Heritage Open Days 2021 in Bath and North East Somerset

Venues across Bath and North East Somerset will open up their doors this September for Heritage Open Days (10-19 September).

Image: Local History Centre, Lansdown

The nationwide celebration of history, architecture and culture is a chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all for free. 

Councillor Dine Romero, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Communities and Culture at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Heritage Open Days are a great opportunity for people to explore the amazing heritage on our doorstep, including some fascinating places that aren’t normally open to the public. I hope lots of residents will enjoy the free open days and activities throughout the week.”

There will be something for all ages and interests, for example:

• Join staff from Bath Record Office for a guided tour of The Guildhall, with the Heritage Open Days 2021 theme of ‘Edible England’. Tour the old Georgian kitchen and grand Banqueting Room and see Georgian recipes and more from the archive. (Friday 17 September)

• Explore archaeological finds from Keynsham and Bath, including Roman and medieval objects, at the Archaeology Centre – Culverhay (Thursday 16 September)

• Enjoy free admission to Prior Park Landscape Garden with magnificent views across Bath (Saturday 18 September)

• Visit the tranquil Bath Jewish Burial Ground, the resting place of Bath’s Jewish community during the 19th and early 20th centuries (Sunday 12 September)

• See weird and wonderful objects from the spa collection at the Local History Centre – Lansdown (Tuesday 14 September)

• Learn about the history of Sydney Gardens – a former Georgian pleasure gardens that opened in 1795 ¬– with special displays and walking trails around the Gardens (Saturday 18 September)

• Visit Saltford Brass Mill, the only remaining example of the 18th and 19th-century brass industry in Avon (Saturday 11, Sunday 12, Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September)

For a full list of local venues taking part in Heritage Open Days, please visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

Opening dates and times vary. Advance booking is essential at some venues.

All sites have endeavoured to make visiting as safe as possible and are following the latest Government Covid-19 guidance.