Explore Edible England in Dorset!

This September, Heritage Open Days are back with the theme Edible England and as Dorset is the home to some of the country’s most amazing food and drink, it is no wonder that there are heritage attractions opening all over the county to help celebrate.

Heritage Open Days are England’s largest festival of culture and history and after having to go online last year, the organisers are excited to have so many in person events taking place next month. During Heritage Open Days, many of England’s top heritage attractions open their doors for free to allow the public to see hidden places in their communities and learn something new about their local heritage. This year’s theme of Edible England gives you the chance to explore everything from food production to regional delicacies to long forgotten recipes. With food and drink being such a huge part of life in Dorset, here are a few suggestions of places to go to celebrate local heritage and food and drink.

Beaminster Museum
Whitcombe Road, Beaminster DT8 3NB
Visitors have the chance to see into two new rooms being built as part of the museum’s expansion. There will be a focus on the Growing for Gold exhibit and artefacts relating to sheep, milk and arable farming.

No booking is required and the events will run in line with the current Covid-19 guidelines.

Event times:

• 11^th September, 10.30am – 4pm
• 12^th September, 2pm – 4.30pm
• 14^th September, 10.30am – 4pm
• 16^th September, 10.30am – 4pm
• 18^th September, 10.30am – 4pm
• 19^th September, 2pm – 4.30pm

Mapperton House and Gardens
Beaminster, DT8 3NR
Home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, guests have the chance to see the outside of the house and gardens as part of Heritage Open Days. No booking is required.

Event times:

• 13^th September, 11am – 5pm

St Peter and St Paul’s Church Open Day
Church Lane, Blandford Forum DT11 7AD
The church is currently closed for building works but will be open during Heritage Open Days – so this could be your only chance to see the inside of the church this year! There will be a guided tour which includes the West Gallery, the Ringing Chamber and the Clock Tower.

Prebooking is preferred, especially if you want to take part in the tour, if you would prefer to explore yourself, you do not need to book. For more information, contact Sara on projectrestore@bfpc.org.uk

Event times:

• 17^th September, 10 am – 4pm, with the tour at 11am
• 18^th September, 10am – 4pm, with the tour at 3.30pm
• 19^th September, 12 noon – 3pm

Bridport Museum
25 South Street, Bridport DT6 3NR
The museum can be found inside one of Bridport’s oldest buildings and features a unique rope and netting collection, working machinery, amazing fossils and Roman jewellery. During the week there will be live ropemaking demonstrations and a children’s trail.

Booking is not required, however the rope making will take place depending on volunteer availability on that day. Visit their website for more details.

Event times:

• 16^th September, 10am – 4pm
• 17^th September, 10am -4pm
• 18^th September, 10am – 4pm

Regent Centre Heritage Tour
51 High Street, Christchurch BH23 1AS

This is your chance to explore parts of the Regent that are normally off limits to the public. Tour must be prebooked in advance, visit www.regentcentre.co.uk to find out more.

Event times:

• 11^th September, 9.30am, 10.45 am, 12 noon.

A Taste of Dorchester
Various locations across Dorchester and Poundbury.
From 12^th – 18^th September this is your chance to join in a week of activities, tours and open days across Dorchester and Poundbury to explore the taste of Dorchester. There will be a number of different locations – please visit lovedorch.com/HOD

Event times:

• 12^th – 18^th September, 11am – 4pm

Melbury House
Melbury Sampford, Dorchester DT2 0LF
Supervised tours of the private house and tours of the church if requested in advance.
Booking is required as tours are limited to 20 people per session and are done on a first come, first served basis. Contact Angela for more information on melbury.house@ilchester-estates.co.uk

Event times:

• 16^th September, 10am – 2pm
• 17^th September, 10am – 2pm

Woodsford Castle
Woodsford, Dorchester DT2 8AS
Woodsford Castle is the surviving part of a 14^th century building deep inside of Hardy country. Entry is free, but tickets must be booked in advance from here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-landmark-trust-10429116340

Event times:

• 11^th September, 10am – 4pm
• 12^th September, 10 am – 4pm

Belmont
Pound street, Lyme Regis DT7 3HZ
The former home of Eleanor Coade, who transformed 18^th century architecture and author, John Fowles. Visits must be booked online here  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-landmark-trust-10429116340

Event times:

• 18^th September, 10am – 4pm
• 19^th September, 10am – 4pm

Poole Museum
4 High Street, Poole BH15 1BW

Here’s your chance to join Tudor cooks at Scaplen’s Court one of Poole’s oldest buildings where you can find an ancient brick bread oven, medicinal herbs and learn more about what kind of foods were prepared in Tudor England.
Event times:

• 18^th September, 11am – 3pm

Clavell Tower
Kimmeridge Bay, Wareham BH20 5PE
This circular tower can be found above one of Dorset’s most striking bays, it is a well chance to see inside this well loved landmark which is usually let out for the holidays. Admission to the tower is free but you will need to book a timed entry to the tower, there will be access charges to Kimmeridge Bay. Find out more and book here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-landmark-trust-10429116340

Event times:

• 11^th September, 10 am – 4pm
• 12^th September, 10 am – 4pm

Lulworth Castle and Park
East Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5QS
Enjoy the unrivalled views and stunning landscapes of the 17^th century castle and 18^th century chapel.

Event times:

• 15^th September, 10.30 am – 4pm
• 16^th September, 10.30 – 4pm

Find more amazing heritage events in Dorset here.