A VISIT to the decontamination suite at the former American air base at Greenham Common and a stroll through an 18th century Palladian mansion and parkland are just two of the delights on offer at this year’s Heritage Open Days.
If you prefer, why not visit a 400-year-old doctor’s surgery or take part in an interactive Victorian family adventure at Reading Old Cemetery?
Historic houses, restored buses, music halls and other venues not normally accessible to the public will throw their doors open for Heritage Open Days between Friday, September 8, and Sunday, September 17.
A total of 5,000 locations across the country are taking part with many in Reading and across Berkshire and all venues are free and family-friendly.
Last year more than 45,000 organisers and volunteers ran nearly 5,000 events attracting one million visits. Around one-third of visitors admitted they had not visited a heritage site in the past year while 80% of festival-goers said their visit made them more proud of their local area.
Liam Montgomery, spokesperson for Heritage Open Days said: “Whether it’s art, music, writing, or another outlet, creativity moves us and shapes our history and culture.
“This year organisers have once again come up trumps and created a stellar programme of events which put the spotlight on the people and places who give England’s heritage the X-factor and inspire festival-goers to engage with thousands of years of creativity.
“It is the organisers who make this possible, and whose hard work enables over a million people to engage with heritage, for free, on their doorstep, every September.”
A number of unusual and historic venues in Reading and across Berkshire are taking part this year including the former US air base at Greenham Common which was the site of massive protests in the 1980s by women protesting the deployment of Cruise missiles.
There are tours of the Decontamination Suite which is rarely open to the public as well as guided tours where you can learn about the site’s history as an US Army Air Force and the Greenham women’s peace protests.
In contrast, the National Trust’s Basildon Park, Lower Basildon offers stunning views of a lovingly restored 18th century Palladian architecture house and over 400 acres of historic wooded parkland and gardens.
Perfect for a peaceful walk or picnic, with plenty of areas for children to play, the normal entry fee will be waived for the house and garden.
Rowberry Morris & Co at 17 Castle Street in Reading provides a chance to explore this 16th century house, used as an Inn and doctor’s surgery throughout the years. There are a range of original features from interesting beam construction and diamond chimneys to a coach and horse mounting block and Victorian staircase.
In all, there are more than 30 free events in Reading, including guided walks, talks, open days, arts and craft activities, music and even dressing up across the 10 days of the festival.
Heritage Open Days offers the chance to visit buildings of historic importance that are often not open at other times of the year, as well take part in special events at local museums and historic locations.
This year, many of these events will focus on creativity including exhibitions at The Turbine House and historic Quaker Meeting House and paper sculpture making and tours and talks in one of Reading’s oldest houses, Watlington House.
Some of Reading’s best-known landmarks will be taking part in very different ways; The Hexagon is putting on an h-exhibition celebrating 45 years of Reading’s best-known cultural venue while dressing up will be the order of the day at Reading Old Cemetery at Cemetery Junction as the lives of some of its ‘permanent’ residents are brought to life.
Alex Brannen, Reading co-ordinator for Heritage Open Days, said: “This time of year reminds us what a rich history Reading has.
“Our thanks go to the many people who are putting on these amazing free events as part of the festival. If you are curious about what lies inside historic Reading buildings or just want to learn more about our heritage, then Heritage Open Days is for you.”
A number of the events have limited capacity and must be booked in advance. Check heritageopendays.org for full accessibility information.
Added Liam: “I feel that Heritage Open Days is really important, both to provide access to less visited and usually closed places and also to bring about more of a diverse audience than usual, opening up places for people who may usually avoid heritage attractions.”
For full details on all Reading venues taking part, go to: https://whatsonreading.com/heritage-open-days
The programme is available online at https://www.visit-reading.com/whats-on/seasonal-events/heritage-open-days-2023
