Many thanks to Suzanne and Alan for this reminder about the upcoming Heritage Open Days. Ed
On the Island several venues and attractions are taking part in this annual event. Although here there are no ‘hidden’ treasures open for this event there is the chance to visit some of the places for free or re-visit a favourite place.
Check dates carefully
Although the Heritage Days run from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th September some are only open for one of the days whilst others are open for all four days.
Please check Events OnTheWight for details of the days open as well as opening times as venues vary a great deal.
Where you can visit
Places taking part are:
Museum of Island History, Guildhall, High Street, Newport
visit and explore the history of the Isle of Wight from fossils to festivals. Amazing archaeological finds now on display. The museum has hands-on activities for all ages. Explore using the past with microscopes and computers.
Newport Roman Villa, Cypress Road, Newport
See the fascinating remains of this third century Roman farmhouse with its well preserved bath suite. The Villa has an activity room, museum, shop and herb garden. Newport Roman Villa is an excellent site for families. There will be a photo hunt suitable for all ages and a ‘hands on’ activity room where visitors can make a mosaic, rebuild a pot or weave a blanket.
Isle of Wight Bus Museum, The Quay, Newport Harbour
A free bus service using vintage buses will operate between The Museum and The Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet.
Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Havenstreet
During Heritage Open Days, there will be free entry to Havenstreet Station site. This gives visitors access to the museum, carriage and wagon workshop, woodland walk and a guided tour of the restricted access workshops at the weekend +Children’s outdoor play area.
Ryde District Heritage Centre, Royal Victoria Arcade, Union Street, Ryde
Four rooms with ever changing displays relating to the history of Ryde and the surrounding area. Over 6000 searchable images, videos relating to historic shops and travel facilities, many school photographs dating back over 100 years.
Ryde Social Heritage Group, St Thomas Heritage Centre, St Thomas Street, Ryde
During Heritage Open Days Ryde Social Heritage Group will have an exhibition relating to the history of the buildings and the town, there will also be talks, and entertainment. Activity sheets for children. A fun ‘Murder Mystery’ quiz starting at the church where detectives will need to take a walk around some of the surrounding streets to find clues which will help them solve the crime. Plus a chance to ‘Meet the Residents’ – some of the characters from Ryde’s past brought alive by this award winning group. As well as the exhibition there will be evening entertainment on two evenings.
Shanklin Chine, Shanklin
The Chine & Heritage Centre, a haven for rare plants & wildlife, includes exhibitions – ‘Historic Jubilee’ plus JMW Turner’s Landscapes of the Island and P.L.U.T.O.
St Alban the Martyr Church, St Alban’s Road, Upper Ventnor
Rebuilt in 1923 to the designs of the architect Franco M Coley. (2013 is the 90th anniversary of the consecration). Pieces of art work including a memorial window by Sir Ninian Comper.
St Andrew’s Hotel, Belgrave Road, Ventnor
Tours of an 1860 stone building with stunning sea views.
Ventnor Heritage Museum, Spring Hill,Ventnor
View this year’s exhibition and the DVD on town history. Model Railway Layouts of the towns 2 railways. Look around the old building dating from 1905 and view the archive section.
For anyone who enjoys looking at the history of this Island there is a good selection of venues on offer
