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Heritage Open Days

29th August 2018

Categories: Visitor News

While the school holidays may be over, it doesn’t mean the fun has to stop and with Heritage Open Days taking place over two consecutive weekends this September, you can be sure of a good, fun day out for all the family learning about the culture and heritage of the UK all for free!

There are thousands of events taking place at attractions all over the UK from 6^th-9^th of September and 13^th-16^th September and a number of Devon’s attractions are also hosting free to attend events!

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture. Every year in September, places of historic interest open their doors to celebrate history, community and history. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences and with all Heritage Open Day events being free, you don’t have to limit yourself to make your budget stretch, visit as many of them as you like over the festival.

If you happen to be in Devon over either of the weekends, you can be sure that there are plenty of things to do. National Trust properties, such as Arlington Court and Greenway are both opening their doors over the Heritage Open Day, offering free events over both weekends.

Image: Arlington Court | National Trust

Arlington Court in North Devon is a regency house that includes a hidden William Blake masterpiece and beautiful tapestries to marvel at, plus there is the National Trust carriage Museum on site too, which is one of the most significant collections of carriages in the country. Those staying in the region can also enjoy a spot of glamping at Longlands, where you’ll find five beautifully furnished luxury Safari lodges.

Or, if traditional camping is more your style, you’re also near Stowford Farm Meadows which is ideally placed if you want to explore other areas of North Devon.

Image: Greenway | National Trust

If you fancy heading to Greenway, the home of Agatha Christie, for the Heritage Open Day, you’ll get the chance to explore the house which is exactly as Agatha Christi left it, as well as her tranquil gardens. If you happen to be in the Dartmouth area and are looking for somewhere to stay, Snaptrip have a whole host of cottages and holiday homes on offer for you, or you can go old school and spend the night under the stars by camping at Beverley Holidays in Paignton, which will mean you are well placed for exploring the other options open to you as part of the Heritage Open Day celebrations or some of South Devon’s other attractions.

Image: Fursdon House | National Trust

Fursdon House is another country house that is opening up for Heritage Open Days. Fursdon is one of Devon’s oldest family homes and the location, near Exeter, also includes the chance to have a wander around the beautiful gardens and sample some refreshments at the Tea Room. Being so close to Exeter means you have lots of accommodation choices to choose from, including Fursdon house itself, where you can stay in one of the apartments. Or there is the nearby Tiverton Castle, where you can spend the night in an actual castle! Or, there is the Best Western Tiverton Hotel in nearby Tiverton, which offers a traditional west country welcome.

Image: Exeter Cathedral

It isn’t just the country houses getting involved, Exeter Cathedral is hosting several specially themed events as part of the celebration. The cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Exeter and prides itself on being one of the UK’s most beautiful medieval cathedrals. Being such a busy city, there are plenty of other nearby attractions for you to enjoy while exploring as part of Heritage Open Days and plenty of places to stay, such as the Mercure Southgate Hotel, which is an ideal base for anyone spending a few days in Exeter, or Glampsites.com have several glamping options in the region for you to try too.

You might be tempted to stop at the Princesshay Shopping Centre while you’re in Exeter, lucky then that they too are hosting events for Heritage Open Days! Explore some of the more historical aspects of the area that the mall is built on during the open days and enjoy a spot of shopping afterwards! There are also plenty of food options for you in and around the shopping centre if all the history is making you a little peckish!

There are also a number of events taking place at Lydford Gorge, the deepest river gorge in the south west are offering a number of adventurous walks, as well as being close to the Dartmoor National Park. If you’re stopping here, you’ll want to look at Kirkside Barn as a possible place to rest your head, you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views, wildlife and all the peace of being in a national park. Harford Bridge Holiday Park is another nearby accommodation provider which is ideally located for anyone who wants to explore the Tamar Valley.

These are just a few of the attractions that are taking part in the Heritage Open Days. Be sure to head to their website for a full list of events that are taking place across England!

https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/