Plenty to see across Shropshire as Heritage Open Days open up
Halls, churches, museums, factories and formal gardens will be among the sights open to the public as a popular week of cultural events returns.
The Heritage Open Days (HOD) initiative features hundreds of activities around the theme of Creativity Unwrapped, sharing England’s colourful history of creativity. The festival will celebrate the experts and enthusiastic amateurs whose passions and skills add something special to the region.
Liam Montgomery, HOD marketing and projects manager, 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.
"And 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.”
There will be plenty of events to see in and around the region:
Bridgnorth
Dudmaston Hall
Dudmaston Hall, Quatt, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV15 6QN
A much-loved and lived-in family home at the heart of this working, Shropshire estate. The galleries offer an unexpected chance to see works by Hepworth, Moore and Matisse set against the backdrop of a terraced garden overlooking the water.
Event Times
Sunday, September 10 from 10.30am to 4.30pm
Monday, September 11 from 10.30am to 4.30pm
Tuesday, September 12 from 10.30am to 4.30pm
Wednesday, September 13 from 10.30am to 4.30pm
Thursday, September 14 from 10.30am to 4.30pm
Booking Details: Pre-booking: Not applicable
Broseley
Benthall Hall
Benthall Hall, Benthall, Broseley, Shropshire, TF12 5RX
Come and discover more about this "hidden gem".
Event Times
Saturday, September 9 Hall open 1pm to 4.30pm, Garden open 12.30pm to 5pm
Sunday, September 10 Hall open 1pm to 4.30pm, Garden open 12.30pm to 5pm
Monday, September 11 Hall open 1pm to 4.30pm, Garden open 12.30pm to 5pm
Tuesday, September 12 Garden Tour 12.45pm, Hall open 1pm to 4.30pm, Garden open 12.30pm to 5pm
Wednesday, September 13 Estate Tour 2pm, Hall open 1pm to 4.30pm, Garden open 12.30pm to 5pm
Saturday, September 16 Hall open 1pm to 4.30pm, Garden open 12.30pm to 5pm
Sunday, September 17 Hall open 1pm to 4.30pm, Garden open 12.30pm to 5pm
Booking Details: Pre-booking: Preferred
Llanymynech
Llanymynech Limeworks Heritage Area
Llanymynech Limeworks, North Road, Llanymynech, Shropshire
The Llanymynech Limeworks is a unique heritage area which ceased working in 1914 due to economics and the First World War. The area is a Scheduled Monument with Grade II listed buildings and was declared a Local Nature Reserve in September 2020.
Event Times
Sunday, September 17 from 10am to 4pm
Booking Details: Pre-booking: Book on day
Ludlow
11 Corve Street, Ludlow
11 Corve Street, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1DA
A few items from Richard Payne Knight's collection.
Event Times
Thursday, September 14 from 11am and 3pm
Saturday, September 16 from 11am and 3pm
Booking Details: Pre-booking: Required
Newport
Guildhall Newport
Newport Town Council, The Guildhall, 1 High Street, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 7AR
Take a look inside the glorious Grade II* listed Guildhall in the heart of Newport, from the witch marks on the fire mantles, to the quatrefoil ceiling in the chamber, the Guildhall is packed full of history dating back to the rule of King Henry III.
Event Times
Friday, September 8 from 10am to 4pm
Sunday, September 17 from 10am to 4pm
Booking Details: Pre-booking: Not applicable
Oswestry
A Brake Van ride along the railway tracks at Llynclys
Cambrian Heritage Railways, Llynclys South Station, Llynclys, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 8BX
This will be an opportunity to experience a ride in a brake van hauled by a diesel shunter locomotive.
The journey will be along the short stretch of line south of Llynclys station.
Event Times
Saturday, September 9 from 11am to 3pm
Sunday, September 10 from 11am to 3pm
Booking Details: Pre-booking: Not applicable
Cambrian Heritage Railways - Oswestry South Signal Box
Cambrian Heritage Railways, 30 Oswald Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 1RE
The Refurbished, Grade II listed, Oswestry South Signal Box will be open for viewing.
Event Times
Saturday, September 9 from 11am to 3.30pm
Sunday, September 10 from 11am to 3.30pm
Booking Details: Pre-booking: Not applicable
Cambrian Railways Museum
Cambrian Heritage Railways Museum, Oswald Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 1RE
Visit the museum of railwayana explaining the history of the Cambrian Railways Company and its successors.
Event Times
Saturday, September 9 from 11am to 3.30pm
Sunday, September 10 from 11am to 3.30pm
Saturday, September 16 from 11am to 3.30pm
Sunday, September 17 from 11am to 3.30pm
Booking Details: Pre-booking: Not applicable
Weston Wharf Railway Station and Goods Shed
Cambrian Heritage Railways, Weston Wharf, Weston, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 9ES
Visit the Victorian Goods Shed and the redeveloped station at Weston
Event Times
Saturday, September 9 from 11am to 3.30pm
Sunday, September 10 from 11am to 3.30pm
Booking Details: Pre-booking: Not applicable
Shifnal
St Bartholomew’s Church, Tong
Newport Road, Tong, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 8PW
St Bartholomew's Church is a splendid 15th century 'treasure house', one of England's finest medieval Gothic parish churches, famous for its Golden Chapel, world-renowned collection of medieval tomb monuments and for Little Nell's fictional grave.
Event Times
Friday, September 8 Open all day
Saturday, September 9 Guided Tour at 11am; open all day
Sunday, September 10 Open 2pm to 5pm
Monday, September 11 Open all day
Tuesday, September 12 Open all day
Wednesday, September 13 Guided Tour at 2.30pm; Open all day
Thursday, September 14 Open all day
Friday, September 15 Open all day
Saturday, September 16 Guided Tour at 11am; Open all day
Sunday, September 17 Open 2pm to 5pm
Booking Details: Pre-booking: Preferred
Shrewsbury
All Saints Parish Church
All Saints Parish Church, North Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 2JH
This Open Day gives visitors a chance to see the stunning interior of a Victorian church, to see its unique stained glass windows and furnishings, and hear about its continuing role in the life of the local community.
Event Times
Saturday, September 9 from 10.30am to 4pm
Sunday, September 10 from Parish Mass 10.30am
Booking Details: Pre-booking: Not applicable
