The annual opportunity to explore Norfolk’s heritage for free returns in September (10th–13th), and there’s still time to request tickets for some of the pre-book events across the county.
Co-ordinated by Norwich’s Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART), this year’s Heritage Open Days offer over 240 free events including open buildings, guided tours and walks, heritage literary events, exhibitions and performances – across Norwich, Breckland, Thetford, South Norfolk, Broadland, Great Yarmouth, North Norfolk and further afield.
The pre-book events are filling up fast, but there are still tickets available for a wide range of pre-book events across Norfolk, including:
- Harleston ‘Not a Pub Crawl’ Pub Crawl, South Norfolk: A pub crawl with a difference! Come and find out about the colourful history of Harleston’s existing five pubs, and about the many more watering holes that used to succour travellers from near and far. Led by local expert Margaret Griffiths. It may be necessary, in the spirit of research, to sample some wares at the end! Part of the Harleston cluster of events over the heritage weekend.
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Norfolk and North Walsham St John Ambulance Museum, North Norfolk: View how first aid and the clothes worn have changed over the years. Listen to people’s recorded memories by using the interactive touchscreen monitors and computers. See the equipment that would have been used on you in the past.
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Former RAF Coltishall, Broadland: Explore former RAF Coltishall’s heritage from on high this year on an open top bus tour around the 600-acre Norfolk County Council site with expert Spirit of Coltishall Association guides. See the Second World War and Cold War airfield and its buildings, heritage displays and the new Scottow Enterprise Park and solar farm. Please book online via Eventbrite at http://norwich-heart.eventbrite.co.uk.
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Norwich Cathedral – Exploring Medieval Graffiti, Norwich: Discover medieval curses, ships, faces, devotional symbols and much more besides. Join members of the team currently undertaking the archaeological survey of the medieval graffiti within Norwich Cathedral and have a ‘lost world’ revealed to you! Please book online via Eventbrite at http://norwich-heart.eventbrite.co.uk.
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White Friars and Red Gold at Burnham Norton Friary, further afield: The friary was the first Carmelite (White Friars) house founded in Norfolk. The impressive two-storey gatehouse is one of the finest in the country. There will be a tour of friary remains and the ex-chapel. Norfolk Saffron has re-introduced the forgotten crop to the county and we have a small display about this fascinating plant’s history. Learn how important ‘red gold’ once was to the Norfolk economy and how it is now being grown again.
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A Tour of Contemporary Architecture in Norwich – Transformation, Regeneration and Opportunity: This discussion-led walking tour by Hudson Architects will spark lively debate on how contemporary architecture is regenerating and transforming Norwich. Meet key stakeholders of the city to gather their insights on the impact of some of Norwich’s best contemporary buildings, including buildings for education, housing, heritage and public spaces with a look to future opportunities for our city. This event is exclusive to view at www.heritagecity.org/hods.
Some Heritage Open Day events require pre-booking and, due to their popularity and limited capacity, it is recommended this is done as soon as possible. However, for over half of the events no pre-booking is required and visitors can just drop in on the day. Check the brochure or www.heritagecity.org/hods for further details.
From Tuesday 1st September, any remaining tickets for pre-book events will be available to book in person only from HEART at The Guildhall, Norwich (10am-4pm).
The Heritage Open Days events brochure for Norwich and Norfolk is out now and available across Norfolk or to download from www.heritagecity.org/hods, where you can also request tickets for many pre-book events. For more information visit www.heritagecity.org/hods or follow @norwichheart, #NorwichHODS and #NorfolkHODs on Twitter and Norwich HEART on Facebook.
