Heritage open days return with a recipe for discovery

10th-19th September 2021 

Hundreds of places and spaces that aren’t usually open to the public are getting ready to open their doors as part of Heritage Open Days (HODs). England’s largest festival of history and culture returns this September, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. From family activities to evening experiences, this year's programme has something for everyone and it’s all free. 

Each year, thousands of volunteers organise events and experiences which uncover the stories, sites, places and people that traditional history has overlooked or forgotten. As well as visiting historic places and spaces in person, for the second year running there will be virtual tours and online discussions taking place too. 

This year’s programme offers a recipe for discovery: the festival’s theme is Edible England. From woodland foraging to factory floor, forgotten recipes to regional delicacies, the HODs festival community will explore the past, present, and future of England’s culinary heritage and culture. 

The event directory is now live on the HODs website and new events are being added each week.  

Edible England highlights so far include:  

• Celebrate Ormskirk - Ormskirk, Lancashire
  Take a trip down memory lane to the market town that is said to be the birthplace of gingerbread and rediscover some of Lancashire’s traditional culinary delights. 
  Sunday 19 September, 11am to 4pm 

• Herbs and health in monastic times - Norwich Cathedral, Norwich, Norfolk 
  Visit the Cathedral’s herb garden to learn how the produce was used for culinary and medicinal purposes within the infirmary. 
  Tuesday 14 and Thursday 16 September, 11:30am to 12:30pm 

• CemeTreats and Funeral Feasts - Wombwell Cemetery, Barnsley, South Yorkshire 
  From Victorian picnics to lemons left on gravestones, discover some weird and wonderful funereal foody traditions. 
  Friday 17 and Saturday 18 September, 10am to 4pm  

Visitors will be welcomed into beautiful houses and historic churches, plus there are plenty of unusual events and experiences to look forward to, such as:  

• Rubbish to Resource - Recycle for Greater Manchester, Manchester 
  Local residents can find out exactly what happens to the contents of their bins during this behind-the-scenes tour of a recycling centre. 
  Tuesday 14 September, 1pm to 3pm and 6pm to 8pm 

• Founders Favourites - Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, Hampshire 
  Discover the plants and trees that avid plantsman, Sir Harold Hillier, cherished and pick up tips from present-day horticulture experts.  
  Tuesday 14 September, 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm  

• High Street Sound Walks - various locations 
  Historic England is working with the National Trust and Sound UK to launch a series of self-guided, immersive sound walks to help people in Redruth, Reading, Great Yarmouth, Grantham, Barrow and Hull to discover the magic of their local high streets. 
  Friday 10 to Sunday 19 September 

Sarah Holloway, Programme Manager for Heritage Open Days, said: “We’re all interested in where we live but we don’t necessarily know the stories behind the buildings and spaces we walk past each day. Our event organisers keep finding creative ways to tell these tales and keep them alive.” 

“HODs connects people through shared experiences and this year, that feels more important than ever. It’s also one of the reasons we chose Edible England as our theme. Food brings people together and what we eat and drink is at the heart of much of our culture, our history, our communities, and our daily lives.” 

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We’re delighted our players are able to support Heritage Open Days for another year. The festival is about bringing communities together and we’re excited to see such a wide range of events on offer for visitors to enjoy and learn more about some of the hidden histories in their local area."

To find participating places and spaces in your local area and (where advised) pre-book your visit for free, go to www.heritageopendays.org.uk. There is also information available for people who are interested in hosting their own events.