Heritage Open Days, discover Ipswich’s hidden gems and stories of times gone by.

Now in its 21st year, Heritage Open Days provides the public with a unique opportunity to go behind the closed doors of a number of buildings to discovers hidden gems, secrets and stories of times gone by.

This week we were invited to a preview of this year’s highlights. The event was organised by The Ipswich Building Preservation Trust, and the group were guided by Margaret Hancock whose knowledge of the town and its points of interest is surely unbeatable. Included within the group was Sarah Holloway, National co-ordinator for Heritage Open Days, who has visited Suffolk in the past, and was amazed by the hidden gems that the town has. ‘I had no idea that there was so much to see. I have visited Ipswich before, and have thought it was a town of character, but I have seen and learnt so much more today. I will certainly be sharing this and telling people to come and visit Ipswich.’

The tour started with a ride on a classic single decker bus, courtesy of the Ipswich Transport Museum, where the group were given a private tour of Curzon House, one of a number of property that have been purchased and renovated by The Ipswich Building Preservation Trust. The tour also included a visit to the Grade I listed building the Unitarian Meeting House, and the Willis building, one of the youngest buildings in the country to be granted Grade I listed status.

Heritage open days offers people the chance to access a number of historic buildings and structures, including those on the water, and so a guided tour would not be complete without stepping on board Sailing Barge Victor, where the group were welcomed by skipper, Wes, and where the group learnt of the history of the barge and about life today out on the water.

The tour concluded with a visit to Pykenham’s Gatehouse in St Nicholas Street, where we were greeted by costume characters, adding to the heritage story and feel of the tour. Archdeacon Pykenham and two serving girls attended to the group, and the tone was in keeping of the style and history of the building.

More information on Heritage Open Days

This year’s Heritage Open Days take place the weekend of 10th to 13th September. We will update our events page once the full programme is announced later this summer.

For more information on events across the UK visit the Open Heritage Days website.

For more information on The Ipswich Building Preservation Trust and their work click here.