Every year, historical places around the country open their doors for a week in September, letting people in for a sometimes-rare glimpse of their treasures.

This year’s Heritage Open Days theme is ‘Edible England’.

Sarah Holloway, Programme Manager for Heritage Open Days, said: “Heritage Open Days is about connecting people, and nothing brings us together like food and drink. We’re excited to see what innovative events our organisers dish up and look forward to sharing new sites and stories as well as welcoming people back to some of England’s most vibrant places.” 

We’ve put together information on our closest Heritage Open Days events for you...

Princethorpe College

Where? Princethorpe College, Leamington Road, Princethorpe, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9PX

When? Sunday 12th September, 2pm - 4.30pm

Built in 1832, St Mary's Priory was one of the first Catholic buildings in England after the reformation.

From 1833 until 1966, St Mary's Priory was home to a congregation of Benedictine nuns who ran a boarding school for girls. This community sold the priory in 1965 and a new school was established by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, who had previously run a boys' school in Leamington Spa. Princethorpe College is now a co-educational Catholic independent day school.

The archive team will be conducting free tours of the College on Sunday 12th September from 2.00pm - 4.30pm. Tours will start on the hour and half-hour, with the final tour starting at 3:30 pm. Areas open include Pugin’s chapel, the cloisters, nuns’ cells, library (former church) and the roundhouse.

Admission is free and complimentary tea and coffee will be available. 

https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/princethorpe-college

No booking necessary

Marton Museum of Country Bygones

Where? Louisa Ward Close, Marton, Warwickshire, CV23 9SA

When? Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th September, 10.30am - 5pm

A museum of local rural artefacts developed from the collection made over many decades by village resident George Tims.

The museum has an eclectic mix of artefacts showing how people lived and worked in the country. 

This year, the Museum will be open on the 18th and 19th September. There will be corn dolly demonstrations and other local crafts on show. There will be home made cakes and refreshments on sale, Covid permitting.

https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/marton-country-bygones-museum

No booking necessary

Southam Heritage Collection Guided History Walk

Where? Southam Heritage Collection, Tithe Place, High Street, Southam, Warwickshire, CV47 0HB

When? 16th, 17th, 18th  September, 10am and 11am. Sunday 19th September, 11am.

Take a guided history walk around Southam town centre and visit the Southam Heritage Collection exhibition ‘After the War’ in Tithe Place.

At one time Southam had one public house for every 60 town residents. From early mediaeval times Southam has sat on the busy crossroads between Welsh drovers’ roads and the northern routes from London to Coventry, Manchester and York.

To book a tour contact  Linda Doyle on 01926 814214 or southamheritage@hotmail.com

https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/southam-heritage-collection-guided-history-walk

Church of St Peter and St Paul Weedon Bec

Where? Church Street, Weedon Bec, Northamptonshire, NN7 4PL

When? Saturday 11th September, 10am - 3pm. Sunday 12th September, 11am - 4pm

Find out the histories of the soldiers buried in the churchyard and those commemorated within the church. 

The church you see today consists of a tower built in the early-to-mid 12th century, which is all that remains of the original medieval church; a nave constructed between 1823 and 1825 and the chancel built in 1863, the Vicar's vestry was added in 1885. Its current design and layout were the result of the expansion needed to accommodate the military personnel stationed at the old Weedon Barracks who worshipped here.

Displays inside the church, including military artefacts, reveal more about their lives and service.

Who rode in the Grand National? Who excavated caves in Gibraltar whilst on military service? Who served in Wellington's army? Visit to find out.

As part of the Edible England theme, there’ll be information about a soldiers' diet from foraging to rations.

https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/church-of-st-peter-and-st-paul-weedon-bec

No booking necessary