Heritage Open Days are England’s largest festival of history and culture. Every September venues across England open their doors to celebrate the country’s fantastic history and culture. The South West Heritage Trust has a variety of free events taking place in Somerset and Devon.
At Somerset Brick and Tile Museum in Bridgwater visitors are invited to join a tour of the museum and see a tile-making demonstration on Saturday 9 September. There will be an opportunity to learn about the last traditional brick kiln in Somerset and how Bridgwater’s brick and tile making industry shaped the town.
Avalon Archaeology, at the Avalon Marshes Centre, is holding a special free-entry day on Monday 11 September when visitors can explore richly-decorated archaeological reconstructions of Iron Age, Roman and Saxon buildings. Hand-built by a dedicated group of volunteers using traditional techniques, Avalon Archaeology opened to the public earlier this year.
At the Somerset Heritage Centre in Taunton the South West Heritage Trust cares for millions of archive documents dating from the 11th century to present day, and more than three million museum objects. On Saturday 16 September visitors can enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of the archive and museum strongrooms. Family activities will be available as well as demonstrations of paper conservation.
All events are free. Booking required for some events via swheritage.org.uk