Explore the hidden heritage on your doorstep by taking part in Hampshire’s Heritage Open Days festival which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary
Established in 1994, Heritage Open Days is England's contribution to the European Heritage Days and has since grown into the country's largest community heritage festival. Events in counties across the country have gone from 701 at its launch to over 5,000 today, providing countless opportunities for more people to come together and enjoy, often surprising, always interesting, doorstep discoveries! This year’s 30th anniversary theme will be Routes, Networks and Connections where ten days of fascinating heritage events promise insights in to how our counties are interlinked with each other and the wider world. Here we’ve picked out our favourite events for each day, but with plenty more going on, you’ll be sure to find some hidden history you never knew existed. For a full list of events visit heritageopendays.org.uk.
DAY 1
Bisterne Manor Tour
Guided by the owners, visitors can explore the many aspects of country estate life, with entertaining stories from the killing of the Bisterne Dragon, the Peninsula War, right up to the present day. The Manor, very much a family home, is full of interesting objects and reflects the family roots in England, America and Belgium.
Friday 6 and Saturday 7, 10am
Booking essential by emailing hmills@bisterne.com or calling 07765 001240.
DAY 2
Backstage family tour of Theatre Royal Winchester
See what it is like to perform and work at the Theatre Royal by exploring the stage, dressing rooms, and backstage areas. Learn about lighting and scenery, check out costumes and props and role-play being an usher. Hear of the different jobs people do at the theatre and learn of the venue’s history and rumoured ghosts. The family tour is suitable for young people between the ages of 5 and 12. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday 7, 1pm
Pre-booking required by calling the box office on 01962 840440 or email boxoffice@playtothecrowd.co.uk
DAY 3
Explore the former Royal Aircraft Wind Tunnel Building
Saved for the Nation in 1993 when the Ministry of Defence set out to demolish and sell the former RAE Site, the wind tunnel buildings are now listed and during Heritage Open Days you can visit the 24-foot tunnel in Building Q121. Named for the size of its jet orifice, which is 24ft in diameter, the tunnel also boasts a 30ft mahogany fan, which was powered by a 2000 horsepower DC electric motor and could produce an airspeed of up to 112 mph. The tunnel was a world class aerodynamic testing facility, opened in 1935 and in continuous use until 1996.
Sunday 8 and Sunday 15, 10am to 4pm
No booking necessary.
DAY 4
The Battle of Waterloo and The Ponsonby Family at Stansted Park
On June 18, 1815, the war that had raged across Europe for 23 years concluded with the Battle of Waterloo. On the battlefield, cousins Sir Frederick Ponsonby and Sir William Ponsonby fought bravely against Napoleon’s army. By the end of the battle, one cousin had been killed whilst the other miraculously survived. During this special tour of the Ponsonby Room at Stansted House, you will discover the impact the Battle of Waterloo had on the Ponsonby family and see items belonging to the family, including Sir William Ponsonby's sword.
Monday 9, 11.45am to 12.30pm
Pre-booking required online at stansted-park.arttickets.org.uk/stansted-park/2024-09-09-the-battle-of-waterloo-and-the-ponsonby-family
DAY 5
A guided water meadow walk to St Cross
Starting from the west front of Winchester Cathedral, and passing through the Kingsgate in the city wall, enjoy a historic stroll led by a Winchester City Tourist Guide through water meadows and past the back of Winchester College towards the ancient Hospital of St Cross before returning along historic Kingsgate Street.
Tuesday 10, 2pm
Pre-book online at ticketsource.co.uk/hampshire-history-trust
DAY 6
Tour Gosport’s WWII ARP Bunker
Known locally as The Bunker, this building is currently used by the Historical Diving Society to store items usually held in The Diving Museum (which is closed for major renovations). It also holds a paper archive of Diving History. Despite being an austere structure, the grounds are managed as a wildlife-friendly area, complete with a bug hotel and on your tour, you'll be able to see an original Anderson Shelter and hear a short talk about its history before being taken underground into The Bunker building and discover how it was used by Air Raid Precaution personnel to record bomb damage and warn locals of air raids.
Wednesday 11, 10.30am, 11.15am, 1.15pm and 2pm or Sunday 8, 11.30am and 2.30pm
Pre-booking required online at gosportheritage.co.uk/booking-2024/
DAY 7
Explore The Grange in Northington
The Grange is the foremost example of Greek Revival architecture anywhere in England. Modelled on an Ancient Greek temple, it owes its appearance to the architect William Wilkins, who went on to design the National Art Gallery. Now forming the venue for The Grange Festival of opera, it will be open for guided tours especially for Heritage Open Days.
Thursday 12, 11am until 4.30pm with pre-booked guided tours at 11.30am, 1.15pm and 3pm.
Pre-book tours online at thegrangefestival.co.uk/productions/book/HOD2024
DAY 8
Archive tours at Winchester College
Marvel at the Collage’s perfectly preserved archives on a guided tour which gives you a rare opportunity to view two medieval rooms which house the documents and artefacts relating to the school’s history.
Friday 13 and Saturday 14, 11am and 12.30pm
Pre-book online at ticketsource.co.uk/winchester-college
DAY 9
Farnborough Hill Tour
Founded in 1889, Farnborough Hill is a leading Catholic independent day school for girls. Set in a Grade I listed building it is also the former home to the Empress Eugéne, the wife of Napoleon III. Learn all about the rich history on a self-guided tour and enjoy a wander around the 65 acres of parkland.
Saturday 14, 10am to 4pm
No booking required.
DAY 10
A poetic journey on King Alfred’s buses
Join Damian Kelly-Basher - Hampshire Poet 2024-26 - for a journey on one of King Alfred’s Buses to hear poems exploring the Heritage Open Days theme of ‘Routes - Networks - Connections’. Passengers will enjoy a 45-minute circular trip to Crawley on a vintage bus provided by Friends of King Alfred's Buses.
Sunday 15 , 10.45am
Pre-book your seat at winchesterpoetryfestival.org/what-s-on
