Explore historic venues for free as the Norfolk Heritage Open Days (HODs) festival returns this month.
The event runs from Friday, September 6 to Sunday, September 15 2024 and there are more than 300 events taking place across the county.
While some require pre-booking, more than 150 events are available as drop-in sessions.
This 10-day celebration showcases Norfolk's vibrant history, from its lost industries to its thriving cultural landmarks.
READ MORE: 7 major Norfolk events happening in September 2024
Whether you are interested in exploring exhibitions, delving into the stories of Norwich’s past or engaging in hands-on activities, there is something for everyone.
HODs is England’s largest free festival of heritage and culture.
This year’s theme is ‘Routes – Networks – Connections’, celebrating how people and ideas have moved and come together throughout history.
*Pre-booking is not required for any of the below events.
1. A Rescued Railway - Wymondham's Lost Rail Route
Where: Wymondham Abbey Station, Becketswell Road, Wymondham, NR18 9PH
When: September 7: 10am-3.30pm (tours throughout, talks 11am, 1pm, 3pm)
Find out what was involved in getting trains back on the abandoned railway between Wymondham and Dereham.
Watch heritage trains come and go, while talks and an exhibition will help tell the story.
2. 1920s Style Afternoon at The Boating Lake
Where: Island Café at The Waterways, North Drive, Great Yarmouth, NR30 4EW
When: September 8: 12noon-4pm
Join this 1920s-themed afternoon with free boats and entertainment and fancy dress welcome.
The Seasiders Ukulele Band will play live as part of Waterways Great Yarmouth Heritage Week.
3. Oxburgh Estate
Where: Oxburgh Hall, Oxborough, PE33 9PS
When: September 7 and 8: 9.30am-5pm
Explore Oxburgh Hall’s Victorian gothic interiors and see inside cabinets normally closed and curious collections not usually on display.
Discover the colourful gardens and woodland walks and enjoy views from the gatehouse roof (bookable on the day at the ticket office).
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4. Celebrating the past, building our future: An RSPCA Story
Where: The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich, NR2 1TF
When: September 10-15: 10am-4pm
This special exhibition marks the 60th anniversary of the RSPCA Mid Norfolk and North Suffolk branch, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of the national RSPCA.
Discover the history and impact of their work over the last six decades.
On September 14 there will be family activities, including an appearance from Dotty Pottery with dog-friendly crafts.
5. Cromer Pier and Pavilion Theatre
Where: Cromer Pier, Promenade, Cromer, NR27 9HB
When: September 8: 10am-3pm
Come along to uncover the history of Cromer Pier - an impressive 151-metre-long Victorian structure.
Step into the Pavilion Theatre to watch a short film explaining the history of The Cromer Pier Show and the pier itself.
Listen to a brass band performing on the pier from 1pm to 3pm.
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6. Fakenham Gasworks Museum
Where: Hempton Road, Fakenham, NR21 7LA
When: September 7, 8, 14, 15: 10am-4pm
Visit England and Wales' last remaining complete gasworks, a gem of Britain's industrial heritage.
See the amazing process of turning coal into town gas and the uses of the by-products found.
7. Felbrigg Hall and Gardens
Where: Felbrigg Hall, Felbrigg, NR11 8PR
When: September 9: gardens open 10am-4.30pm (last entry 4pm), hall open 12noon-4pm (last entry 3pm)
Explore the hall and imagine what it might have been like to have lived or worked there.
Visit the walled garden to see fruits and vegetables growing and keep a lookout for the hens.
See the full programme at norfolkheritageopendays.co.uk
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