Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-national-trust-various-free">National Trust, various, free</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/The-garden-at-Buckland-Abbey-©National-Trust-ImagesSophie-Bolesworth-1000x667.jpg" alt="Buckland Abbey credit National Trust " class="wp-image-68989" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/The-garden-at-Buckland-Abbey-©National-Trust-ImagesSophie-Bolesworth-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/The-garden-at-Buckland-Abbey-©National-Trust-ImagesSophie-Bolesworth-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/The-garden-at-Buckland-Abbey-©National-Trust-ImagesSophie-Bolesworth-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/The-garden-at-Buckland-Abbey-©National-Trust-ImagesSophie-Bolesworth.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Buckland Abbey/National Trust </figcaption></figure>



<p>Didn&#8217;t get round to updating your NT card this year? Here&#8217;s your chance to walk in to some of the county&#8217;s finest homes and gardens for free: <a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/castle-drogo.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle Drogo</a>, the Lutyens-designed last castle to be built in England and overlooking the stunning Teign Gorge is open Weds 11 Sept and <a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/castle-drogo-s-hydro-turbine-open-day.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle Drogo&#8217;s hydro turbine house</a> on the river Teign on Sun 15 Sept; Arlington Court, near Barnstaple is showing off its collection of carriages; <a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/clyston-mill-on-the-killerton-estate.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clyston Mill</a> at Killerton, near Exeter (6,7,8,8,13,14,15 Sept). Once home to seafarers Grenville and Drake, <a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/buckland-abbey.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buckland Abbey</a> is open 14 and 15 Sept, and the wonderful waterfalls of <a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/lydford-gorge.html">Lydford Gorge</a> (13-14 Sept). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-the-tamar-anchorage-and-under-the-bridge-tour-sat-7-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/bridging-the-tamar-anchorage-and-under-the-bridge-tour.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bridging the Tamar Anchorage and Under the Bridge tour</a>, Sat 7 Sept</h2>



<p>A unique opportunity to walk directly beneath the road deck of the Tamar Bridge and have a nosey inside the award-winning underground anchorage chamber at the foot of the Tamar Bridge. <em>Free, pre-booking required. </em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-your-family-history-tavistock-library-sat-7-and-14-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/tracing-your-family-history-support-sessions-at-tavistock-library.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tracing your family history</a>, Tavistock Library, Sat 7 and 14 Sept</h2>



<p>Find out what really went on with Great Aunt Bertha et al with support and resources from the (hopefully) un-shockable volunteers at Tavi Library. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dartmoor-light-amp-shadow-manadon"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/dartmoor-light-shadow.html">Dartmoor Light &amp; Shadow</a>, Manadon </h2>



<p>This moorland-focussed photography exhibition from the Dartmoor Trust showcases the work of 25 different professional photographers, in the rustic setting of a 17th-century Dartmoor barn alongside historic photographs from the Dartmoor Archive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grantlands-uffculme-sun-15-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/grantlands-in-uffculme-2024.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grantlands</a>, Uffculme, Sun 15 Sept</h2>



<p>A rare peek behind the scenes of the private Grantlands estate. Built all at the same time in the 1860s, the Grade II listed buildings were a gentleman&#8217;s farm and although they have had various uses, during wartime and under various owners, they&#8217;re little changed since the 19th century. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sausage-cider-amp-steam-day-tavistock-7-8-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/sausages-cider-and-steam-open-day-at-the-robey-trust-workshop.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sausage, Cider &amp; Steam Day</a>, Tavistock, 7-8 Sept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="675" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/05/steam.jpg" alt="steam tractor " class="wp-image-55998" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/05/steam.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/05/steam-800x360.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/05/steam-1000x450.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/05/steam-768x346.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/05/steam-900x405.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Back by popular demand: sausages, cider and wheels &#8211; three things with enduring appeal for the blokes. Hosted by the The Robey Trust, a heritage engineering charity in Tavistock and back by popular demand, no less, with 40+ steam and heritage artefacts on display, Round Robin steam-hauled trailer rides local craftsmen carrying out demos. With the aforementioned scoff and quaff to make the day even merrier.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ss-freshspring-bideford-mon-15-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/ss-freshspring.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SS Freshspring</a>, Bideford, Mon 15 Sept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/IMAGE-BY-GRAHAM-HOBBS-BIDEFORD-MAY-26-2021-057-scaled-1.jpg" alt="SS Freshspring steamship" class="wp-image-58483" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/IMAGE-BY-GRAHAM-HOBBS-BIDEFORD-MAY-26-2021-057-scaled-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/IMAGE-BY-GRAHAM-HOBBS-BIDEFORD-MAY-26-2021-057-scaled-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/IMAGE-BY-GRAHAM-HOBBS-BIDEFORD-MAY-26-2021-057-scaled-1-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/IMAGE-BY-GRAHAM-HOBBS-BIDEFORD-MAY-26-2021-057-scaled-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/IMAGE-BY-GRAHAM-HOBBS-BIDEFORD-MAY-26-2021-057-scaled-1-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Hop on board the historic steamship, dating back to 1946, to explore the engine room, captain&#8217;s cabin, wheelhouse and crew&#8217;s mess (just like my kids, they never tidy up!). Plus a teddy bear hunt for the wee shipmates. <em>Free.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pirate-day-at-the-guildhall-tavistock-sat-7-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/pirate-day-at-the-guildhall.html">Pirate Day at the Guildhall</a>, Tavistock, Sat 7 Sept </h2>



<p>To celebrate the opening of the Tavistock Ship Exhibition, they&#8217;re rolling out a pirate-themed family fun day with puppet shows, artisan traders and kids&#8217; trails.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-museum-of-policing-okehampton-6-7-8-13-14-15-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/museum-of-policing-in-devon-cornwall-open-day.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Museum of Policing</a>, Okehampton, 6,7,8,13,14,15 Sept</h2>



<p>No, not just for those with an unhealthy interest in handcuffs *ahem*, the forces of the Southwest are revealing their historical collections of policing ephemera dating back 200+ years. We&#8217;re talking finger printing, weaponry, forensics and the like. Only go if you&#8217;re up to date with your parking fines, just saying.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hemyock-castle-sun-8-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/hemyock-castle">Hemyock Castle</a>, Sun 8 Sept</h2>



<p>See the rare surviving ruins of Hemyock&#8217;s moated medieval castle, including the remains of gatehouse archway, towers, curtain-walls and moat which surround the older manor house. <em>Free.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tucker-s-hall-exeter-7-10-12-14-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/tuckers-hall.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tucker&#8217;s Hall</a>, Exeter, 7,10,12,14 Sept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="572" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/imageresizer.jpg" alt="Tuckers Hall Exeter " class="wp-image-58482" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/imageresizer.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/imageresizer-800x458.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/imageresizer-768x439.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/imageresizer-900x515.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I once popped in here totally by accident and was amazed to discover such an ancient building right on Exeter&#8217;s main shopping area, Fore Street. Home to the historic guild of Exeter&#8217;s ancient cloth trade, here&#8217;s a Medieval Banqueting Hall, and a panelled wood floor where the GIs would dance with the locals in the Second World War. If memory serves me right, the monkey carvings on the ceiling are because the medical craftsmen used the agile creatures to collect their tools if they dropped them when working on the ceiling. <em>Tours at 10am.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exeter-library-s-white-glove-experience-10-and-13-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/exeter-library-s-special-collection-a-white-glove-experience.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exeter Library’s White Glove Experience</a>, 10 and 13 Sept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/8af6f196e6ef972ce5a5e698d8a7754166bfe3125faf82aa5b06e8ab7babccbf-rimg-w1200-h801-gmir.jpg" alt="white glove experience at Exeter Library " class="wp-image-58480" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/8af6f196e6ef972ce5a5e698d8a7754166bfe3125faf82aa5b06e8ab7babccbf-rimg-w1200-h801-gmir.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/8af6f196e6ef972ce5a5e698d8a7754166bfe3125faf82aa5b06e8ab7babccbf-rimg-w1200-h801-gmir-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/8af6f196e6ef972ce5a5e698d8a7754166bfe3125faf82aa5b06e8ab7babccbf-rimg-w1200-h801-gmir-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/09/8af6f196e6ef972ce5a5e698d8a7754166bfe3125faf82aa5b06e8ab7babccbf-rimg-w1200-h801-gmir-786x525.jpg 786w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Pretend you&#8217;re the star of BBC&#8217;s <em>Who Do You Think You Are</em> and don the white gloves for a riffle through Exeter Library&#8217;s Special Collection of books dating back to 1480. Usually available to view by appointment only.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tower-tours-of-st-michaels-and-all-angels-princetown-sat-7-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/tower-tours-of-st-michael-and-all-angels-princetown.html">Tower Tours of St Michaels and All Angels</a>, Princetown, Sat 7 Sept</h2>



<p>Head for historic heights? Head to Dartmoor for a guided tour and to climb the recently renovated tower of the only church in England to be built by prisoners of war, incarcerated at Dartmoor Prison in the early 19th century. <em>Over 8s only.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powderham-castle-tours-6-8-9-10-11-12-13-15-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/powderham-castle.html">Powderham Castle tours</a>, 6,8,9,10,11,12,13,15 Sept </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/powderham-blue.jpg" alt="Powderham Castle tours " class="wp-image-69036" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/powderham-blue.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/powderham-blue-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/powderham-blue-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/powderham-blue-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/powderham-blue-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Take free guided tour around the Earl of Devon&#8217;s beautiful 14th century castle &#8211; where <em>Remains of the Day</em> with Anthony Hopkins was filmed &#8211; to discover secret doors, stunning architecture and even a haunted landing. Outdoors is included with a chance to see the Walled Garden, Rose Garden and deer park and enjoy those sparkling views of the Exe estuary. <em>Free.</em></p>



<p><strong><em>Still haven&#8217;t found what you&#8217;re looking for? Check out the full list of <a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Devon Heritage Open Days</a></em></strong>.</p>


Heritage Open Days: go behind the scenes at Devon’s hidden gems

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