This week sees the return of Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free to explore.
To celebrate, many of our community rail friends are hosting special events and activities over the next couple of weeks. See below for some of the highlights and pop along to say hello!
Lowestoft Heritage Festival – from 9 September
Lowestoft’s Community Rail Shop and Tourist Information Office, located at the town’s railway station, will be home to the Festival Information Hub boasting an array of events and providing information to visitors about festival activities.
Events at the station will include:
Music @ Parcels Office – Buffalo Bill Comes to Lowestoft – 9 September
ENIGMA – The scrambled messages of WWII and beyond – 10 & 11 September
Lowestoft at War exhibition – 10 & 11 September
Protecting Lowestoft from future flooding exhibition – 14 September
Sail, Steam & Diesel exhibition – 15 & 16 September
Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre – 9-11, 14-18 September
Explore this award-winning Victorian station house restoration with its original booking office, station master’s parlour, vintage tea room & more. Find out more
Somerleyton Railway Swing Bridge Tour – 10 September
A highlight of the Lowestoft Heritage Festival (see above) this event provides a unique opportunity to visit the 1905-build Somerleyton Railway Swing Bridge. Find out more
Hunmanby Heritage Day – 10 September
Discover the history behind this award-winning railway station, providing a gateway to the picturesque village of Hunmanby. Find out more
Leamington Station – 10 & 18 September
Enjoy a guided tour of Leamington’s award-winning station gardens together with the public areas of the restored Grade II listed Art Deco buildings. Find out more
People’s Museum & Railway Heritage Trail – 12-18 September
Step back in time as you explore fascinating displays full of old photographs and memorabilia gathered from around Bishop Auckland. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the self-guided Railway Heritage Trail to learn more about the area’s rich railway history. Find out more
Bat & Ball Station – 17 September
Head to the Station for cream tea with Queen Victoria, arts & crafts, and delicious themed refreshments! Visit Bat & Ball Community Centre for train-themed adventures before hopping onto a vintage bus heading to Swanley Park for more fun. Find out more
Huddersfield Station Heritage – 17 & 18 September
Peek behind closed doors as you take a guided tour of Huddersfield Station and learn more about its fascinating 175-year history as part of Heritage Open Days. Find out more
Online events
Liskeard Unlocked – Virtual Tour of Liskeard Station Signal Box – available from 9 September
Explore the historic signal box from the comfort of your own home. Find out more
Liskeard Unlocked – The Driver’s Eye View of the Looe Valley Line – available from 9 September
Experience what it’s like to be in the train driver’s seat as you travel along the scenic Looe Valley Line. Find out more
See a full list of Heritage Open Days events here and learn about some of Huddersfield Station’s rich heritage in our latest blog on Scenic Rail Britain. Read it here.
*If your event isn’t listed above please email news@communityrail.org.uk with the details
