Surrey's Heritage Open Days 2008

 

When it comes to discovering Surrey’s architectural treasures, nothing beats Heritage Open Days. The perfect opportunity to discover the county’s most fascinating buildings – many of which are not normally open to the public – here we pick out ten of our favourites

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 Heritage Open Days runs from

Thursday September 11 to Sunday September 14

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Cobham

THE MENUHIN HALL
Saturday September 13, 10am to 12pm
The Menuhin Hall was opened in January 2006 and stands in the grounds of the internationally famous Yehudi Menuhin School. Built by award-winning architects Burrell Foley Fischer, the concert hall now hosts up to 50 concerts a year.
The Menuhin Hall, Cobham Road, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham

Epsom

DURDANS RIDING SCHOOL
Sunday September 14, 10am to 5pm
Lord Rosebery, the racing Prime Minister,
came to the Durdans in 1874 and began breeding horses for the Derby. In 1881, he had this indoor riding school designed for them by George Devey, pioneer of the English vernacular style.
Durdans Riding School, Chalk Lane, Epsom

Farnham

FARNHAM CASTLE
Sunday September 14, 2pm to 5pm
In addition to being able to wander around this historic building, visitors to the Bishop’s Palace at Farnham Castle will also have a number of workshops and displays to keep them entertained.
Farnham Castle, Castle Street, Farnham

Guildford

GUILDFORD CASTLE
Saturday September 13 only, 10am to  4pm
Discover more about the intriguing history of this imposing monument, which may be the only surviving building by King Stephen. Then on Sunday, between 2.30pm and
5.30pm, members of the Castle Green Bowling Club will be on hand at the Castle Grounds to show you how to play the game.
Guildford Castle, Castle Street

GUILDFORD HOUSE GALLERY
Saturday September 13, 10am to 4pm
Just off Guildford’s cobbled High Street, you’ll find this wonderful Grade I listed building dating from 1660. Visit rarely seen parts of the gallery, including an extraordinary ‘hidden’ room on the first floor, and travel back in time to ‘meet’ the original owners, Mr and Mrs Childe, complete in 17th century dress.
Guildford House Gallery, 155 High Street

Great Bookham

POLESDEN LACEY
Saturday September 13, 11am to 5pm
Visit the house and gardens free of charge and discover how the National Trust is working to return one of the original bedrooms to its former glory. See the house team conserving the gilt and canework bed and other items in the Portico bedroom ahead of its opening to the public. Visitors wishing to view the bedroom must specify upon entrance to the house.
Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham

Horley

LOWFIELD HEATH WINDMILL
Saturday 13 and Sunday September 14, 10am to 5pm
Amazingly, this mill once stood at Lowfield Heath, in Sussex, before being moved brick by brick to Charlwood, in 1989, and restored by the hands of a dedicated and committed group of locals.
Lowfield Heath Windmill, Charlwood

Leatherhead

MOLE VALLEY’S HIDDEN TREASURES: ITS CAVES, TUNNELS AND SUBTERRANEAN RIVER
Friday September 12, 7.30pm
Richard Selley’s talk will reveal the natural features of the Mole Valley district that are considered ‘Hidden Treasures’. Booking is essential and forms can be found at Mole Valley Council Offices, the Dorking Halls and libraries in the area.
The Old Barn Hall, Church Street,
Great Bookham, Leatherhead

Reigate

REIGATE PRIORY
Saturday September 13 and Sunday September 14, 2pm to 5pm
Learn more about the history behind the newly renovated park and see Reigate Priory Museum’s collection of local history. Visitors will be able to view the Holbein fireplace and recently restored 18th century staircase and guided tours will be available throughout the afternoon.
Reigate Priory Museum, Bell Street, Reigate Priory, Reigate

Richmond

HAM HOUSE AND GARDEN
Saturday September 13 (house 12noon to 4pm, garden 11am to 5.30pm)
Sitting alongside the Thames, time seems to have stood still at Ham House. Rich in history and atmosphere, it is an unusually complete survival of the 17th century. The house and gardens will both be opening to the public for free.
Ham House, Ham, Richmond

• Heritage Open Days runs from Thursday September 11 to Sunday September 14. For up to the minute information on Heritage Open Days in Surrey visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk

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HAVE YOUR SAY!

If you or holding a Heritage Open Day or particularly looking forward to a day out behind the scenes at a top Surrey tourist attraction let us know on the Surrey Life forum. Alternatively send in your pictures and reports from this year's event by email or to the usual address.

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For more information on the Heritage Open Days in your area, follow the below links:

Elmbridge
www.elmbridge.gov.uk

Epsom and Ewell
www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Guildford
Click here for the full Guilford area brochure
www.guildford.gov.uk

Kingston upon Thames
www.kingston.gov.uk

Mole Valley
Click here for the full Mole Valley area brochure
www.molevalley.gov.uk

Reigate and Banstead
www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk

Richmond upon Thames
www.richmond.gov.uk

Runnymede
www.runnymede.gov.uk

Spelthorne
www.spelthorne.gov.uk

Surrey Heath
Click here for the full Surrey Heath area brochure
www.surreyheath.gov.uk

Sutton
www.sutton.gov.uk

Tandridge
www.tandridge.gov.uk

Waverley
www.waverley.gov.uk

Woking
www.woking.gov.uk

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