10 Plymouth Heritage Open Days: FREE 6-15 September
Members of the public will be able to visit Plymouth attractions for FREE as the city celebrates Heritage Open Days. From September 6th to 15th, venues will be opening their doors, allowing the public to learn about Plymouth's rich history, heritage and culture through free events, tours and activities.
Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture and offers the public a chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences for free, bringing together the past and present in a festival that includes workshops, talks, hidden spaces, walks and activities for all the family.
Devonport Heritage Tours
Enjoy a tour of Market Hall, Devonport Guildhall & Column and The Egyptian House (Ker St Social Club) with Real Immersive. Running from Friday September 13th to Saturday September 14th.
Enjoy a guided tour around some of Devonport's most beloved heritage spaces! All tours will begin from Market Hall and end at the Egyptian House lasting approximately 1 hour.
Devonport Column information: All visits are limited to 12 people, booked in advance, and are self-guided. Access to the top of the column is via a narrow spiral staircase of 137 stone steps. We advise visitors to wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bear in mind the physical nature of the ascent before booking. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Unfortunately, because of the historic nature of the column we are sorry to say it is not accessible to all.
Devonport Naval Base and Naval Heritage Centre
The Naval Base and Naval Heritage Centre with the support of Babcock are offering a chance for 40 people to tour the base and see for themselves what goes on. On Saturday 14th September, join us for a one off guided tour of the Devonport Naval Base, plus a visit to the Naval Heritage Centre and refreshments.
Photo ID is mandatory to take part in the tour - please have your photo ID with you on the day of the tour to be checked during registration.
Meet at the Devonport Market Hall at 9.30 am to be checked in and we will then walk/drive to Oceansgate for the start of the tour at 10.00 am. The tour will last for 2 hours, finishing at 12pm. This is a very special opportunity, don’t miss it!
Walking Tour of the Royal Citadel
On behalf of English Heritage, and by kind permission of 29 Commando Royal Artillery, join your Guide on this walking tour of the Royal Citadel on Saturday 14 September. Learn about the 350 years plus of the stories the fortress has to offer. Commanding a prominent position on Plymouth Hoe, looking out over the expanse of the Sound and into the Channel and Western Approaches, it has seen the unfolding of so many events in the nation's history. Expect panoramic views from the ramparts, 350 years of military occupation and a potted history of Plymouth through the ages...a wealth of stories.
Maker Heights celebrates Heritage Open Days
From the 7th to 15th of September, Maker Heights celebrates Heritage Open Days. This year’s theme, “Routes – Networks – Connections,” promises to unveil the deeper nature of our heritage. Explore lost art forms through engaging workshops, capture the stories of your family that has attended Maker across generations, and delve into the histories of ancient Redoubts and the forgotten Second Armada.
Step into the past during the first weekend, with an exhibition at Millbrook Chapel – discovering how the space might be used in future, mindful workshops and drawing sessions, and a reenactment by the 32nd Regiment of Foot.
Throughout the week, lose yourself in the tales of early 20th-century Maker, listening to firsthand accounts in recreated dormitories. Gain insights into the Second Armada, and share your own modern folk tales in the flicker of the fire light.
As the weekend approaches, explore a second exhibition at Millbrook, book generational portraits with Dom Moore, and immerse yourself in the rhythms of a drumming circle. Discover the art of mono printing with Helen Round and the craftsmanship of flax weaving with Flax Project CIC.
The festival concludes with two book celebrations: introducing “Cornwall: Beneath and Beyond” and “Twelve Stories for Twelve Sections,” offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region!”
Experience The Sound: Heritage Open Days
As part of the Heritage Open Days 2024 and Devonport 200 commemorations we are delighted to offer this free screening of Experience the Sound. For more than 100 years, from the early days of black and white silent film to sound, colour and now 360 degrees, moving images have recorded Plymouth’s relationship with the ocean.
With support from the British Film Institute Audience Fund and National Lottery, Real Ideas and The Box have partnered to re-imagine rarely seen paper and moving image materials from the South West Film and Television Archive into a stunning immersive dome film that explores Plymouth’s strong connection to The Sound.
This project is supported by the BFI Audience Fund awarding funds from the National Lottery.
The Plymouth Proprietary Library
The Plymouth Proprietary Library holds some rare and interesting books a selection of which will be on display for visitors on Saturday 14th September (and other dates). The Plymouth Proprietary Library will be displaying a few treasurers from the book collection. These include a third edition of Charlotte Bronte's 'Jane Eyre', given to the library in 1944 to replenish the book stock following the bombing of the library a few years earlier.
Also on display will be a couple of new acquisitions. Firstly, 'A Prophecy of Perillous Times' published by the 'Parliamentary' Preacher, Rev. Thomas Willes in 1656 which tells of perilous times during the English Civil War. The second recent acquisition is 'Spirit of Dartmoor Tin', a lavishly illustrated photo-essay book on Dartmoor, and in particular the influence of tin and tinners upon the moor. It is the work of twenty years, and only 100 copies will ever be produced.
Saltram House, Plymouth
Saltram National Trust House offers a house full of treasures, stories & intrigue. A beautiful garden to lose yourself in, plus a park that cyclists, walkers, & our four legged friends love. You can visit for free on Heritage Open Days 2024.
The House
Overlooking the River Plym and set in a rolling 18th-century landscape, the house is full of treasures, stories and intrigue to discover. Explore the creativity of, and inspirations for, work by Kauffman and other artists and makers at Saltram this year.
Garden
Complete with 18th-century sweeping lawns, an ancient lime tree avenue, exotic planting and garden follies, the garden offers layers of history, planting and tranquillity to be explored.
The Estate
Rare survival of a working 18th-century estate, including farmland, beaches, salt marshes, meadows, woodland and an estuary, perfect for family walks, cycling and exploring with four legged friends.
Check the website for timings and tours
Stoke Damerel Parish Church (Mother church of Devonport)
See the many interesting memorials within the church in memory of parishioners covering the last 350 year. On the day many information sheets will be located around the building relating to stories of the locality and some famous people.
A church has existed on this site in excess of a thousand years. Most of the Grade II* building dates from the 18th. century, although the northern portion including the tower, north porch and two granite arches remain from the 15th. century. Known Rectors date back to 1310. The building is unusual in being greater in width than in length. In addition to ledger stones set into the stone floor, there are many wall mounted memorials dedicated to those who have worshipped here over the centuries, including numerous military men. The Georgian windows are glazed in clear glass. Four gothic style stained-glass windows date from the early 20th. century. The 1923 chancel window, by Clayton & Bell is to Elizabeth Cawthra, who married a very wealthy Canadian.
Re-ordering has allowed the building to have many uses. The carved portions of 1930's J.B. Hunt pews have been saved and fixed to the walls, including the ornate Lord Mayor's frontal. We are proud to have a number of carved items by the much lauded Violet Pinwill. The 1836 organ, re-located by Hele & Co. in 1873 recently had a major overhaul and is now in pristine condition. Amongst those who were baptised here in the past are Scott of the Antarctic and Rev. Robert Hawker, composer of 'Trelawney', the Cornish 'National Anthem'. Other worshippers included Tobias Furneaux, the first to sail around the world in both directions and Dr. Richard Dunning who gave the word 'Vaccination' to the world. Plymouth's first bishop was based here. Check the website for timings and tour information.
Bridging the Tamar Anchorage tour
A unique opportunity to walk directly beneath the road deck of the Tamar Bridge. Visitors also have the chance to view inside the underground anchorage chamber at the foot of the Tamar Bridge and learn more about this award-winning structure.
Directly beneath the road under the bridge is a system of walkways for engineers to carry out regular inspections. You will get the chance to walk along to the main tower for a view of the River Tamar and companion bridge the Royal Albert Bridge, seldom seen by members of the public. The underground anchorage is an essential component of a suspension bridge. Come and experience a part of our bridge few get to see. Over 18’s only.
The anchorage is accessed via a steep footpath and there are steep steps in an enclosed area. The anchorage is underground and the temperature can be significantly lower than outside. Please wear sensible footwear and warm clothing.