Heritage Open Days return with 10 days of free fun in Northampton

Everyone loves a freebie, and Heritage Open Days has 100’s of opportunities to get out and enjoy a wealth of family events, between September 6th and September 15th.

The often used line ‘something for all’ really stands true with this nationwide initiative. Pulse’s Sammy Jones has dug deep to bring you some of the choice cuts from Northamptonshire.

Heritage Open Days Return with 10 Days of Free Fun in Northampton
Heritage Open Days is back from September 6 to September 15, offering a wide range of free events in Northampton. Here are some of the highlights:

Friday, September 6
Heritage Quiz Trail: Explore Northampton town centre with a self-guided Heritage Quiz Trail. Pick up your trail at the Central Library and answer questions about various sites. The trail is available from September 6-14 (except Sept 8) between 9am and 5pm. One lucky winner will receive a prize!

Saturday, September 7
Performing Room at 9 Guildhall Road: Discover the hidden history of Franklin’s Hotel and Restaurant, built in 1872. Enjoy a quick tour of the picture galleries, display stands, and historic memorabilia from midday to 6pm (also on September 14, from midday to 5pm).
The Deco Theatre: Learn about the history of Northampton’s Deco Theatre, which originally opened in 1936 as the Savoy. Explore the venue from 10am to 3pm (also on Wednesday, Sept 11). Pre-booking is required.

St Peter’s Church: Visit the church in Northampton’s historic quarter, home to carved treasures and a bust of William Smith, the father of British geology. The church will be open from 10am-4pm (also on September 8, 14, and 15, from 2pm-4pm).

Hunsbury Hill Country Park: Experience a Viking re-enactment at the Iron-age Hillfort, with battles and ambushes for younger visitors. Visit between 11am and 5pm (also on September 8). A chainsaw artist will also be showcasing his skills on Saturday only.

Sunday, September 8
Northamptonshire Natural History Society: Visit Castilian Terrace to learn about their natural history collections, including rocks, fossils, and butterflies. Open today and tomorrow from 10am to 4pm.

Saturday, September 14
Billing Road Cemetery: Join a guided tour of Northampton’s disused Billing Road Cemetery, where you’ll learn about its history, architecture, and notable figures buried there. Tours run at 10am, 11.30am, and 2pm (also on Sunday, Sept 15, at 11.30am and 2pm). Sensible footwear is advised.

Free Heritage Bus Services: Hop on free heritage bus services around Northampton, linking venues participating in Heritage Open Days. Tours will operate from 3 George Row between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

Sunday, September 15
All Saints’ Church in Pytchley: Explore the historical and architectural features of this ancient church, with parts dating back to the early 12th century. The church will be open from 10am to 5pm.

For more details on these and other events, visit heritageopendays.org.uk.