Heritage Open Days 2013

Aaronson Noon Glassblowing Studio

Ever wanted to watch highly experienced glass blowers at their craft without going all the way to Venice? You can! Aaronson Noon Glass Studio is a creative and dynamic company producing contemporary handmade glass in Guildford. They will be opening their studio daily from 10am – 5pm during the Heritage Open Days and inviting everyone to come and watch expert Adam Aaronson give glassblowing demonstrations and teach classes. If you like what you see and want to try your own hand at glassmaking there will be an opportunity to sign up for beginners courses on the day. Glass gifts and decorative accessories will be for sale in the gallery, all of which have been made on site. Open: Sep 13 and 14, 10 – 4pm

Ashtead Common Roman Villa excavation

Ashtead Estate Office, Woodfield Road, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 Not everyone knows that Ashtead common is home to nationally important heritage features, including a Roman villa complex. The villa site was first excavated in 1924, but more recent excavations began in 2006, led by the Surrey Archaeological Society. 2013 is the final year in a fascinating 7 year project to discover the secrets of the Ashtead Common Roman Villa. Heritage open day offers an unmissable opportunity to have an exclusive look at the findings. Volunteers will lead guided walks to the site and you will have the unique opportunity to see the opened trenches and remains of the Roman architecture that includes a tile kiln a new building to the west of the villa that was discovered in 2010. Archaeologists will be present to explain the findings of their excavations and answer questions about life on Ashtead Common 2000 years ago. Opening times: Saturday 14th September: Tour 1000, 1200

Barons Cave

Located in the grounds of Reigate castle, Barons Cave is one of Britain's oldest show caves. The medieval tunnel runs under the castle and is believed to have been a huge wine cellar that was used to store wine for the Earl of Surrey. The caves are only open to the public on certain days of the year, so paying the site a visit for heritage open day is a good way to have a sneak peak at a rarely seen underground world. 30 minute Guided tours of the candle lit cave will be running, and visitors can volunteer to hold a lantern themselves. Open: Sep 14m 10am - 4pm

Claremont Landscape Garden and Belvedere Tower Opening

Claremont Landscape Garden, Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey KT10 9JG Make tracks to Claremont Landscape garden if you’re searching for a green sanctuary within easy reach of London. Explore, stroll or picnic in the acres of lush open space that used to be the pleasure gardens of royalty. Little girls will love to know that real princesses have spent hours playing and uncovering secret hideouts here, while young boys will enjoy the fort-styled playground. Special maps for children are available so they can search for the turf amphitheatre, pavilion, grotto and the Belvedere tower. The ducks on the Serpentine Lake eagerly await tasty snacks - don’t forget to bring some bread! Should it rain, families can shelter in the thatched cottage where there will be toy and games, or alternatively umbrellas will be available to borrow. Visit Claremont for an all round excellent family day out. Opening times: Saturday 14th September: 1000-1800

Dapdune Wharf

Wharf Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR Pay a visit to Dapdune Wharf and enjoy one of the many events, let the children explore, build dens on the island or raid the Wharf’s dressing up box. Everyone can enjoy climbing aboard a restored barge, learning how to tie sailor’s knots and looking out for resident wildlife. The highlight of the day will be a boat trip along the historical waterway, adults go for £3.50 and children for £2.00. Open: Sep 14, 11am - 5pm.

Godalming Old Fire Station

Queen Street fire station opened in 1904 and was in operation until 1971, when the fire brigade moved to the current fire station in Bridge Road. The building has since been used as a workshop for arts and crafts, however artists were recently devastated when the building’s lease expired and they were forced to move out. The station is usually closed to the public but will be welcoming visitors for Heritage Open Day, and with the fire station’s future now very uncertain this may be the last chance to see inside before the building is redeveloped. A beautiful historic fire engine will be parked outside and is a real must-see, especially for anyone with children or an interest in classic vehicles. Opening: Sep 15, 10am - 4pm.

Kingston Aviation Exhibition

Many of Britain’s most famous fighter aircraft started life in Kingston upon Thames’ aircraft factory, including the most successful allied WWI fighter, the Sopwith Camel biplane and the world’s only operational vertical take-off flighter, the Harrier ‘jump jet’. Nevertheless, the fact that no other town has contributed so much to the UK’s air forces is often forgotten, and most locals don’t even know that the aviation industry was the largest employer in Kingston for much of the last century. The factory closed in 1993 and the Heritage Lottery funded project aims to collect and record memories of former employees and develop a digital photograph archive. Visit one of the buildings that was part of the factory complex and dive into Kingston’s 100 year aviation heritage as you look at the photographs, information and aircraft models that will be on display for the Heritage open exhibition. Opening times: Friday13th September: 1000-1600 Saturday 14th September: 1000-1600

Polesden Lacey Open Day

Don’t miss this chance to visit Polesden Lacey for free – a family visit would set you back £27 on a normal day, but the property is opening its doors to all free of charge for Heritage open day. Experience the breathtaking Edwardian elegance of the home itself and dream of what it would have been like to live in an early 20th century party house. Visitors are even allowed to use the billiards table in the games room. Other things to do include giant games in the Orchard, an interactive trail and dressing up in period costume. Older kids can enjoy a popular geo-catching trail. Open: Sep 14, 10am – 3.30pm.

Lowfield Windmill

A recent dendrochronology test of the timbers in this mill have identified a timber felling date during the winter of 1736/7, making this a site of real historic interest. Learn about the 280 year old technology and craftsmanship on a guided tour explaining the workings of the windmill and how it produced flour. An exhibition of photographs will be running on both days. Under 5's are not allowed access to the upper part of the mill. Open: Sep 14 and 15, 10am – 5pm