A museum stuffed with vintage TVs and radio, a walk discovering the City's Black Tudors, and free rides on 1950s/60s Routemasters.
All feature as part of the Heritage Open Days taking place this September, running from 6-15 September 2024.
In all, we've counted 72 London-based happenings this year, happening in the city's museums, palaces, mills, churches, cemeteries and various other cultural nooks and crannies that may have escaped your attention. It's all free, and a lot of events don't even require pre-booking.
Here's a selection of events ruffling our truffles:
- A chance to explore Dorich House Museum, the 1930s former studio home of the sculptor Dora Gordine (6, 7, 12, 13, 14 and 15 Sept)
- Gaming workshops for kids, with Enigma: Beyond Code at Pilsudski Institute of London (7 Sept)
- A visit to the place we once suggested might be the best shed museum anywhere, Dulwich's British Vintage Wireless and Television Museum. It's also home to Stooky Bill (7 Sept)
- Learn about Willesden Jewish Cemetery's culinary connections (8 Sept)
- Exploring the flora and fauna of the River Pinn (8 Sept)
- Hear untold tales of Black Tudors in the City of London (10 Sept)
- Free rides on open-platform Routemasters and RT-types from the 1950s/60s (manned by conductors, though you don't need a ticket) will ply two TfL routes: the 61 between Bromley and Chislehurst, and the 261 between Lewisham and Locksbottom in Bromley (14 Sept)
- Visit Carshalton Water Tower and its pretty gardens (14 and 15 Sept)
All Heritage Open Days events are free to visit/do, but you will need to book in advance for some. Peruse the calendar, and plan from there.
September is a bonanza month for a London deep dive; Open House Festival also runs 14-22 September 2024.
