Each year, the United Kingdom celebrates Heritage Open Days that throw open major tourist sites all over the country for free access by locals and visitors alike. This year, as part of Heritage Open Days, major British tourist attractions will have free entry during events from September 8-17.
According to a press statement by the organisers, each September, thousands of volunteers across Birmingham, Solihull and Worcestershire invite travellers to experience local culture, religion, history and archaeology, including National Trust properties, mansions, museums, castles, houses, churches, former factories, graveyards, gardens and dovecotes.
The organisers say that this year’s theme for the Heritage Open Days is ‘Creativity Unwrapped’ and will focus on celebrating English creatives and innovations.
As is the practice, a number of places will be open as per a calendar of events under the Heritage Open Days.
Aston Hall: The 17th century mansion houses King Charles’s Chamber, the Great Stairs, and the Long Gallery. Tickets to the attraction usually cost GBP 10 (about INR 1,000) or adults and GBP 5 for children. The Aston Hall event will take place on September 10, 12h00 to 16h00.
Winterbourne House and Gardens: The acres of botanical gardens, which usually charges GBP 8.20 for adults and GBP 7.20 for children, is hosting a Birmingham Honey Show that will allow guests to see the bees in observation glass hives, attend live bee demonstrations and meet local beekeepers.
Coffin Works: The old Victorian factory in the Jewellery quarter will offer free guided tours around the museum, the courtyard and the stamp room every half hour from 11:00 till 15:00 on September 17. This museum usually charges an entrance fee of GBP 8,50 for adults and GBP 4.50 for children.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens: The gardens feature themed landscapes, a butterfly house, glasshouses, a play area, a bandstand and a tea room. It normally costs GBP 7.50 for adults and GBP 5.50 for children. On September 10, an event, ‘Do You Want to Build a Glasshouse?’ will have youth-led events and competitions, and free entrance.
Shakespeare’s New Palace: The Bard’s historic family home and gardens will be hosting a trail walk organised by the Stratford-upon-Avon Heritage Volunteer Group on September 9 from 10:00 to 16:00. Tickets to the attraction usually cost GBP 14.50 for adults and GBP 7.25 for children.
Moseley Ice House: The 18th century ice house in the West Midlands is generally only open to keyholders. However, the Moseley House parks and ice house will open to the public from September 16 to 17, from 11:00 till 13:00 and 14:00 till 17:00, respectively.
RBSA Gallery: The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists hosts exhibits, events and workshops to support artists and encourage engagement. As a special Heritage Open Days event, art historian Ruth Millington is hosting a talk about the life and work of Birmingham surrealist, Emmy Bridgwater.
