We are BIG Fans of Norfolk HODs and love to discover the hidden places of Norwich & Norfolk that we do not get to see normally. Add in all the knowledge of the history behind these places and in venue events; we are in our element.
Norfolk Heritage Open Days returns in 2022 from Friday 9th to Sunday 18th September, with ten days of unmissable events celebrating our region’s history. There is a fantastic programme of FREE drop-in events, and over 100 pre-book tours, talks, walks, shows and more, tickets normally book up extremely quickly.
Tickets for the pre-book events go on sale Monday 22nd August at 10am, available online through norfolkheritageopendays.ticketsolve.com or directly from the event organisers.
A full programme of all the Norfolk Heritage Open Days events can be found online.
With more than 300 Heritage Open Days events taking place in Norfolk alone, the programme encompasses many elements of local history, giving visitors the opportunity to explore unseen areas of our most-loved locations, learn the stories of our county, and experience unique events.
Katie Ellis, Norfolk Heritage Open Days Event Producer says “With so many fantastic events across the county, there’s sure to be something for everybody to enjoy! Our pre-booked events have limited availability, so we recommend booking early, or joining us for one of our brilliant drop-in events.”
The national theme for Heritage Open Days 2022 is Astounding Inventions, celebrating ingenuity and scientific creativity across the country. Norfolk Heritage Open Days is coordinated by The Forum, where a special exhibition marking ‘250 Years of the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital’ will take place, as well as a series of fascinating talks which explore the history of medicine.
The Norfolk HODs programme can be explored in their wonderful printed brochure (Print Sponsor Hollinger Print), which is available for collection from The Forum, and venues across Norwich and Norfolk, or found online. With a mix of drop-in and pre-booked events, the ten days of the festival gives locals and visitors the opportunity to discover a new perspective on familiar spaces, and venture into locations normally closed to the public. We LOVE that!
Pre-Book Event Highlights
John Lewis & Partners Norwich: History of the shop and Georgian Cottage Tour
Friday 9th – Sat 10th September, Thursday 15th – Sat 17th September, 9:30am & 4pm
John Lewis & Partners, All Saints Green, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3LX
Discover a new side of this popular city centre store, with the history of the shop revealed, including the original Georgian cottages still situated within the store. Explore architectural features and learn from their Partners how the original Bonds shop became the John Lewis & Partners of today, with stories about their original founders.
https://norfolkheritageopendays.ticketsolve.com/
Norwich Guided Tours
Friday 9th – Sunday 18th September, times vary
Locations vary
Discover new perspectives on the city and learn about our unique heritage with these walking tours led by expert guides. Tours explore hidden streets, our past industries, the dark history of the city, and the many pubs of Norwich!
https://norfolkheritageopendays.ticketsolve.com/
Pensthorpe
Monday 12th September, 1pm-4:30pm
Pensthorpe, Fakenham Road, NR21 0LN
Wander through 700 acres of natural landscape, including Pensthorpe’s four famous gardens, and admire the magnificent floral displays, lakes, and countryside. Visit the Discover Centre to learn more about the treasures unearthed at Pensthorpe, including a tusk and tooth from a woolly mammoth!
https://pensthorpe.merlintickets.co.uk/product/EV000012
Putting on a Progress 1578: An Immersive Experience
Friday 9th – Sunday 18th September, times vary
Locations across Norfolk
Pre-book only
Explore Queen Elizabeth I’s Royal Progress to Norwich in 1578, with virtual reality events revealing the glittering and perilous experience of ruling in the 16th century. Audiences are offered the chance to join the Queen’s Royal Guard in this thrilling immersive challenge, where they’ll learn Tudor history. Putting on a Progress takes place across the county, with location specific events exploring the Queen’s experience in each town. Suitable ages 7+.
https://norfolkheritageopendays.ticketsolve.com/
The RAF Coltishall Heritage Centre
Saturday 10th September, Thu 15th September & Sunday 18th September, 10am, 12pm, and 2pm
The RAF Coltishall Heritage Centre, Scottow Enterprise Park, Lamas Road, NR10 5FB
Pre-book only
Join this tour around the RAF Coltishall Heritage Centre to learn about the station’s history from the Second World War through to the Cold War and beyond. See the airfield and its buildings in its new roles as Scottow Enterprise Park and solar farm.
https://norfolkheritageopendays.ticketsolve.com/
