Weekend to explore proud Swindon heritage

By Barrie Hudson - 6 August 2021

CommunityAttractions
  • The historic Railway Village is among the locations people are invited to visit

    The historic Railway Village is among the locations people are invited to visit

Historic Swindon sites will welcome people free of charge over the weekend of 11 and 12 September.

Heritage Open Days is a national event billed as England's largest festival of history and culture.

It brings together over 2,000 local people and organisations and thousands of volunteers. 

A spokesperson said: "Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all free.

"There will be guided tours, open museums, historic food demonstrations, expert talks, musical recitals and bellringing, exhibitions of historic photos and artworks, activities for children, cream teas and other refreshments."

Turning to Swindon's events, the spokesperson said: "Much of the activity will be based in the Railway Village, where you will be able to immerse yourself in the social and communal aspects of life for GWR workers and their families by visiting the Carriage Works, the Health Hydro,  the Railway Village Museum, the Central Community Centre (formerly GWR Hospital), the Baker’s, the Gluepot pub, St Mark’s Church and the Pattern Church."

Other sites taking part are  St Mary’s Church and the Walled Garden at Lydiard, the Richard Jefferies Museum, the Friends Meeting House in Eastcott and Prospect Place in Old Town. There will be a guided tour of the latter.

Further information can be found at www.heritageopendays.org.uk

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