With so much heritage surrounding us, it was disappointing that last year there were only two local organisations taking part in the annual celebration of England’s history and culture known as Heritage Open Days (Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own). This year, Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour has stepped in to ensure that more events in our area are featured among the more than 2,500 organisations and 5,000 events which contribute to the festival, involving 40,000 volunteers. The scheme, which runs from 12-21 September, gives visitors free access to heritage sites and community events that are either not usually open to the public, normally charged for, or offer something special for the event.

The theme for Heritage Open Days this year is architecture and for the first time Heritage Harbours are an organisation category alongside the National Trust, English Heritage and the Woodland Trust. Search the Heritage Open Days website within ten miles of Bideford and you will find fifteen events coordinated by Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour. These include a mini ceramic exhibition at The Burton, with items from their archive not usually on display to the public, together with a talk on ‘Ceramics and International Trade’. There is a Heritage Harbour exhibition and talk ‘Transformed by War’ at The Pocket Bouldering Centre, High Street – itself an interesting new use for an old Woolworths shop. 

Members of the public will be able to view examples of elaborate 17^th century plasterwork created by the Abbott family from Frithelstock at the Royal Hotel and in the building occupied by Trio and Bond hair salon at 8, The Quay. 

Events with a maritime link include: ‘The Reds’ Rowing Club building, the restoration of lifeboat Jane Hannah MacDonald III (the last rowed lifeboat at Appledore), Steamship Freshspring, and use of leather in shipbuilding from Rosie and Red Art and Leather. 

The Elisabeth Deneys memorial plaque will be unveiled by the Mayor during Bideford Railway Heritage Centre’s open day, whilst for the more active there are guided walks at East the Water, Westward Ho! and Tarka Valley Railway.

In 2024, Steamship Freshspring and Cawsey House in Torrington were the only two local visitor attractions taking part.  This year there is a greater opportunity for locals and visitors alike to appreciate our distinctive heritage and to learn something new about the history and culture of our local area. For full details of all events and booking where necessary visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk or www.barthh.org