The nationwide Heritage Open Days has arrived here in Hertfordshire once more. This celebration of our history is an annual event where you can visit attractions, go on unique tours and learn all about your local area through the years – from over 2000 years ago to just 100 – for free! So, get planning with our top picks below and visit throughout the 10 days of the 6th to the 15th September.
If you want to see the full list of the venues taking part in Hertfordshire, click here to head to the Heritage Open Days website.
Berkhamsted Castle Guided Tours
Considered the best remaining example of a motte and bailey castle in the UK, Berkhamsted Castle Trust are offering free guided tours of the site which was originally built as a timber structure by William the Conqueror’s half-brother Robert of Mortain. The castle has a rich history which the volunteers will bring to life on the tours on the 8th, 10th, 12th and 14th September, as it has over 950 years of stories. Did you know that it was here that the Anglo-Saxons had surrendered to the aforementioned William, Duke of Normandy in 1066, thus becoming “The Conqueror”?
Natural History Museum, Tring
A popular place to learn all about our natural world and see giants of the animal landscape up close, the Natural History Museum, Tring is taking part in Heritage Open Days on the 7th and 8th September for a family trail - look high and low around the beautiful building, tick them off, write their names or draw them all!
Welwyn Roman Baths
Remember when in the intro we talked about the history from over 2000 years ago? Step inside a Roman bath house in Welwyn on the 14th September and be awestruck by this incredible scheduled monument, which features three rooms from a wider villa – a cold room, warm room and hot room. On your visit you’ll also be able to see artefacts found during the excavation and revisit how the villa would have looked with the new 3D digital model created by UCL's Institute of Archaeology. Plus, there will be dressing up for the family and free tours and guides throughout the day from 10am to 4pm.
Watford – What’s Your Story?
A vibrant town whose story is continually being written, Watford is hosting on the 14th September a creative writing workshop to encapsulate the memories of locals or use as a basis for a new story. Run by local fireman David Elliott, who as you’d imagine himself has many stories of the town, reminisce your own experiences from 10am to 3pm at the Watford Central Library.
Verulamium Museum
Continuing the Roman theme introduced earlier on, the Verulamium Museum in St Albans is opening up its doors on the 7th and 14th September. Once one of the largest Roman cities in Britain, this museum has a large amount of immersive experiences, such as recreated Roman rooms with mosaics, Roman gold coins, and more. Not only is the Roman influence inside the museum, but outside in the wider park you’ll be able to see the Hypocaust, city walls, and Theatre too.
St Albans Clock Tower
Being the only medieval town belfry in England, the chance to climb the 93 steps of St Albans Clock Tower on the 14th and 15th September is not to be missed! You’ll be given the opportunity to see the city from a new angle, with the Cathedral and wider city spread out below. On the weekend, you can see the working Victorian turret clock up close, admire Gabriel, the medieval bell and the kids can play ‘Hunt the Golden Keys’ for a chance to win chocolate coins!