Herts &amp; Beds


<p>Fancy a sneaky peek behind the doors of Herts and Beds&#8217; most intriguing buildings and outside spaces, including some that are rarely open to the public? Well, this is your chance, as the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/">Heritage Open Days</a>&nbsp;is back from the&nbsp;<strong>12-21 Sept</strong>. There are nearly 90 FREE drop-in and bookable events, from tours and talks to walks and workshops, taking place across our counties on the theme of Architecture. Don&#8217;t know where to start? Here are some gems to kick things off. Read on. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ashridge-house-and-the-curse-of-the-bridgewaters-berkhamsted-12-13-and-20-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/ashridge-house-and-the-curse-of-the-bridgewaters-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashridge House and the Curse of the Bridgewaters</a>, Berkhamsted, 12, 13 and 20 Sept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Ashridgeresize-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="Ashridge House Garden" class="wp-image-90989" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Ashridgeresize-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Ashridgeresize-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Ashridgeresize-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Ashridge House, once a royal residence for Henry VIII, was acquired by the Egerton family in 1604 and later became a private house for Bridgewater dynasty. This woodland walk, which does not enter the house or gardens, explores the history of Ashridge House and the nearby ancient land and buildings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ridgmont-station-heritage-centre-ridgmont-12-14-and-17-21-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/ridgmont-station-heritage-centre-open-days.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre</a>, Ridgmont, 12 &#8211; 14 and 17 &#8211; 21 Sept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Ridgmont-Station-Heritage-Centre-credit-Suzanne-Scott.jpg" alt="Ridgemont Station" class="wp-image-72399" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Ridgmont-Station-Heritage-Centre-credit-Suzanne-Scott.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Ridgmont-Station-Heritage-Centre-credit-Suzanne-Scott-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Ridgmont-Station-Heritage-Centre-credit-Suzanne-Scott-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Ridgmont-Station-Heritage-Centre-credit-Suzanne-Scott-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre &#8211; credit Suzanne Scott</figcaption></figure>



<p>This award-winning Victorian Station House will be open throughout the Heritage Open Days event, nearly every day from 10am-4pm. With its Gothic cottage style, museum, Station Master&#8217;s Parlour and Vintage Tea Room (in the former ladies&#8217; waiting room) and gift shop, there&#8217;ll be plenty to see. There may even be a chance to meet a member of the Victorian station staff on Sundays plus there&#8217;s a family quiz and a symbol spot trail for children aged five and over. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-st-albans-clock-tower-st-albans-12-21-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/st-albans-clock-tower-1-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Albans Clock Tower</a>, St Albans, 12 &#8211; 21 Sept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Enjoy-spectacular-views-from-St-Albans-Clock-Tower-©Cecelina-Tornberg-1000x667.jpg" alt="St Albans clock tower" class="wp-image-85873" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Enjoy-spectacular-views-from-St-Albans-Clock-Tower-©Cecelina-Tornberg-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Enjoy-spectacular-views-from-St-Albans-Clock-Tower-©Cecelina-Tornberg-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Enjoy-spectacular-views-from-St-Albans-Clock-Tower-©Cecelina-Tornberg.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">©Cecelina Tornberg</figcaption></figure>



<p>Climb the 93 steps to the top of this medieval belfry, meet Gabriel (the bell!) and see the working Victorian clock, plus the Dial Room, which is only open to the public on Heritage Open Days. There&#8217;ll also be golden keys hidden around the clock tower for children to find and claim a bag of chocolate coins. 10.30am &#8211; 5pm. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-houghton-house-ampthill-13-14-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/houghton-house-tour.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houghton House</a>, Ampthill, 13 &#8211; 14 Sept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Houghton-House-Ampthill-FROM-PR-1000x667.jpg" alt="Houghton House Ampthill" class="wp-image-85869" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Houghton-House-Ampthill-FROM-PR-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Houghton-House-Ampthill-FROM-PR-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Houghton-House-Ampthill-FROM-PR.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Explore the ruins of this now English Heritage 17th century mansion, which reputedly inspired the House Beautiful in Bunyan&#8217;s <em>The Pilgrim&#8217;s Progress</em>. There are spectacular views over the Bedfordshire countryside and you&#8217;ll see examples of classic, Jacobean and classical architecture on volunteer-led tours at 12 noon. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piccotts-end-wall-paintings-hemel-hempstead-13-14-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/piccotts-end-pre-reformation-wall-paintings-in-a-grade-i-listed-16th-century-hall-house-1-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Piccotts End Wall Paintings</a>, Hemel Hempstead, 13 &#8211; 14 Sept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Piccotts-End-Paintings.jpg" alt="Piccotts end wall paintings" class="wp-image-72389" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Piccotts-End-Paintings.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Piccotts-End-Paintings-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Piccotts-End-Paintings-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Piccotts-End-Paintings-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>These early 16th century murals were painted just before the Reformation, as a show of Catholic solidarity. Housed in a Grade I-listed cottage they&#8217;re usually hidden from public view, yet are the only surviving paintings of their kind in the country &#8211; so they&#8217;re pretty historically significant. They include images of Christ in Majesty, the Virgin Mary, the Baptism of Jesus, St Clement, St Peter, St Katherine and St Margaret. Tours run every hour between 11am &#8211; 3pm with historian Karen Murphy giving a short talk about her research into the works and the intriguing medieval history of the area. Pre-booking required.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rothamsted-manor-harpenden-14-sept"><a href="https://www.rothamstedenterprises.com/event/heritage-open-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rothamsted Manor</a>, Harpenden, 14 Sept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Rothamsted-manor-heritage-open-days-1000x667.jpg" alt="Rothamsted manor" class="wp-image-79461" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Rothamsted-manor-heritage-open-days-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Rothamsted-manor-heritage-open-days-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Rothamsted-manor-heritage-open-days-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Rothamsted-manor-heritage-open-days.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Take a peek inside this Grade I listed manor house with a history dating back to the 13th century. See inside the rooms with a self-guided tour and visit the gardens where there&#8217;ll be lawn games to keep the kids entertained. House tours run at 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 4pm. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bfi-national-film-amp-television-archive-berkhamsted-21-sept"><strong><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/bfi-national-film-television-archive-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BFI National Film &amp; Television Archive</a></strong>, Berkhamsted, 21 Sept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/BFI-Berkhamsted-FROM-PR-1000x667.jpg" alt="BFI Berkhamsted" class="wp-image-85870" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/BFI-Berkhamsted-FROM-PR-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/BFI-Berkhamsted-FROM-PR-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/BFI-Berkhamsted-FROM-PR.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Film buffs, here&#8217;s one for you. Did you know we had a world class film and TV archive right here in Herts? Well, now you do and you can see it with your own eyes as the British Film Institute open the doors to the John Paul Getty Jnr Conservation Centre especially for Heritage Open Days. Get an insight into the specialist skills and tech involved in video preservation with demos from the experts, collection talks from the curators and tours of the enormous film vault. There&#8217;ll also be refreshments courtesy of The Hospice of St Francis. 10.30am &#8211; 4pm. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hertford-castle-hertford-21-sept"><a href="https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/hertford-castle-heritage-day-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertford Castle</a>, Hertford, 21 Sept</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Hertford-castle-heritage-open-day-1000x667.jpg" alt="Hertford Castle Heritage Open day" class="wp-image-79595" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Hertford-castle-heritage-open-day-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Hertford-castle-heritage-open-day-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Hertford-castle-heritage-open-day-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Hertford-castle-heritage-open-day.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The annual Hertford Castle Heritage Open Day event is always a hit. The grounds will be transformed into a medieval encampment with tonnes of interactive demos, from firebreathing to falconry to storytelling and a Viking battle re-enactment. There&#8217;ll also be facepainting, archery and food and drink stalls, plus the castle itself will be open to explore. It&#8217;s on from 12 &#8211; 4pm and is free to attend, but there&#8217;s a small cost to some activities. </p>



<p><strong>More local outdoor activities: </strong></p>



<p><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/lovely-local-gardens-hertfordshire-bedfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">8 open spaces and secret gardens to visit near you</a></p>



<p><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/local-races-10k-half-marathon-fun-run-hertfordshire-bedfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Herts and Beds races to sign up for now</a></p>



<p><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/walks-near-me/5-easy-family-rambles-for-little-legs-in-herts-and-beds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5 easy family rambles for little legs in&nbsp;Herts and Beds</a></p>


Step inside Herts & Beds’ hidden spaces with Heritage Open Days

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