Discover more about Ipswich’s rich history 6 – 15 September 2024 as more than twenty local venues open their doors for free to take part in national Heritage Open Days (HOD 2024) to celebrate this year’s Routes, Networks & Connections theme.
Highlights in the town this year include a maritime celebration at Ipswich Waterfront to mark the town’s Heritage Harbour, the last chance to see Broomhill Lido before restoration work starts, the popular Tudor experience or lace-making demonstration at Christchurch Mansion or see what a trial is like at Ipswich Magistrate’s Court.
You can also enjoy a walking tour of the town’s history with the Ipswich Tour Guides Association, see the mayor’s parlour at Ipswich Town Hall, see inside Ipswich School on Henley Road or meet the Ipswich Society at Pykenham’s Gatehouse, which is not usually open to the public!
Events are happening throughout the week but a few highlights this year are:
- Saturday 7 September Sailing Barge Victor will be outside the Old Custom’s House for visitors to hop on board, enjoy sea shanty’s and try knot making
- Sunday 8 September meet the Tudor’s at Christchurch Mansion or see inside Pykenham’s Gatehouse in Northgate Street.
- Saturday 14 September sees Ipswich Magistrates Court host mock sentencing exercises at a venue many may not have had the opportunity to visit!
- Sunday 15 September is the last opportunity for the public to see Broomhill Lido and plans to bring it back into use, before restoration work starts or why not enjoy Suffolk lacemakers at Christchurch Mansion.
Melanie Willis, Communications Manager at Ipswich Central says: “Heritage Open Days offer an opportunity to visit all types of heritage venues and here in Ipswich we have lots of interesting places to see. Twenty-eight events are taking part this year in and around the town, at both well-known and not so well-known historic buildings.”
Take a look at: Heritage Open Days 2024 - All About Ipswich to see all participating venues and how to find out the details of events on the Heritage Open Days website www.heritageopendays.org.uk by searching ‘Ipswich’ in the location field.
Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days Marketing & Projects Manager says of the national event: “The scale and diversity of Heritage Open Days is just incredible – every year thousands of passionate people help visitors to make doorstep discoveries and connect with history and heritage in every part of England.”
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture; every year, thousands of volunteers and supporters organise events. Brought to you by the National Trust, supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, Heritage Open Days gives everyone free access to experiences and events.
Ipswich Central is pleased to be supporting The Ipswich Society this year to enable, coordinate and promote Heritage Open Days 2024. Members of the Ipswich Society will be on hand at Pykenham’s Gatehouse to answer questions about Ipswich’s rich history and heritage. Find out more about the Ipswich Society and how to become a member at: The Ipswich Society » The Ipswich Society
The All About Ipswich website (www.allaboutipswich.com) and its social media channels (Facebook and Instagram) are the consumer brand of Ipswich Central for events, things to do and the local business directory.
