This September thousands of volunteers across England are organising free events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. These are some of the amazing ones happening in Somerset and Bath
Somerset & Dorset Railway
Midsomer Norton
Explore the restored Midsomer Norton South station, including its fully working rebuilt signal box, museum and Second World War pillbox. Watch the signaller at work as trains come and go and discover artefacts from different locations along the former Somerset & Dorset Railway, which once ran from Bath Green Park to Bournemouth West.
September 13, 10.30am-3.30pm.
Pre-booking not required
Taunton Minster – Church Tours
Church Square, Taunton
Explore a church whose origins stretch back to the eighth century and whose history is closely tied to Taunton’s civic, military and wool-trading past. Guided tours reveal its medieval nave ceiling, stained-glass windows, fine Father Willis organ and richly traced tower, which will also be open. Tours for individuals and groups may also be arranged between 10am and 2pm from Monday 14 to Friday 18 September by contacting the church office.
September 12-19 10am-2pm. Pre-booking not required for Saturday tours
Tone Dale House
Tonedale, Wellington
Step inside the Grade II-listed country house built for woollen manufacturer Thomas Fox in 1807. Take a self-guided tour through this much-loved family home and discover the life and times of the Fox family and their staff. See collections from the family’s woollen manufacturing business, including a 1773 Were & Co. pattern order book, before exploring four acres of landscaped gardens beside the mill stream.
September 17, 10am-4pm.
Pre-booking not required
Discovering The Romans: Everyday Archaeology, Amazing Lives
Bath
Experience archaeology behind the scenes in the Roman Baths Investigation Zone. Excavate and reconstruct objects, explore Roman building techniques and examine Roman building remains to help piece together the story of the Roman Baths and Temple Complex. Handle original artefacts while uncovering the everyday lives of people who lived, worked, bathed and worshipped in Aquae Sulis. This event is for visitors aged 16 and over.
September 17, 5pm-6pm & 6.30pm-7.30pm.
Pre-booking required.
To book: Email heritage_community_engagement
@bathnes.gov.uk
The Sole of Street: Shoemaking and Everyday Histories
Clarks Village, Street
Follow in the footsteps of generations of workers on a guided walk-through Street’s shoemaking history. Hear stories of apprentice shoemakers, factory employees, warehouse workers, designers and office staff whose daily lives helped build one of Britain’s best-known footwear brands. Explore the legacy of the Clark family and discover how work, community and philanthropy shaped both the company and the town. The tour is suitable for adults and older children.
September 18, 10.30am & 2pm.
Pre-booking preferred.
To book visit shoemakersmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/
Somerset Brick and Tile Museum Tour & Demonstration
East Quay, Bridgwater
Discover Somerset’s brick and tile-making heritage on a 90-minute museum and kiln tour. See one of the only traditional brick kilns to survive in southern England and watch a live roof-tile-making demonstration bring the area’s industrial history and traditional craftsmanship to life. Please arrive five minutes before the tour begins.
September 18, 10.30am & 1pm.
Pre-booking not required but recommended.
Prior Park Landscape Garden
Bath
Enjoy free entry to this sweeping 18th-century landscape garden created by Bath entrepreneur Ralph Allen, with advice from Capability Brown and the poet Alexander Pope. Cross one of only four Palladian bridges of its design in the world and explore winding paths, cascades, a summer house, an icehouse, lakes and viewpoints over Bath. Last entry is at 4pm and the garden closes at 5pm. There is no general visitor parking on site, although a limited number of accessible spaces can be booked in advance.
September 18-19, 10am-4pm. Pre-booking not required.
Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum Steam Up
Westonzoyland, Bridgwater
See the award-winning 1861 Easton Amos land drainage machine in action at one of England’s largest collections of working steam engines and pumps. Explore the Grade II* listed engine house, forge and chimney, discover historic machinery and enjoy passenger rides on the museum’s two-foot narrow-gauge railway. The site also includes an exhibition hall, blacksmith’s forge and tearoom.
September 20,11am-4pm
Pre-booking not required
For more information visit: heritageopendays.org.uk
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