Treasure your treasures! That’s the message for this year’s Heritage Open Days when, for four days, starting on Thursday, September 8, across the county, hidden historic spots will be revealed and gates to secret gardens will be opened – for free.

One of the highlights this year will be an emphasis on church towers and cathedrals, as part of a partnership with the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers, Challenge 500. St John the Baptist Church in Penshurst will also be open on Saturday, as part of Kent's Ride and Stride.

There are walks, tours and events at some of the county’s well known landmarks, including Rochester and Canterbury cathedrals, Sandown Castle near Deal and Dickens House in Broadstairs,

Patron Loyd Grossman said: “Heritage Open Days and its army of volunteers play an important role in championing our wonderfully diverse local heritage, opening up doors and keeping access free for these very special four days every year. Don’t miss this once-a-year chance to be a tourist in your own town.”

From favourite haunts to new discoveries Kent has hundreds of attractions inviting people in for free over the four days.

Museums, from the Beaney Museum in Canterbury to the Powell Cotton Museum in Quex Park, Birchington, and the Smithery in the Historic Dockyard, Chatham, to the Micro Museum in Church Hill, Ramsgate, will be open.

Other activities include the RIBA Sandcastles Challenge at Margate Sands Beach between noon and 3.30pm on Saturday, and an archeological dig at Honnington Cottages in Vauxhall Lane, Southborough, on Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 12.30pm and 2pm and 4pm.

You can hear some medieval tales at Canterbury Cathedral Precincts on Sunday between 2pm and 5pm and glimpse the home of 19th century architect Decimus Burton near Southborough.

MEDIEVAL FAIR

Tonbridge Castle will be open on Saturday and Sunday with public tours and a medieval fair on the castle lawn between 10am and 5pm both days. Knights and jesters will be bringing some 15th-century fun, along with exhibitors and members from local groups.

Other buildings opening include Tonbridge’s Oast Theatre, Aylesford Priory and the Twitch Heritage Centre in West Malling.

DETAILS

Heritage Open Days run from Thursday, September 8 to Sunday, September 11.
For all events and to find one in your area, visit heritageopendays.org.uk and click on Search Events.