Free rides on 1950/60s London buses feature as part of this year's Heritage Open Days this September.
The programme of events — which runs from 8-17 September 2023 — opens up everything from lesser-known museums, to old factories, to music halls to the public, showcasing a slew of cultural nooks and crannies that may have escaped your attention. Other institutions that you may alredy have heard of, waive their usual entrance fees.
The event, we should point out, is UK-wide, although our attention, naturally, is drawn to what's going on in the capital. At the time of writing, events are still being added, but here's what ruffling our truffles right now:
- The replica Golden Hinde ship on Bankside is 50 years old — board for free (it's usually £6 for adults) to learn about its recent refit (10 Sept)
- Visit St. Botolphs Without Aldgate Church to learn about the skills of stained glass making, and how post-second world war, a group of artists ushered in a new era of the art form (14 Sept)
- Free rides on heritage buses along the route 38, between Victoria and Hackney (16 Sept)
- A visit to the place we once suggested might be the best shed museum anywhere, Dulwich's British Vintage Wireless and Television Museum (16 Sept)
- The chance to gen up on about Polish history and folk traditions at Pilsudski Institute of London (16 Sept)
- There's also a slew of guided walks, including the Royal Society of Sculptors' Dora House; one of the 'Magnificent Seven', Nunhead Cemetery; and a chance to learn about the fascinating people buried at Willesden Jewish Cemetery (various dates)
All Heritage Open Days events are free to visit/do, but you'll need to book in advance for some. Booking for different venues opens/closes at different times — your best bet is to peruse the calendar, earmarking what you're keenest to do.
September is a bonanza month for those eager to do a deep dive into London; the Open House festival also runs 6-17 September 2023.
