News Free events in Maidstone as part of Heritage Open Days
Maidstone Borough Council is again supporting England's largest festival of history and culture ‘Heritage Open Days’ with free events from Friday 10 to Sunday 19 September.
Every year in September, historic places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It’s a chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences and it’s all free.
Cllr Martin Round, Chair of the Economic, Regeneration and Leisure Committee at Maidstone Borough Council said:
“For anyone interested in the history of our beautiful local area these free events really are a must. They are a chance to visit historic places in the borough, find out more about them and help celebrate their heritage, community and history.“There are so many people involved in creating these wonderful visits helping to make sure that pride in our heritage and what is on offer is celebrated. I’d like to say a huge thank you to them for their enthusiasm in sharing such wonders with the public.”
See the programme of events below:
All Saints Church - Come and discover the fascinating history of this beautiful church in a stunning riverside setting. It was built in 1395 by Archbishop Courtenay to become one of the grandest Perpendicular churches in England.
Open: 10 to 19 Sept, 10am to 4pm
No need to book
Angel Day at St Michael & All Angels Church - Discover stained glass angel windows inside the church, children's activities, and an outdoor trail
Open: 11 Sept, 10am to 4pm
No need to book
Maidstone Town Hall Tours - Enjoy a tour incorporating the architectural features of this fine Georgian building, the richly decorated council chamber, the gaol, and its graffiti.
Open: Tues 14 and Thurs 16 Sept
Tours at 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm on both days
Booking essential by emailing mayor@maidstone.gov.uk
Mote Park Hidden Histories Discovery Weekend - Join us for an exciting weekend of exploration and discovery in the beautiful Mote Park. See archaeology in action as we survey different areas of the park using a variety of techniques, and learn how to interpret the results. Discover hidden landscapes and how human activity has shaped the park over the centuries. Lots of fun activities for the whole family.
Open: 11 and 12 Sept, 10.30am to 3.30pm
No need to book
Mote Park Guided Walks - Enjoy a series of walks in the beautiful Mote Park, looking at the living landscape, past and present.
Open: 13 Sept, 11am to 2pm - daytime walk exploring the living landscape
14 Sept, 5.30pm to 8pm - Twilight Tales, an early evening walk with a chance to spot some different wildlife as the sun goes down
16 Sept, 7.30pm to 9.30pm - Bat Tales, a late evening walk to learn how the park has developed into an incredible habitat for the large diversity of bat species in Kent. Use special trackers to search for bats and learn more about these remarkable creatures.
Booking essential by emailing annmarielangley@maidstone.gov.uk
Visit the Herbarium, Maidstone Museum - Come and see a beautiful wall painting of a grand picnic, created during the reign of Elizabeth I which is normally hidden from sight in what is today the museum’s herbarium.
Open: 11 Sept, tours at 10.30am and 11.15am
Booking essential via the museum website
Heritage Open Days is a national festival coordinated by the National Trust with support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.