From Friday the 8 to Sunday the 17 of September, Heritage Open Days, the UK’s largest festival of culture and history comes to Nottinghamshire, giving people the chance to visit some of the region’s most important venues all with free entry.*
Every year hundreds of organisations open their doors to visitors to celebrate history, heritage, culture and community, giving people the chance to see hidden places and try new experiences, all without costing a penny.
This year’s Heritage Open Days Festival 2023 will see beloved and well-known venues across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire invite the public to experience their rich history and cultural offering.
Visitors can experience castles, cathedrals, museums, learning centres and more across the extended week.
With big household names, as well as smaller gems waiting to be discovered, the region’s official tourism board Visit Nottinghamshire is encouraging people to go out and discover more as part of Heritage Open Days 2023.
Visit Nottinghamshire’s Business Development Manager, Annette Thornley, said:
“Nottinghamshire is one of the UK’s most historic and culturally rich counties. Visitors can experience 1000 years of history at Nottingham Castle, explore the picturesque Dukeries and discover literary greats like Byron & Lawrence.
“With so much history and culture here in the region, there are loads of venues across the city and county who are taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days festival. We’re calling on visitors and local people alike to get out there and discover something new!
“Not only are there lots of amazing experiences out there waiting to be discovered, but all of these venues are opening their doors for free!”
Here’s a selection of events taking place in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire this year:
Friday 8 | Clumber Park | Experience a range of special behind-the-scenes tours throughout the day, guided walks where they can learn of our future plans or history and a range of activities.
Saturday 9 | Nottingham Castle | Experience the Nottingham Castle and grounds for just £1*
Saturday 9 | Newark Castle | Creativity Unwrapped at Newark Castle – Enjoy Castle-tastic Tales, eco-friendly crafts, the chance to explore spaces inside the Castle and find out more about the upcoming Gatehouse development.
Friday 8 – 10 | William Booth Birthplace Museum | Explore the birthplace of Nottingham’s most famous preacher and social reformer – William Booth – co-founder of The Salvation Army.
Saturday 9 – 10 | The Workhouse | Discover The Workhouse, Firbeck Infirmary and kitchen garden for free.
Sunday – 10 | Newstead Abbey | Free entry to Newstead Abbey’s Historic House and the park.
Friday 8 – 15 | Debbie Bryan | Lace Market Tour with Robin Hood (Ticket cost)
Friday 8 – 15 | Debbie Bryan | Join Debbie Bryanand create your own A5 paper collage using reproductions of salvaged Nottingham lace drawings and Cyanotype blueprints.
Friday 8 – 16 | Nottingham Cathedral | Explore the cathedral with guided tours, informational talks and much more.
Saturday 9 – 16 | Nottingham Cathedral | Family Art Workshops
Sunday 10 | D. H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum | Enjoy a taster tour and explore the wash house and exhibition spaces.
Monday 11 – 17 | The National Holocaust Centre | Engage in guided tours, curated artwork and picturesque surroundings.
Tuesday 12 | Wollaton Hall Walled Kitchen Garden |
A fun day for all to find out about the history of Wollaton Hall’s amazing kitchen garden, discover what was grown and how the garden looked and was run in its heyday over 100 years ago. Meet the fantastic volunteers restoring its heritage.
Wednesday 13 – Sunday 17 | Green’s Windmill and Science Centre | Visit a restored 19th Century tower mill, once home to mathematical physicist George Green. Climb to the top of the windmill and see how the sails turn grain into flour and see a special exhibition detailing the mill’s history with hidden gems and rarely seen archive files on display.
Saturday 16 | Newark Civil War Centre | Creativity Unwrapped at the National Civil War Centre – Explore art resident Samantha Jayne and her VR irtual world, wearing a virtual reality headset, and have a go at creating your own artwork inspired by the museum.
Sunday 15 | Debbie Bryan | Free drop-in printmaking workshops.
Sunday 17 | Bromley House | Guided tours of the Library
