Heritage Open Days 2015: Ten of the best unusual places to visit this weekend

This article originally appeared on Culture24.

Heritage Open Days celebrates fantastic architecture and culture across England by offering free access to places that are normally closed to the public or charge admission prices. Demonstrating what makes local communities and neighbourhoods special, the weekend stimulates curiosity and discovery. Here are ten highlights you might not have heard of

The French Hospital Almshouses, Rochester

One of the earliest foundations to support immigrants in London, and one of the first in Britain to provide sympathetic care for the mentally ill, The French Hospital was established in London in 1718 so that persecuted Huguenots could be understood, embraced and cared for with love and dignity. Today, the 19 terraced houses, in a historic square dating back to the 1840s, still provide affordable sheltered accommodation, primarily for those of Huguenot descent.

Ye Olde White Horse, Hull

One of Hull's most historic inns, Ye Olde White Horse has a first floor “Plotting Parlour” which is subject to much local folklore. Some say it was the alleged scene of Hull Governor Sir John Hotham's decision to refuse entry to King Charles I in 1642, a crucial juncture in the English Civil War. Others say its name comes from a later, equally important plot in 1688 when leading townsmen successfully rose up against Hull’s Catholic governor following the landing of William of Orange. Whatever its role in local and national history, the narrow entrance alleyways will lead you to an untouched and atmospheric space of inglenook fireplaces, secret passageways and a mysterious skull.  

Sandon Limekilnm, Stafford

Another hidden gem, lost beneath undergrowth for many years. This unusual late 18th century kiln, used for burning lime and calcifying flint for the pottery industry alongside the Trent and Mersey canal, was only recently revealed (and cleared of undergrowth). The limekiln is now listed as a rare survival of architectural and technological interest with a hidden facade and impressive interior work place you can explore.

Simpson – Home to Bletchley Park Workers, Milton Keynes

Like many villages in the area around Bletchley Park, Simpson was home to many a codebreaker during World War Two. On the 70th anniversary of the end of the war, a special Heritage Open Days tour will explore the houses of 14 of them including Harry Hinsley, Angus Wilson and Jocelyn Bostock. An exhibition in the village hall also records their stories.

The Town Lockup, Devizes

A deep underground cell chamber first referred to in 1556 as a blind house and incorporated into the Town Hall in 1806, the Devizes Town lock up has also been used as a police cell and a World War Two shelter. Comprising an upper lockup cage, lower cellar chamber and a secure holding cell, it is moody, dark and dingy.

20A West Street (Graham & Co Jewellers), Farnham

Not exactly hidden but definitely a gem, this jeweller’s shop on Farham’s shopping street houses an incredibly ornate plastered ceiling dating back to the mid-17th century. This astonishing secret was uncovered in the 20th century and is believed to have been made for the Earl of Shaftesbury as a prototype design for the ceiling in his Wimbourne home, St Giles House.


Folly Tower, Oxfordshire

The follies of Britain often have eccentric backstories, and this is no exception. The quirky construction - just visible above the trees in surrounding woodland - was built during the 1930s and is thought to be one of England’s last follies. It was conceived by Lord Berners, who couldn’t resist building it after hearing local objections. You can learn more about the landmark’s history in a display in the tower, explore its interior of fascinating and different styles and attempt to climb 100 feet to the top.

Victoria Baths, Manchester

Widely recognised as Britain's finest municipal swimming pool and a Grade II*-listed building, no expense was spared in the construction of Victoria Baths with its rich terracotta, decorative tiling, sumptuous tiles and mosaics. A visit includes a chance to view all three pools, the Turkish Baths suite, entrance halls, Superintendent's Flat and other spaces on the ground and first floor. There will also be free choir performances - on Saturday by The Gallery Choir and Sunday by Ordsall Acapella Singers.

Naburn Locks, River Ouse, near York

Just six miles from York, this hidden gem is a must-see for all interested in the history of the canals. The locks were built during the 1750s by two John Smiths (father and son) to aid the flood prone River Ouse. Their skills created an island which then had a watermill built upon it. In 1823 the Trustees of the Ouse Navigation built the fine-looking Greek Revival Banqueting House nearby. Further work took place in Victorian times when a new larger lock was built alongside the original one together with two lock-keepers’ cottages and a range of offices and workshops. A visit reveals impressive cast iron swing-bridges, shrouded paddle gearing, workshops with a huge blacksmith’s hearth complete with bellows and overhead pulleys and shafts that once ran belt-driven lathes and saws. Wall-mounted iron cogs, wooden patterns and other waterway-related tools and artefacts complete the picture.

World War Two ARP Bunker, Gosport

No Heritage Open Days weekend is complete with a bunker visit and Gosport has one of the best dating from World War Two. The only surviving Air Raid Precaution Bunker and Civil Defence Centre in Hampshire, the concrete control centre was once the Headquarters of wardens, fire brigade and ambulance crews who all bravely worked on the streets of Gosport during German bombing raids.
It is used as the Historical Diving Society’s Reference Library, Archives and Store. On-road parking available.

• Heritage Open Days runs September 10-13 2015. Visit Culture24's listings to plan your days out across the weekend and the rest of 2015.

Where are you going for Heritage Open Days? Leave a comment below.

Source: http://www.culture24.org.uk/history-and-heritage/historic-buildings/art536342