Heritage Open Days

September 8-17

Founded in 1994, Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival celebrateing heritage, history, community and culture. This year's theme 'Creativity Unwrapped' is presented by National Trust with support from the players of People's Post Code Lottery features over 5,300 events and experiences around the theme of 'Creativity Unwrapped' — many of which that usually charge admission.

The robust website allows you to 'Design your day' by searching via post code, towns, county, date, key words and/or in-person/virtual events. Here are just a handful of highlights in London and Surrey:

London
  • British Library (Conservation Open House) Saturday, September 9 11- Noon, 1 - 2 pm, 2:30 - 3:30 pm
  • The Chocolate Museum (Maya chocolate demonstration and tasting) Saturday, September 16 10 am & Noon
  • The Guards Museum Saturday, September 9 10 am - 3:30 pm
  • London Bus Museum (Heritage Routemaster Bus Route 38 between Victoria & Hackney) Saturday, September 16 10 - 5 pm
  • Two Temple Place (William Waldrof Astro's London Estate Office) Sunday, September 10 & 17 10 am - 4:30 pm

  • Surrey
  • Box Hill (Literary walks and talks) Sunday, September 10 & Wednesday Setpember 13 11 am
  • Kingston Guildhall Saturday, September 9 & 16 10:15 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm, 2:15 pm
  • The Lightbox September 8-9, 129-16 10:30 am - 5 pm, September 10 & 17 11 am - 4 pm
  • Polesden Lacey Saturday, September 9 & Sunday, September 10 Gardens 10 - 5 pm, House 11 am - 3:30 pm
  • Runnymede Air Forces Memorial Saturday, September 9 11 am - 3 pm

  • Plan and book now for the best selection!
    www.heritageopendays.org.uk

    Boatloads of fun

    Take advantage of these boat experiences while the temperatures are still mild:

    Caravel — This small, quaint restaurant located on a converted canal boat serves modern European bistro style food. The combination of delicious food and friendly staff make this a perfect date night or private group dining experience.
    Open Wednesday (Lunch), Thursday — Saturday (Lunch & Dinner), Sunday (Lunch)
    www.caravelrestaurant.com+44 2072 511155
    172 Shepherdess Walk, London, N1 7JL

    Lee Valley Water Centre — This white water slalom centre in Hertfordshire was used during the 2012 Olympic Games.  The inflatable boats are designed for Class IV or Class V rapids. Unlike traditional rafting where you pass one rapid after another, they have the ability to send you back through the rapids you just completed.
    £60 / person (minimum age 14)
    London Waterbus — The traditional narrow boat on the Regents Canal stops at Camden Lock and Little Venice. The route passes through London Zoo and windows that slide open for picturesque views. Booking online is suggested — especially on the weekends.
    Starting at £15 / adult and £11 / child
    www.londonwaterbus.com

    Thames Rocket — The popular 50-minuted ‘Ultimate London Adventure’ is the original Thames speed boat tour. Departing from the London Eye, the 880 horsepower travels up to 30 knots past London’s famous landmarks and literally above the water at times. Fun you need to hold on tight for!.
    Starting at £54.95 (adult) / £49.95 (child)
    www.thamesrockets.com+44 2079 288933
    London Eye Waterloo Pier, London 1SW1A 1AE

    Uber Boat by Thames Clipper — Uber Boat is the fastest and most frequent boat service on the River Thames with 24 stops. Major attractions along the route include Big Ben, London Eye, Shakespeare Globe, St. Paul's Cathedral and Tower of London to name a few. Discounted fares are available for Oyster and contactless card travelers and a a 'hop on hop off' ticket is available
    Starting at £3.80
    www.uber.com

    Whichever one you choose — it's sometimes simply better by boat!