Discovering the amazing heritage of South Downs National Park
Amongst the lumps and bumps in the ground and historic buildings of the South Downs are stories spanning many thousands of years.
Did you know humans have used the South Downs Way, which runs along the chalk ridge, for roughly 5,000 to 8,000 years, making it an ancient route of travel?
Across those millennia, great civilisations and eras have come and gone, including the Romans, Normans, Tudors, Victorians and many more.
All have left their mark on the landscape, towns and villages and today there are countless historical destinations to explore and learn more.
Heritage Open Days in September are a great opportunity to learn more about this incredible region – without breaking the bank as many of the experiences are free!
Here is a selection of some fabulous days-out on offer for the festival, which runs between 11 and 20 September.
Prebooking not required
Come and marvel at the inspiring engineering of our historic beam pump, waterwheel and water fountain before admiring the 21st century state of the art water turbine making renewable energy. All in all, a jam-packed weekend that showcases all that our stunning heritage site has to offer.
Children’s craft activities and refreshments are available in the old canal warehouse on both days.
Saturday 12 September:
1100-1630
Sunday 13 September:
1100-1630
Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery
Prebooking not required.
Discover the rich heritage of Petersfield and the wider Hampshire area by meeting a range of museums, local history societies, archaeology groups, conservation organisations and community heritage groups, all gathered together in the museum’s historic courtyard.
Explore displays, discover local history projects, learn about volunteering opportunities, and find out how these organisations preserve and share the stories of our communities. Many stalls will feature historic objects, demonstrations and interactive activities for all ages.
Visitors can also enjoy hands-on object handling sessions, including archaeological finds and artefacts from the museum’s handling collection, as well as free entry to the Edward Thomas Centre.
Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast or simply looking for an interesting day out, this is a great opportunity to meet heritage organisations from across Hampshire, discover the work they do, and be inspired by the history and heritage on your doorstep.
Friday 11 September:
1000-1600
Saturday 12 September:
1000-1600
Wednesday 16 September:
1000-1600
Thursday 17 September:
1000-1600
Friday 18 September:
1000-1600
Saturday 19 September:
1000-1600
Prebooking not required
Enjoy free entry to Uppark House – a beautifully preserved 17th Century house, where each room holds layers of history, stories, and everyday life from centuries past. Explore the beautiful gardens and take in the stunning South Downs views.
Sunday 13 September:
Site Open 10.00-16.00 House open 10.30-15.00
Monday 14 September:
Site Open 10.00-16.00 House open 10.30-15.00
Pre-booking not required
This Wealden Blast Furnace site has recently been conserved, and there will be guided tours to explain what happened, when ships’ cannons were made here and why the conservation project was required. There are many other attractions, including a demonstration of how to load and fire a musket, as well as pole lathe wood turning, beam hewing from a round tree trunk, wool spinning, living history re-enactment and much more. Refreshments will be available, which include tea and cakes, roast lamb and a veggie alternative, all washed down with local beer.
Saturday 12 September:
1030-1700
Sunday 13 September:
1030-1630
Pre-booking not required
This stunning house was given to Anne of Cleves at the end of her short-lived marriage to Henry VIII – although she never lived there.
Explore well-preserved interiors including a Tudor kitchen, a light and airy parlour, and a beautiful bedroom complete with four poster bed.
Take advantage of the selection of dressing up clothes to find your inner King or Queen and bring the historic surroundings to life.
Learn about Sussex life through a fascinating collection of historic domestic artefacts. Then stroll through the garden, which is inspired by a traditional Tudor planting scheme and includes herbs, shrubs and fruit trees appropriate to the Tudor period.
Friday 11 September:
10am – 4pm
Saturday 12 September:
10am – 4pm
Sunday 13 September:
10am – 4pm
Pre-booking not required
Visit Lewes Castle, a Norman Castle built after the Battle of Hastings by supporters of William the Conqueror.
Climb the steps to reach The Keep for stunning panoramic views across Sussex. As you ascend, explore the history of this 950-year-old fortress and how it played a key role in the development of the town.
Visit the adjoining Museum of Sussex Archaeology to view artefacts from prehistoric to medieval Sussex, plus temporary exhibitions that showcase treasures from our collections.
Discover the story of Lewes through a delightful model of the town and short film.
Don’t forget to bring your picnic to enjoy in the lovely gardens. Why not see if you can spot a very special cannon in the grounds?
Friday 11 September:
10am – 5pm
Saturday 12 September:
10am – 5pm
Sunday 13 September:
10am – 5pm
For more day-out ideas visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk