Manx National Heritage, the organisation responsible for protecting and promoting the Isle of Man’s heritage and culture is proud to work with partners Island-wide to host the free to explore annual Heritage Open Days in October.
Across the island 53 places, tours and experiences feature in the programme and access is free, although donations are welcome to the participating organisation. Community groups, heritage groups, government departments and passionate individuals will open their doors and give up their time to show you behind the scenes. These two weekends in October celebrate what makes our beautiful Island unique, with a focus this year on architecture and conservation.
The programme is packed with events to suit everyone and many are drop in, so you don’t even have to book. Here is just a selection of what is on offer;
The congregation of Agneash Methodist Chapel will give you a warm welcome and enlighten you about mining in the area; they make a great slice of cake too. Open on Saturday 1st October 10am – 4pm.
Go to the top of St George’s Church bell tower to meet a campanologist on Saturday 1st October from 10am – 4pm.
Drop in to see inside the Masonic Hall in Douglas. The Freemasons will welcome you to their HQ and show you what they do for our community. Enjoy a rare chance to see inside this magnificent building on Saturday 1st October, 2pm – 5pm.
Local hot spot, the Centenary Centre in Peel is opening their doors to show you backstage on Saturday 8th October, 2pm – 5pm. They have never opened behind the scenes to the general public before.
The Public Records Office holds a rich archive. Join a tour with their knowledgeable staff to find out more. This year there is a specific focus on the history of Ballamona Hospital, on Friday 30th September 10.30am, 12noon and 2pm.
Douglas Borough Council Waste services will show you what happens to your kerbside recycling. Hourly tours on Saturday 1st and 8th October e-mail heritageopendays@gov.im to book your place.
The Manx Folk Life Survey was conducted from the 1940’s to the 1980’s by the Manx Museum and National Trust and all the information – 36 boxes of memories of Manx traditional life – is held in the Museum Library. A hands–on guide to this fascinating resource together with a tour of the social history gallery are hosted by MNH’s social history curator and archivist on Saturday 1st October 10.15am and 11.30am, e-mail heritageopendays@gov.im to book your place.
Katie King and Suzanne Walker from Manx National Heritage who organise the programme said;
“We hope you enjoy the weekends as much as we do. It is in its seventh year and we are still visiting new places and being inspired by what we have on our doorstep. Come and get involved, and see something new, we look forward to meeting you out and about!”
Isle of Man Heritage Open Days take place on 30th September to 2nd October and 7th to 9th October. A full programme of the events is available from all Manx National Heritage sites and the Welcome Centre. You can also access the programme online.
For more information about accessibility at participating venues and difficulty of walks or tours please contact the Heritage Open Days team heritageopendays@gov.im.
Print the Heritage Open Days programme PDF Version
Image: Charles Guard’s Tour of the Bride Bunkers at Heritage Open Days 2015