Heritage Open Days are some of the best ways to explore Nottinghamshire’s past – and this year they’re returning from September 11-20 (heritageopendays.org.uk).
We’ve rounded up a range of events happening across the city and county, from fascinating exhibitions to breathtaking tours. These have been narrowed down based on location and uniqueness. Oh, and the best part? They’re all free – but some need to be booked in advance.
If you’re looking for things to do in Nottingham in September, these are all excellent events to pencil into the diary. For more events and guides, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
10 of the best Heritage Open Days around Nottingham
By Jade Watson and Eve Smallman
1. Parades to Pantomimes: The Brigades in Beeston
When: September 11-12
Where: The Pearson Centre For Young People, Beeston
Pre-booking required?: No
From the first day of the 17th Nottingham Boys’ Brigade in 1909, through to the Beeston Lads’ Club, the Pearson Centre for Young People has been active for over 100 years – and it has a huge archive that houses military history through to pantomime antics. This is the first ever opportunity to view the extensive archive of items of Brigade uniform through the ages, with medals, awards and even the first ever subs book from the 17th Nottingham, dating back to 1909. The event on Saturday will also have activities for children.
Do if: You or someone else was part of the Brigades or even another club – this will be a great showcase of camaraderie.
2. Store Tour: Work, Play, Retire
When: September 11, 15, and 17
Where: Bobbers Mill area of the city, Nottingham
Pre-booking required?: Yes (email curator Ann Inscker at ann.inscker@nottinghamcity.gov.uk)
Against the backdrop of Nottingham City Museums and Galleries stores, this is a rare opportunity to explore three units and investigate items of significance to the working lives of those at Raleigh, Players, Ericsson, the lace industry, printing, Manlove-Alliott, and more. Rattle collections from child psychology pioneers John and Elizabeth Newson, caricatures of staff from Ericsson’s 1940s Drawing Office, and a redundancy notice for a lace worker are just some of the items on offer.
Do if: You were saddened to hear the news of Raleigh, and would like to discover more about significant companies in Nottingham.
3. St Mary’s Church Tours and Activities
When: September 12
Where: St Mary’s Church, Nottingham
Pre-booking required?: No
Climb the towers of this beautiful church, as well as seeing spectacular, soaring views of the surrounding city, during this rare opportunity. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear, as this will require heading up approximately 130 steps and a short section by ladder. There will also be brass rubbing, children’s activities, guided tours of the church, and refreshments in the churchyard to keep you going as you explore.
Do if: You’d love to see the city from a new perspective.
4. School of Musical Instrument Crafts Open Day
When: September 12
Where: School of Musical Instrument Crafts, Newark
Pre-booking required?: No
In an unassuming corner of Newark on Trent, a quiet market town known for its history and a beautiful 12th-century castle, there is a pocket of tradition and pride that those outside the industry might not know about. Inside this stunning Watson Fothergill-designed building, originally built as a bank, is now the home of the School of Musical Instrument Crafts, which also has the internationally acclaimed Violin School. During this one-day event, you can see inside this and learn about how repairs and restoration take place.
Do if: You’re a musical instrument buff who is interested in how they are made.
5. Mill Waters Festival at Sutton Lawn
When: September 12
Where: Sutton Lawn, Mill Waters, off Lawn Avenue, Sutton-in-Ashfield
Pre-booking required?: No
Celebrate the heritage and nature of Mill Waters during this fun day filled with activities and entertainment by local groups. These will include live music, traditional crafts, bowls and model boats, historic photos and films, traditional games, tours, and more. We recommend heading down early for vintage tennis, which starts at 10am before the main festival. The event will also host the launch of Water Mills of The River Maun, penned by local author Denis Hill.
Do if: You’d like to enjoy some true community spirit in a stunning setting.
6. Lowdham Signal Box
When: September 12-13, 19-20
Where: The Sidings, Lowdham
Pre-booking required?: Yes (eventbrite.co.uk)
A signalman’s job was a responsible one with a huge safety role. Between the wars, there were around 15,000 signal boxes – and this is a way of life that has almost completely disappeared. Here, you can learn how the equipment worked and how it developed to prevent repetitions of railway accidents. You will be welcome to try your hand at pulling the levers or ringing the block bell. There will also be signalling demonstrations with five virtual trains passing the box in just over half an hour – taken from the actual working timetable of an unusual Monday morning in 1954.
Do if: You know a train enthusiast who would love to find out more about their history.
7. Courtroom Trial
When: September 13
Where: National Justice Museum, Nottingham
Pre-booking required?: Preferred (nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk)
The museum’s interactive trial re-enactments in its Victorian Courtroom are one of the highlights of its paid museum ticket – but this is free for Heritage Open Days. In 1812, at the Nottingham Assizes, William Carnell and Joseph Maples were charged with burglary and entering a dwelling house, as well as for breaking stocking frames. At just 16 years old, Joseph Maples was one of the youngest people arrested for this offence. Take part in the re-enactment of Maple’s trial – and find out for yourself how skilled labourers took the threat to their livelihood into their own hands.
Do if: You’re looking for a family-friendly Heritage Open Days event.
8. Tuxford Traditional Building Tour and Skills Demonstration Day
When: September 15
Where: 33 Lincoln Road, Tuxford
Pre-booking required?: No
Go on a tour of a rare timber-framed cottage currently being repaired using traditional craft skills. There will also be demonstrations of traditional building skills including hot lime, hemp lime plastering, daub/clay plasters and sash window restoration. This is a combined venture by Nottinghamshire Building Preservation Trust and the Walks of Life Museum, which will provide you with plenty of useful facts as you look around.
Do if: You or someone you know are keen DIY buffs.
9. Green’s Windmill and Science Centre Activities
When: September 16-20
Where: Green’s Windmill and Science Centre, Sneinton
Pre-booking required?: No
Green’s Windmill is a restored 19th-century tower mill, once home to mathematical physicist George Green. During this exhibition that has been specially curated for Heritage Open Days, you will be able to find out about the mill’s history using excerpts from its extensive archive. Afterwards, visit the adjacent science centre and experiment with the things that fascinated him, such as light, electricity and magnetism. From here, be sure to explore the award-winning community garden. It’s worth noting that the mill itself is undergoing repairs, but will be reopened in November.
Do if: You’re looking for a Heritage Open Days event that’s easy to get to from the city centre – it’s a 15-minute walk, or just hop on the 43 NCT bus.
10. Bagthorpe Gardens Open Day and Tours
When: September 20
Where: Bagthorpe Gardens, Nottingham
Pre-booking required?: No
Explore these historic Grade II* cottage gardens dating from the 1840s, with original hedging and restored bothies, including a new bothy renovated in the original style. See these at your leisure, or enjoy a tour at 12.30pm or 2.30pm. As well as this, you will be able to see an array of fruit and vegetables being grown and talk to the gardeners. Plus, browse displays of photos, interesting artefacts in its new museum, along with plant and book stalls.
Do if: You are looking for garden inspiration, or just love walking around beautiful locations.
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