A WHOLE host of events centred around Droitwich’s heritage and culture are on offer this month as part of a long-running festival.
Heritage organisations across the region are opening their doors to visitors as part of the jam-packed Heritage Open Days Festival.
Heritage Open Days is the largest festival of free heritage events in England. For ten days, organisations are encouraged to host events, open their doors, and welcome in their communities for free. The festival focuses on the theme of Architecture for 2025.
Supported by the National Trust and People’s Postcode Lottery, the festival is designed to break down barriers and encourage residents to find the hidden gems right on their doorstep.
Across Droitwich there are five venues taking part in the festival, which runs between September 12 and 21.
Church of Sacred Heart, Worcester Road – Visitors can explore the stunning church and its newly restored mosaics, including digitised full-size designs by Gabriel Pippet in the visitor centre. As part of the open day, visitors can make their own mini mosaic to take home. Tea and cake will be available to purchase. The event takes place on Saturday, September 13 between 12pm and 5pm. No booking required.
Droitwich Spa Heritage Centre, Victoria Square – Discover the town’s history and famous brine baths with a 40-minute guided tour, followed by access to archives not normally open to the public. Visitors will also hear about plans for the centre’s future refurbishment. The tour is for over 16s only and booking is required by emailing [email protected] or calling 01905 774312. The event runs on Saturday, September 13 at 10.30am and 12pm.
Hampton Lovett Church – Celebrate 200 years of the railways with a working 00-gauge heritage railway model inside the church. Visitors can take part in a guided or virtual tour of the recently reopened 14th century tower. There will also be a book sale, a photo quiz for children, and light refreshments. Tower tours are limited to 3 people at a time (aged 10+), with sensible footwear recommended. The event runs on Saturday, September 13 from 10am to 4pm and Sunday, September 14 from 10am to 2pm.
Droitwich Spa Library Upstairs Gallery, Victoria Square – Enjoy a broad exhibition spanning 2,000 years of the town’s history, from the Ice Age and Roman periods through to Tudor and Victorian times, including the salt industry and John Corbett’s legacy. Additional displays cover canals and Willow Court. No booking is required. The exhibition is open from September 6 to October 30 during library opening times.
Willow Court Farmhouse, Westlands Community Hall – Step back in time with a digital recreation of Willow Court Farmhouse and hear local memories collected by the oral history research team. Visitors can learn how Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, are restoring the building into affordable rented flats. The event takes place on Saturday, September 20 between 1pm and 4pm. No booking required.
Visit https://www.valeandspa.co.uk/heritage-open-days/ for more information. Festival booklets can be seen online or picked up at participating venues.
