Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers. Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences, many with children’s activities – and it’s all FREE.
Here’s a summary of the events across the area that could be more of interest for families but there are lots more events taking place in our area and the full list can be found here. Click on the venue for more information.
Here I have picked out a few within an hours drive that include Children’s Activities – Enjoy and have fun!
Saturday 9th September
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, 12 Park Street, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7AJ – Participate in a time-bound design challenge that encourages teamwork, where families work together to construct a functional model of a fixed signal. We will introduce you to the historical Railway Bobbies and the communication techniques employed on railways prior to the use of fixed signals.
West Ayton Castle, Off Castle Rise, West Ayton, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO13 9JY – Ayton Castle tower will be open to see inside. There will be a display of artefacts associated with the Castle, some other display material and there will be mini-digs for kids
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Goathland, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5NF – An interactive station trail suitable families with children up to 15 years old, Just the Ticket. Find the stop, solve the puzzle and learn interesting facts, collect a letter and reveal the anagram!
Sunday 10th September
Gisborough Priory and Woodland Garden, Church Street, Guisborough, North Yorkshire, TS14 6HG – Family activity event celebrating the work of Gisborough Priory Project, with children’s creative crafts, woodland garden trail highlighting the change from impenetrable wilderness to a lovely place to wander, and a creative garden tour.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Goathland, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5NF – An interactive station trail suitable families with children up to 15 years old, Just the Ticket. Find the stop, solve the puzzle and learn interesting facts, collect a letter, and reveal the anagram!
Bedern Hall Co Ltd, Bartle Garth, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7AL – Re enactment group Frei Compagnie take us back to 15th century for a family day of medieval food, weaving, costumes and knights in shining armour. Sorry, no horses!
Friday 15th September
Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5UY – Discover over 300 years of stories of the people and objects who sought sanctuary at Nunnington hall. Explore a history of how the hall has provided comfort and safety to residents throughout a vast range of historical events in Britain.
Saturday 16th September
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, 12 Park Street, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7AJ – Participate in a time-bound design challenge that encourages teamwork, where families work together to construct a functional model of a fixed signal. We will introduce you to the historical Railway Bobbies and the communication techniques employed on railways prior to the use of fixed signals.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Goathland, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5NF – An interactive station trail suitable families with children up to 15 years old, Just the Ticket. Find the stop, solve the puzzle and learn interesting facts, collect a letter and reveal the anagram!
Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5UY – Discover over 300 years of stories of the people and objects who sought sanctuary at Nunnington hall. Explore a history of how the hall has provided comfort and safety to residents throughout a vast range of historical events in Britain.
Sunday 17th September
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Goathland, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5NF – An interactive station trail suitable families with children up to 15 years old, Just the Ticket. Find the stop, solve the puzzle and learn interesting facts, collect a letter and reveal the anagram!
Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5UY – Discover over 300 years of stories of the people and objects who sought sanctuary at Nunnington hall. Explore a history of how the hall has provided comfort and safety to residents throughout a vast range of historical events in Britain.