An evening talk by Dawn Inman-Wyness, entitled Sir William Inman, local resident, benefactor & shipping line owner.
September 12
Storeton Woods Guided Walk
Marsh Lane, Storeton, Birkenhead
Guided walk of Storeton Woods describing its origin as a Roman quarry and the discovery of the footprint of a Chirotherium or hand-animal dinosaur. T
September 7 & 14
Bebington Cemetery Guided History Walk
Town Lane, Bebington
The graveyard reflects many of the social issues and significant events of the time including the two world wars, prevalent diseases and significant accidents. Guided tours by members of the Friends of Bebington Cemetery.
September 11 & 13
Explore the Brunner Guildhall
Brunner Guild Hall, High Street, Winsford
A rare chance to see inside the Brunner Guildhall, a cherished Grade II listed building, donated to Winsford Town Council in 1897 by Sir John Brunner.
September: 7
Dale Farm Open Day & Heswall Dales Guided Walk
51 Oldfield Road, Heswall
The original farmhouse is now a centre for adults with learning and/or physical disabilities and the farm grows a wide range of organic produce.
September 14
English Martyrs' Church
English Martyrs Church, St Georges Road, Wallasey
Church, listed at Grade II* and designed by Liverpool architect Francis Xavier Velarde. Annual Afternoon Tea and Reminiscence event on 15th.
September 14 & 15 September
Wallasey Yacht Club
10 Hope Street, New Brighton, Wallasey
Wallasey Yacht Club has been sailing historic Seabird Half Rater yachts on the Mersey off New Brighton for more than 100 years. Visit the club house and find out more about wooden boat-building techniques.
September 8
Eat the Archives: Crewe
Crewe Market Hall, Earle Street, Crewe
Join theatre chef Leo Burtin to experience the flavour, smell, and stories of Crewe’s history. Leo will use Crewe Market Hall’s test kitchen to make a recipe based on the stories of Crewe held by Cheshire Archives.
September 14
A step back in time at St Paul's Church, Crewe
St. Pauls Centre, Hightown, Crewe
Tour the historic church. Baptism, wedding and funeral service archives will be available to view, with original drawings of the first building plans for the church. Stained-glass window colouring competition for children..
September 14
St Andrew's United Church, New Brighton
Rowson Street, New Brighton
Largely Victorian building with some later additions. Features of interest include oak panels carved by members of the congregation, stained glass including a memorial screen, and several war memorials from Wallasey Churches that have closed.
September 6 & 7
Oxton Guided History Walk – Women of Oxton
Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Slatey Road, Birkenhead
walk examining the lives and achievements of notable Oxton women including a diarist, a doctor and a policewoman, and including women’s struggle for the vote. A
September 7
Advertising communication through the ages
Unit 14, Adswood Industrial Estate, Adswood Road, Stockport
Witness the evolution of advertising artistry as you explore vibrant illustrations, striking typography, and ingenious copywriting from the vast vintage advertising archive.
September 7
Upton Heritage Trail
Wirral Borough Council, Upton Library, Ford Road, Upton
The walk covers the village, starting at Upton Library (Ford Road, Upton, CH49 0TB), including four of Upton’s five listed buildings.
September 7 & 11
Christ Church, Timperley
Thorley Lane, Timperley
Celebrate the 175th anniversary of the first service held in Christ Church. Find out how the church connects with the community today.
September 15
Hadlow Road Station
Hadlow Road Station, Hadlow Road, Willaston, Wirral
The historical signal box will be open to the public. The railway station buildings are grade II English Heritage listed.
September 15
St Luke’s Heritage Day
St Luke's Church, Pit Lane, Widnes
Tours of this ancient church and graveyard.
September 14
A Railway Town and its Park: Victorian Foresight
The Bowls Pavilion, Queens Park, Victoria Avenue, Crewe
A talk and walk session starting at the Bowls Pavilion.
September 11 & 12
Behind the Scenes Tours: Crewe Station
Crewe Railway Station, Nantwich Road, Crewe
Join Avanti West Coast for a behind-the-scenes tour of Crewe Station. Discover links to Crewe Works, Spider Bridge, Royal Mail and the Great Train Robbery.
September 9
Check timings and any pre-booking requirements with the individual venues.
heritageopendays.org.uk
