Heritage Open Days return with ten days of free fun in Milton Keynes

Posted 30th August 2024

Everyone loves a freebie, and Heritage Open Days has 100’s of opportunities to get out and enjoy a wealth of family events, between September 6th and September 15th.

The oft used line ‘something for all’ really stands true with this nationwide initiative.

Pulse’s Sammy Jones has dug deep to bring you some of the choice cuts from Northamptonshire.

Heritage Open Days Return with 10 Days of Free Fun in Milton Keynes
From September 6 to September 15, Heritage Open Days will feature a variety of free events in Milton Keynes. Here are some of the must-see activities:

Friday, September 6
Milton Keynes Central Library Exhibitions: Discover a range of exhibitions, including “Ukraine From Past to Future,” “Hidden Stories: The Indian Chapter,” and “An Ancient Village at the Heart of a New Town,” showcasing local history, arts, and crafts. Open until September 14 (except Sept 8).

Tour of Unity Place: Explore this sustainable hub in Milton Keynes, featuring rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and a microbrewery that repurposes surplus bread. Tours are also available on September 13, with pre-booking required.

Saturday, September 7
The Secret Garden: Take a guided tour of Wolverton & Greenleys Town Council’s green oasis, a site transformed from a derelict area into a public art space and event venue.

Bradwell Windmill: Visit the working windmill, see the inner workings, and take home freshly milled wholegrain flour. The sails will be turning on Sept 8 as well, between 1.30pm and 4.30pm both days.

Wolverton’s Scarecrow Festival: Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this festival at The Community Orchard, and explore Wolverton’s historic Conservation Area. The event runs from 10am to 5pm, and again on September 8.

Cotswold Archaeology: Visit their MK office at Stonebridge to learn about local projects and enjoy hands-on family activities. Open from 10am to 3pm.

Sunday, September 8
St Laud’s Church in Sherington: Explore this unique church and take a self-guided walk around the village. The church will also be open on September 14 from 11am-4pm.

MK Classical Guitar Society: Enjoy a free performance at St Mary Magdalene Church in Willen from 12.30pm to 2pm.

Monday, September 9
Quorum Chamber Choir: Enjoy unaccompanied renaissance and contemporary sacred music at St Mary Magdalene in Willen, starting at 8pm.

Tuesday, September 10
Architectural Hero Guided Walk: Discover the work of Stony Stratford architect Edward Swinfen Harris with a guided walk. The tour concludes with a toast at The Old School House. Pre-booking is required.

Wednesday, September 11
Camphill MK Community Tour: Take a tour of Camphill MK Community and learn about their history and gardens.
Introduction to Bancroft’s Roman Villa: Learn about the history and archaeology of this significant site in Milton Keynes.

Thursday, September 12
Milton Keynes Museum Real Ale Festival: Enjoy a range of real ales and ciders in the museum’s courtyard, running until Sunday. Open daily between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

Bletchley Railway Flyover Talk: Attend an illustrated talk by photographer Phil Marsh on the engineering marvels of the East West Rail project at Rectory Cottage in Bletchley from 7pm. Pre-booking is required.

Friday, September 13
The Point Documentary Screening: Relive the glory days of The Point, Milton Keynes’ iconic ziggurat building, with a documentary screening at The Sky Room in MK Gallery at 2pm. Pre-booking is essential.

Saturday, September 14
Men in Sheds Open Day: Visit the workshop at 30 Burners Lane in Kiln Farm to see woodwork, metalwork, 3D printing, and more. The workshop is also open on September 15.

Bradwell Village Walkabout: Join a guided walk exploring the features and history of Bradwell Village, starting at 10am from the Prince Albert pub. Pre-booking is required.

Sunday, September 15
Medieval Family Fun Fayre at Bradwell Abbey: Enjoy medieval-themed activities, including archery, puppet shows, and guided tours at Bradwell Abbey. The event runs from 11am to 3pm.

For the full program of events and more details, visit livingarchive.org.uk.