10 unique events taking place in Kent this September as part of the free Heritage Open Days that you don’t need to book in advance
Thousands of attractions across the country are opening their doors for free events and experiences as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days.
From grand houses and museums to picturesque gardens and country parks, many of Kent’s historic spaces will once again be taking part in the National Trust event.
This year’s theme is Creativity Unwrapped and will celebrate those whose passion for the arts and creative skills help enrich England’s heritage and local communities.
“Whether it’s art, music, writing, or another outlet, creativity moves us and shapes our history and culture,” says Heritage Open Days’ Liam Montgomery. “We’re excited to 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.”
We’ve picked 10 highlights from Kent’s Heritage Open Days events that you don’t need to book in advance; simply turn up and enjoy a free family day out.
CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL
Take a tour of Canterbury Cathedral’s breathtaking exterior and find out how the landmark has developed since its beginnings in 597 AD right up until today. Your guided tour will take you through the cathedral’s complex architecture, amusing gargoyles and the above-ground crypt.
Details: Canterbury Cathedral at The Precincts near Buttermarket. Events take place on Friday, September 8 from 10:30am and 2pm and Saturday, September 16 from 10:30am.
CHARTWELL, Westerham
Discover the house that Winston Churchill called home and the place where he brought up his young family. Explore rooms such as the library, study, sitting room and dining room displayed as if the family never left. The hillside gardens reflect the former prime minister’s love of nature and the studio is home to the largest collection of his paintings.
Details: Chartwell on Mapleton Road in Westerham. Events take place on Monday, September 11 from 10am to 5pm.
EMMETTS GARDEN, Sevenoaks
Enjoy panoramic views over the Weald from one of Kent’s highest points. The hillside Emmetts Garden is home to rare trees and shrubs from around the world, the Italianate rose garden, the rock garden and the South Garden, all of which will be accessible during the Heritage Open Days.
Details: Emmetts Garden on Ide Hill in Sevenoaks. Events take place from Friday, September 15 to Sunday, September 17 from 10am to 5pm.
KENT MINING MUSEUM, Deal
The Kent Mining Museum, which opened last April, will be taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days with behind-the-scenes access to the archives. There will be stories all about the people who worked in the mines and the local coalfield community alongside interesting artefacts and displays.
Details: The Kent Mining Museum at Betteshanger Country Park in Deal. Events take place on Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 from 9:30am to 4pm.
KENT SHOWGROUND, Detling
History buffs have a chance to experience life in the First World War trenches at the Kent Showground. Military and TV historian Andy Robertshaw and his team will be creating a replica Front Line trench at the site, complete with dugouts, machine gun positions and a first aid post. Take a tour through the trenches, meet soldiers and find out what it was really like to be in the thick of it.
Details: Kent Showground on Detling Hill in Detling, near Maidstone. Events take place on Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 from 10am to 4pm.
PALACE CINEMA, Broadstairs
Step inside one of Kent’s most historic cinemas and hear the fascinating story of The Palace. Then, you can take your seat and watch a visual tour of Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate being used as film locations from the 1940s to Sam Mendes’ recent blockbuster Empire of Light.
Details: The Palace Cinema on Harbour Street in Broadstairs. Events take place on Friday, September 15 from 1pm to 4pm and Saturday, September 16 from 11am to 2pm.
SANDWICH MEDIEVAL CENTRE
Watch live demonstrations of medieval crafts such as blacksmithing, baking and calligraphy at this fascinating visitor centre. Visit the barber surgeon, make a card model cog and step onto the deck of a full-size medieval ship via the gangplank.
Details: Sandwich Medieval Centre at The Quay in Sandwich. Events take place from Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 10 and Thursday, September 14 to Sunday, September 17 from 10am to 4pm.
STONE CHAPEL, Faversham
Join site volunteers to discover the secrets of Faversham’s Stone Chapel. The chapel is the only known example of a Romano-British temple or mausoleum that has been incorporated into a later Christian church. Faversham and Ospringe are rich in Roman history and this free event is a great chance to find out more about it.
Details: Stone Chapel on Four Oaks Road in Ospringe near Faversham. Events take place on Saturday, September 16 from 1pm to 3pm.
WANSTONE BATTERY, Dover
There’s a rare chance to see the hidden parts of Wanstone Battery this September. Areas of the Second World War time capsule that aren’t usually open to the public will be free to enter and visitors can explore all of the archaeological and conservation work that has taken place at the site so far.
Details: Wanstone Battery on Reach Road in St Margarets-at-Cliffe near Dover. Events take place on Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 from 10am to 3pm.
WOODBURY PARK CEMETARY, Tunbridge Wells
Receive an introduction to this Victorian cemetery and those who are buried there. Woodbury Park is the final resting place of almost 6,000 people from all classes and backgrounds of Victorian society, from paupers to priests. Learn about notable creative people who lived in and around Tunbridge Wells, including Jane Austen’s brother, a known landscape painter and creator of the Tunbridge Ware.
Details: Woodbury Park Cemetary on Woodbury Park Road in Tunbridge Wells. Events take place on Sunday, September 17 from 11am.
