News Maidstone Heritage Open Days - FREE events
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is once again pleased to be supporting England's largest community-led history festival ‘Heritage Open Days’ with FREE events from Friday 6 to Sunday 15 September.
Heritage Open Days are a celebration of England’s history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage and community. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life, all giving people the chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences.
The theme for 2024 is ‘Routes-Networks-Connections’ and MBC has created a special ‘Heritage Transport Trail’ which will be located in various shops and businesses around the town centre. Everyone is invited to find the posters, scan the QR code and be in with a chance of winning a FREE family ‘Ultimate Explorer’ pass at Leeds Castle.
Alongside the physical trail, MBC has produced a new ‘Transport Through The Ages’ trail on its digital app ‘Maidstone Trails’, exploring the many and varied forms of transport that have contributed to the development and growth of the County Town, including by river, road and rail. (The app can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play.)
Cllr Stephen Thompson, Lead Cabinet Member for Healthier Stronger Communities said:
“The Heritage Open Days are the perfect opportunity for Maidstone to showcase some of its amazing history. This year we have a brilliant line-up of events, and they are all completely free of charge.“I am incredibly proud of the heritage of Maidstone and when you see all that it has to offer you know why it is the County Town of Kent.”
One of the attractions that will be open as part of Heritage Open Days for everyone to explore and look behind the scenes is the Maidstone Carriage Museum. Located on Mill Street in the centre of town, it has more than 60 vehicles on display illustrating the fascinating history of transport and is home to a unique collection of horse-drawn vehicles and transport curiosities.
Tours of the Carriage Museum will take place on 11 September at 1.30pm and 12September 10.30am & 1.30pm (booking is essential). It will also be open to the general public as usual, on Saturday 7and 14 September from 11am to 3pm, with no need to book.
Events taking place this year include:
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: 6 - 15 Sept, 10am - 4pm, except during services. (No need to book.)
A Soldier’s Life in the Great War – To commemorate the 110th anniversary of the outbreak of the Great War, 1914-18, the Centre for Experimental Military Archaeology (CEMA) will be running a weekend of talks and presentations. Open: Detling Showground, 14 & 15 Sept, 10am – 4pm (FREE and no need to book)
Behind the Scenes at the Carriage Museum - Come and enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the Carriage Museum with Amy Bracey, carriage expert and Curator with The Carriage Foundation. Tours: 11 Sept, 1.30pm; 12Sept, 10.30am & 1.30pm
Booking essential: https://beyonk.com/uk/ke26q80n/behind-the-scenes-at-the-carriage-museum?portal=true&shop=true
Kent History & Library Centre – Explore the archives in this fascinating ‘behind the scenes’ tour, as well as an exhibition on the theme of ‘Routes-Networks-Connections’ and some craft activities for children.
Open: 7 Sept, 9am – 5pm. Tours at 10am & 2pm (must be pre-booked via email to archives@kent.gov.uk)
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: 10& 12 Sept, tours at 9.30am, 11am and 12.30pm
Booking essential via email to mayor@maidstone.gov.uk
Mote Park Guided Walks - Enjoy a guided walk in the beautiful Mote Park, looking at the living landscape, past and present.
Open: 10 Sept, 11am - 2pm - daytime walk exploring the living landscape
12 Sept, 5.30pm – 8.30pm - Twilight Tales, an early evening walk with a chance to spot some different wildlife as the sun goes down
Booking essential: https://www.visitmaidstone.com/whats-on/heritage-open-days-mote-park-walks-p301981
North Downs Way Ramble – Enjoy a guided walk along the North Downs Way from historic Lenham to picturesque Hollingbourne and discover a bit about the history and ecology of this beautiful area.
Open: 11 Sept, 10am – 1pm
Booking essential: https://beyonk.com/uk/vxoa3rj0/north-downs-way-ramble?portal=true&shop=true
St Michael & All Angels Church - Enjoy the Angel Windows and architecture of this Grade 2 listed Victorian church, have a cup of tea and some cake.
Open: 14 Sept, 10am – 4.30pm (No need to book)
Wateringbury Rail Ramble – Enjoy a guided walk from Wateringbury to Yalding taking in views of the Medway Valley and learning about the development of the railway, hop-picking holidays and local heritage.
Open: 10 Sept, 10.45am – 1.30pm
Booking essential: https://beyonk.com/uk/46d6z8j4/wateringbury-rail-ramble?portal=true&shop=true
More information about Heritage Open Days in Maidstone are on the Visit Maidstone website: Visit Maidstone Heritage Open Days
The National Heritage Open Days is a festival coordinated by the National Trust with support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Details about the project can be found on the website: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/