YOU_The_Fold_7_(289x400)_LIVE_AW - Flipbook - Page 15
| 15
A free pass into
hidden histories
If you’re of the same inclination, you need to know about the fantastic Heritage
Open Days festival – it’s well worth planning a stay around. Every September,
volunteers across the country invite you to experience hidden treasures
of local history, architecture, and culture - all for free.
The 2026 festival theme is ‘Everyday histories’,
and it promises to offer something for all the family
– events range from archaeology digs to Lego
building. It’s a chance explore places not normally
open to the public and try new experiences.
Here’s a handful of highlights that just happen to
be near our pubs (which themselves boast some
serious history).
Our mid-century pub, the Hand & Spear,
in Weybridge, is just 15 minutes from
Rowhurst Forge. It’s one of the county’s oldest
private homes, and the owner only opens its doors
during the festival. As well as getting VIP access to
a magical historic building, you can visit its wonderful
working forge and beautiful arboretum.
The 18th-century Hort’s Townhouse in Bristol
is a mere 10-minute hop to the magni昀椀cent
Clifton Suspension Bridge. The team there offer
tours throughout the year, but festival-goers are
privileged to see behind-the-scenes works, archive
collections and all the less accessible spaces.
Our Chertsey coaching inn, The Crown, is only
15 minutes from Royal Holloway, the architecturally
stunning Surrey campus of University of London.
Festival visitors get to discover its incredible
collections, secret spaces, and beautiful grounds.
The festival will run from the 11th to the 30th of
September, so now’s the time to book your room.
