Residents and visitors can explore Dover district’s most treasured historic attractions free of charge from 11 to 20 September as part of Heritage Open Days, England’s largest annual history festival.
Dover District Council is opening three major heritage sites for the event: the newly restored Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall), Dover Museum, and the Roman Painted House.
Alongside free admission, the venues will host a programme of talks, guided tours, and family activities. Highlights include an extended opening for the Roman Painted House, displays featuring the 3,000-year-old Dover Bronze Age Boat at Dover Museum, and special access to the William Burges-designed Mayor’s Parlour on 19 and 20 September.
The celebrations feature several free talks, covering Queen Elizabeth I’s East Kent progress on 17 September, channel swimmer Gertrude Ederle on 18 September, and local historical figures on 19 and 20 September.
Additionally, the Maison Dieu will mark the culmination of its five-year restoration project with an End of Project Celebration event on Saturday 12 September. Full event listings and venue details are available on the Heritage Open Days website.
Find out more about Heritage Open Days at www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ where you can search by town, area or venue.