Every September, Heritage Open Days reveal spaces usually closed to the public providing an insight into our rich history through free talks and events. See what you can discover in Yorkshire this year
The Gazebo, Ripon
Don’t be surprised if you’ve lived in Ripon all your life and never heard of this 18th century Grade II-listed building – most haven’t. Unexpectedly hidden behind a sheltered housing complex in this cathedral city, it’s rarely seen by the public which is why this is the perfect opportunity to seek it out. It stands in the gardens of a fine Georgian townhouse once owned by the Baynes family who used it as both a banqueting house and a viewpoint over the surrounding countryside. Now a protected monument, this is the only time when visits are able to peek inside.
September 6&7
Blossomgate Court, Blossomgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2AW
Central Tramway Company
As the historic birthplace of cliff railways in the UK, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain a deeper insight into this unique Victorian invention. Discover the history and learn of the recent engineering project located on Scarborough’s South Bay during a guided tour of the engine room – an area usually closed to the public. You will discover the marvellous machinery and exciting engineering that still work hard today to carry almost half a million visitors every year. Includes a free return ride on Scarborough’s historic funicular.
September 9 & 10
1 Marine Parade, St. Nicholas Cliff, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2ER
Howden – a walk around the town’s plaques and old inns
Enjoy a guided tour around Howden to see the town’s 27 blue plaques erected to commemorate the important people that made the town what it was. With an imposing Minster and Palace, this once thriving Medieval town became a typical East Yorkshire market town after King John granted the right to hold markets and fairs. The Victorian period also contributed to Howden’s architectural heritage and much of the charm of Howden comes from the Georgian and town houses built by professional men and tradesmen. Learn about the annual horse fair that brought in buyers from all over Europe, which in 1807 was the largest in the Kingdom. The river crossing at Booth Derry made Howden a popular stagecoach route which attests to the many coaching inns you will discover on this tour.
September 14
Howden Minster, Bridgegate, Howden, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 7JG
Harlow Hill Tower, Harrogate
Residing 700ft above sea level, Harlow Hill Tower is the highest building and viewpoint in Harrogate. Built in 1829 for the purpose of ‘looking out from the top’ there is early evidence that the tower was used as an astronomical observatory, and certainly was in the 1960s. Nowadays, visitors can climb the 100 steps to the top and look out over Harrogate using a pair of naval binoculars. An added attraction is a Foucault's Pendulum, installed down to the core of the tower, that demonstrates that the is Earth turning.
September 14 & 15
Tower House, Nursery Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 0AZ
Tour of Sandal Castle, Wakefield
Be taken on a fascinating journey through five hundred years of history on a guided walk and talk around Sandal Castle and its grounds by a team of knowledgeable volunteers. From its beginnings under the De Warenne Earls of Surrey to the War of the Roses and how Richard of York gave battle in vain at the Battle of Wakefield, this is a tour that is bound to fascinate and delight. Learn all about the history, where it happened, and explore further into the various theories concerning one of the most important battles in our history.
September 7
Sandal Castle, Manygates Lane, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF2 7DS
Drainspotting – Sheffield’s Victorian Pavement Features
This award-winning tour returns for yet another year of fascinating finds by delving deep underground into worlds hidden far below the city streets. By looking at the remnants of Victorian infrastructure found on the streets of Endcliffe and Ranmoor, you will discover how Sheffield became the city it is today. Focussing on unassuming drain covers, tramway remains, and more, learn how the residents of Sheffield were protected from disease and how a hidden network deep underground connects us to each other.
September 7 & 15
Next Chapter Books, 7 Rustlings Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S11 7AA
Undercliffe Cemetery: Tales from our tombs, Bradford
Ever wondered about the ‘residents’ within a graveyard - the extraordinary life they led and the tales they could tell? Well, now’s your chance. Join knowledgeable researchers to learn all about them as they talk you through the ways their families were linked, the differences between the rich and the poor, and what happened to those who couldn’t afford a ‘decent’ burial. Delving into their fascinating lives will shed light on Bradford’s contribution to the nation’s heritage. Bookable and self-guided tours will be available, along with refreshments served throughout the day in the lodge.
September 14
The Lodge, Undercliffe Cemetery, Undercliffe Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD3 0DW
Fishergate Postern Tower, York
Rarely open to the public, jump at the chance to see inside this watch-tower built on York’s City Walls in 1505. Make your way up the twisting 500-year-old staircase which take you up to the first-floor room where a small corridor leads off to the garderobe – where human waste dropped straight into the River Foss! Continue up the spiral staircase to the top floor (look out for masons’ marks on your way) and look through the windows to see the modern lie of the land and imagine how much it’s changed.
September 7 & 14
Fishergate Postern Tower, Piccadilly, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9AF
Behind the scenes of the M&S archive, Leeds
Marks & Spencer is as synonymous with England as fish and chips, but have you ever wondered about the vast M&S collection, who cares for it and where it’s kept. In this unique tour, visitors will get the opportunity to meet with archivists for a behind the scenes tour of the archive Strong Room which isn’t usually open to the public. There will also be the opportunity to explore the interactive M&S Archive exhibition which tells the story of M&S from the early days of the Penny Bazaars to the present day.
September 11
Michael Marks Building, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9L
Once upon a time at Bramley Baths
Hear the unexpected stories of Bramley Baths brought to life by professional storytellers. From Olympic medallists and Hollywood swimming costumes to legendary dances, Finding Nemo and industrial uprisings – this pool has seen it all! Now the last remaining Edwardian bath house in Leeds, it’s remained a vibrant community hub since opening its doors over 120 years ago! A professional storyteller will speak of those who learnt to swim, dance and meet here, the importance of the Baths within this local community, and the wider impact it’s had across the city of Leeds.
September 7
Bramley Baths, Broad Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS13 3DF
St Mary Magdalene Church Campsall, Doncaster
With the village once standing on the outskirts of Sherwood Forest centuries ago, legend suggests that Robin Hood was married at St Mary Magdalene Church Campsall. It is now the most significant building in the Doncaster region, and for good reason too. Within the church are notable examples of Anglo-Saxon and Norman carving as well as a fine example of the work of Flaxman dating from 1803 as a memorial to the wife of Thomas Yarborough. This unique example of Norman construction contains a fortified tower, along with a vaulted chamber above which sits a well-preserved priest’s room.
September 14
The Avenue, Campsall, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN6 9AG
St Thomas’ Church Heritage Day, Northallerton
Delve into the 1000-year history of Brompton’s parish church and learn about the community both past and present. Five Anglo Danish hogback stones, thought to be grave covers, will be on show and date all the way back to 7th-11th century. There will also be the opportunity to take a look at an Anglo Saxon sculpture: a ninth century cross shaft, two complete wheel head crosses and three other fragments of wheel head crosses. Be sure to listen out for the peal of eight bells which will be rung in the 15th century perpendicular tower house.
September 14
St Thomas' Church, Church View, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 2QT
The Gathering Walk, Helmsley
Celebrate the launch of the Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail – a 41-mile trail connecting the historic, rural churches of the area – by taking part in the Gathering Walk. At 12 miles, this is a much shorter walk, but still takes in the scenic hills and dales of the North York Moors. Starting at All Saints Church in Hawnby, make your way to the church of Old Byland for a coffee and cake, before moving onto Saint Mary's in Scawton and then Cold Kirby for a packed lunch in the Village Hall. End the outing with a service at Rievaulx Abbey, followed by a launch reception in the Abbey Café.
September 14
Church Lane, Hawnby, West View, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5QA
History Mystery Tour
Giving 'The Full Monty'
Inspired by its appearance in 1997's 'The Full Monty', the Burton Street Foundation is 'stripping' back its past with a history mystery tour. Today, Burton Street is known by many as a fun and colourful centre that provides creative disability services for the people of Sheffield. However, if you dare to dig deeper, you'll learn that visitors and workers also know the site well for its ghosts, apparitions, and poltergeists. Will you be brave enough walk amongst the ghosts of Victorian teachers and school children to discover more?
September 10 & 12
Capel Building, 57 Burton Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S6 2HH
