Preston’s Heritage Open Days event draws to a close after a four day weekend of exploring hidden gems of the city through tours and open visits.
AdvertisementThe event has seen the public access otherwise unseen historical attractions and delve into their relationship with the city like never before from the highest spire in any parish church in the UK, to Preston Railway Station’s early beginnings.
But, it’s not over yet as we pick our our nine best picks to close our look through Preston’s past. The Heritage Open Days website has a full breakdown of everything in Preston and the surrounding area.
Sunday September 13
A Rubbish History of Fishwick Bottoms Fishwick Recreation Ground, London Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 5AN
Fishwick Nature Reserve has shaped the landscape for hundreds of years and this historical walk through time will take you back to the ice age looking at human and natural involvement in shaping its presence today. The walk is expected to take around 2-3 hours so come prepared with footwear and water,
Tour: 1pm
Meet at the Recreation Ground car park off London Road. No booking is required. This event is not suitable for the under 10s.
Bleasdale Remembers Bleasdale Parish Hall, Bleasdale, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 1UY
The North West Film Archive are showing a special report “The First World War – Life on the Home Front in North West England” to coincide with a walk through the footsteps of those who lived through the Great War era in this area. Tea and homemade cake will also be for sale. Visitors are advised to wear good footwear, carry water and binoculars and are reminded of a useful note – mobile phone signal isn’t picked up in this area!
Open: 10am until 1pm.
There is a maximum of 20 people per tour. Booking is required. Contact Visit Garstang Centre on 01995 602125 or email garstangtic@wyre.gov.uk. Alternatively visit the website here, or write to Unit 1 , Cherestanc Square, Park Hill Road, Garstang, PR3 1EF
Booking closes: 12 September 2015 at 12pm.
Greenhalgh Castle Visit Garstang, Unit 1, Cherestanc Square, Garstang, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 1EF
Greenhalgh Castle is situated on private land so this really is a hidden gem giving special permissions for the public to see it, for this weekend alone. Allow two hours for the tour of the grounds in the picturesque location at the castle. Meet at the Visit Garstang centre with good footwear, ready to explore!
Tour: 10.30am
There is a maximum of 25 people per tour. Booking is required. Contact Visit Garstang Centre on 01995 602125 or email: garstangtic@wyre.gov.uk. Alternatively visit the website here, or write to Unit 1 , Cherestanc Square, Park Hill Road, Garstang , PR3 1EF
Booking closes: 11 September 2015 at 12pm.
Preston Cemetery New Hall Lane, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 4SY
This one hour guided tour looks at the grounds of the cemetery with an insight into its history dating back to 1855 when many of Preston’s churchyards were heavily overcrowded. Visit the graves of Famous Prestonians including that of Joseph Livesey, the founder of teetotalism. Good footwear and clothing for all weather conditions is advised.
Tour: 11am, 12pm and 1pm.
No booking is required. This event is not suitable for the under 10’s.
Preston Playhouse
Theatre lovers – this is one for you! Join a guided tour around a stage under construction as well as a look backstage and behind the scenes at a theatre steeped in Preston’s history.
Open: 10am until 4pm.
No booking is required.
St Leonard’s Church Church Brow, Walton-le-Dale, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 4BB
This Medieval Church decorated in art nouveau furniture is open to take in its beauty as well as walk round the grounds at some interesting graves that cement the church’s history in Preston. Views also overlook Ribble and Darwen for breathtaking sights inside and out.
Open: 2pm until 5pm.
There are no tours for this location and no booking is required. Also open Saturday.
St. Mary’s CE Parish Church, Church Avenue, Penwortham, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 0AH
The 14th century church offers huge character for Heritage Open Days, containing a memorial and graveyard including that of John Horrocks, founder of the great Preston cotton firm Horrockses.
Open: 1pm until 4pm.
There are no tours for this location, but no booking is required. This event is not suitable for the under 5’s. Also open Thursday and Saturday.
St Walburge’s Church Weston Street, off Pedder Street, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2QE
St Walburge’s offers a fantastic opportunity that shouldn’t be missed – the chance to climb the highest parish church spire in the UK. Not for the faint hearted with its spiral staircase but there’ll be plenty to see with two feet firmly on the ground too, including its 1000 seat capacity interior.
Open: 2pm until 5pm.
There are no tours for this location, but no booking is required. This event is not suitable for the under 5’s. Also open Saturday.
Avenham & Miller Parks Avenham Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 8JT
One of Preston’s favourites parks from a completely new angle on a walking heritage tour. The 60-90 minute tour offers a look at the creation of the parks and their major features – Belvedere, Swiss Chalet, Boer War Memorial, Fountain, Derby Statue and Grottos.
Tour: 2pm
There is a maximum of 20 people per tour, but no booking is required. Good footwear is recommended.
Also open Saturday.
All of the events listed above are open on day four of four throughout the Heritage Open Days weekend.