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Heritage Open Days
Industrial Action
Bin strikes are taking place until 24 December.
A fifth period of strike action is taking place from Tuesday 5 December to Sunday 24 December.
We are sorry about the continued disruption for our residents and businesses.
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture. Each year, venues across the country throw open their doors and give people the chance to see hidden places and try new experiences for free.
In Warrington, it gives people the opportunity to learn more about our rich history and heritage, with a range of organisations providing an insight into some of the borough’s historic gems – including places that some people may not know about.
Warrington’s Heritage Open Days 2023 takes place from Friday 8 September to Sunday 17 September.
There will be over 30 events across Warrington during this period.
Bonnets to Boats: The Arts of the Inland Waterways
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Online
From the iconic clothes of the canal boaters and the colourful paintwork of the boats, right through to the skilled art of working the boats themselves, join Heatherfield Heritage each day online to watch brand new videos and live streams during Heritage Open Days that demonstrate some of the many Arts of the canals and inland waterways.
Find out more: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/bonnets-to-boats
Carroll in a Foreign Language
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Lewis Carroll Centre, All Saints Church, Daresbury Lane, Daresbury WA4 4AE
Saturday 9 September from 10am – 7pm
Sunday 10 September from 12pm – 7pm
The Lewis Carroll Centre at All Saints Church, Daresbury celebrates Daresbury's world-famous villager, the creator of Alice and all her adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass.
It also explains his many interests and how his Daresbury childhood influenced the man he became. For the first weekend of Heritage Open Days the centre is putting on a display in the centre focusing on foreign language editions of Lewis Carroll's works.
Daresbury’s Creativity Unleashed
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Lewis Carroll Centre, All Saints Church, Daresbury Lane, Daresbury WA4 4AE
Thursday 14 September from 10am - 7pm
Friday 15 September from 10am – 7pm
Saturday 16 September from 10am – 7pm
Sunday 17 September from 12pm – 7pm
For the second weekend of Heritage Open Days the Lewis Carroll Centre is putting on a display in the centre with the theme of “Daresbury’s Creativity Unleashed” including work from the church collection as well as pictures from private homes depicting Daresbury Parish over time, pictures by local artists, the Moore Art Group, exhibits from Moore Camera Club, stained glass from Hatton phone box, and examples of canal art from Heatherfield Heritage at Preston Brook Wharf.
Family Treasure Hunt
Baden Lodge, Bell Lane, Thelwall WA4 2SX
Saturday 16 September from 2pm – 4pm
Get ready for the real adventure! Explore Thelwall village and look for the painted stones hidden by talented community members. Bring your stones to our designated collection point, Baden Lodge (Scout Hut) at 2pm. Part of Thelwall 1100 Festival.
Open Days at Cairo Street Chapel
Cairo Street Chapel, 4 Cairo Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1ED
Saturday 9 September from 10am – 4pm
Sunday 10 September from 10am – 4pm
The second oldest surviving place of worship in Warrington. Sit and relax in the gardens which are a quiet oasis of calm, peace, and beauty in the centre of Warrington. Look inside the Chapel and learn its 300-year history and how it was instrumental in the development of the town.
Picnic & Party in the Park
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Chaigley School, 6 Lymm Rd, Thelwall, Warrington WA4 2TE
Saturday 9 September from 3pm – 9pm
Chaigeley School’s 75th Anniversary Big Celebration features the Kalamazoo Dance Band, Kal’s Kats and support acts with music from the 1940’s & 1950’s. Bring your own rugs, chairs & picnic. There will be a cash bar, hot food & refreshments on the field. Part of the Thelwall 1100 Festival.
Ballads & Blues Folk Night
Grappenhall & Thelwall Royal British Legion, Stockport Rd, Thelwall, Warrington WA4 2TB
Friday 15 September from 7pm to 11pm
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of captivating music and soulful melodies at a night filled with exceptional performances by talented artists. Be transported to a world of heartfelt ballads, bluesy tunes, and mesmerizing folk melodies in an evening of music that will linger in your memory. From toe-tapping rhythms to soul-stirring lyrics, the 'Ballads & Blues Folk Night' is a homage to the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Thelwall village. Part of Thelwall 1100 Festival.
Admission by ticket only £10 available from the venue or email thelwall1100@thelwallcommunity.co.uk
Thelwall Railway Walk
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Grappenhall & Thelwall Royal British Legion, Stockport Rd, Thelwall, Warrington WA4 2TB
Sunday 17 September from 10.30am and 2pm
Join Thelwall History Group for a fascinating opportunity to learn about Thelwall’s railway heritage.
Booking essential by Friday 15 September – contact thelwallhistorygroup@gmail.com to book your place!
History of Weaste Lane Walk
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Grappenhall & Thelwall Royal British Legion, Stockport Rd, Thelwall, Warrington WA4 2TB
Sunday 17 September from 11am to 2pm
Join Thelwall History Group for a fascinating opportunity to learn about Weaste Lane. Booking is essential by Friday 15 September– contact thelwallhistorygroup@gmail.com to book your place!
Hatton Show: Daresbury Creativity Unleashed
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Next to All Saints Church, Daresbury Lane, Daresbury, WA4 4AE
Saturday 9 September from 1.30pm – 5.30pm
Founded in the 1890s the Hatton Show is an exhibition of home and garden skills, craftsmanship showcasing the very best of rural traditions. This year the theme is ‘Creativity Unleashed’ including examples from the church's collection as well as pictures of Daresbury Parish from private homes, pictures by local artists, the Moore Art Group, exhibits from Moore Camera Club, stained glass from Hatton phone box, and examples of canal art from Heatherfield Heritage at Preston Brook Wharf.
Entrance charge £5 for adults, £2.50 for children and concessions at £4. Family ticket for 2 adults and 1-3 children costs £12. Or become a member at £4.50 for adults and £2 for children.
From Elizabethan Manor House to Research Hub
Meet at Lymm Heritage Centre, Legh Street, Lymm, Cheshire, WA13 0DA
Thursday 14 September - tours at 3pm and 5pm. Booking essential.
An illustrated talk on the history of Lymm Hall at Lymm Heritage Centre, followed by a site visit to the Elizabethan Hall to learn about Ecospheric's case study to find solutions for sensitive low energy retrofit for historic buildings, and their landscape project to restore Edward Kemp's original design.
To book a place visit https://forms.gle/NkESBYqxdmAdxsWR7 or alternatively call 07540 096282 or email lymmheritagecentre@gmail.com
Artisanal Baking Demonstration
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Mamars at The Old Bank, 78 Bridge Street, Warrington, WA1 2RF
Tuesday 12 September from 2pm – 4pm, pre-booking preferred.
In support of Heritage Open Days, Mamars are hosting a demonstration and talk on the traditional art of artisanal baking on Tuesday 12 September at 2pm. Watch as they shape and then bake artisanal bread for you to taste!
Call 01925 639645 or email Mamars at mamarsbcd@gmail.com
Vault visits
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Mamars at The Old Bank, 78 Bridge Street, Warrington, WA1 2RF
Friday 8 September from 9am – 4pm
Saturday 9 September from 9am – 4pm
Monday 11 September from 9am – 4pm
Tuesday 12 September from 9am – 4pm
Wednesday 13 September from 9am – 4pm
Thursday 14 September from 9am – 4pm
Friday 15 September from 9am – 4pm
Saturday 16 September from 9am – 4pm
Visit the basement at "The Old Bank", one of Warrington's architectural treasures, and see many aspects included in the building's Grade II listing, including the original Martin's Bank night safe, money lift and bank vault! NB Access to the vault possible during opening hours only. A member of staff may not always be available to accompany you.
Museum of Policing in Cheshire Open Day
Arpley Street Police Station, Arpley Street, Warrington WA1 1LQ
Saturday 16 September from 10am – 4pm
A free day out for all the family with museum tours available and armed response and other police vehicles on display… as well as demonstrations by the police dog and drone units and performances by the Cheshire police band.
New Art Spaces: Little Nell and Clobber Clinic
New Art Spaces (former M&S building), Sankey Street, Warrington
Saturday 16 September from 12pm – 4pm
Sunday 17 September from 12pm – 4pm
As part of Heritage Open Days in Warrington, Little Nell is throwing the doors open of the New Art Spaces in the former M&S building for a sustainable sale of upcycled reworked artwear and vintage and thrift alongside the return of the much-loved Pay as you feel ‘Clobber Clinic’ (16+) - for one weekend only.
Bring down that worn out dress that somebody threw out and I’ll help you fix it up and make it fabulous again! Get help with quick fixes like sewing a pocket back on, creatively repairing a hole OR advice and practical help on entire reworks.
Drop in during the afternoon for the stall, for ‘clobber clinic’ bookings, please email littlenellshop@gmail.com
Secrets of the Stained Glass
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Newchurch Parish Church, Church Lane, Culcheth, Warrington, WA3 5ET
Saturday 16 September from 2pm – 3pm
Join Heritage & Archives Officer Philip Jeffs as he explores the hidden meaning and symbolism in the stained-glass windows of Newchurch Parish Church in Culcheth. Refreshments will be on sale on the day.
Padgate and Fearnhead in Old Photos
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Padgate Library, Fearnhead Cross, Insall Road, Padgate, Warrington, Cheshire, WA2 0HD
Saturday 9 September from 10.30am -12.30pm
Look back at the amazing history of Padgate and Fearnhead through historic photographs. Learn about Padgate RAF camp where Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones was once stationed and find out the origin of local place names. Also take the opportunity to find out more about Padgate and Fearnhead Memories Group and maybe even get involved in local heritage.
Experience fishing
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Pickering’s Bridge, Anglers’ Car Park, Thelwall, Warrington
Sunday 17 September from 2pm – 5pm
Experience Fishing with Warrington Anglers. For adults and supervised children under 18. Just turn up, equipment supplied.
NWCC Classic Car Show – Veterans and Heroes
RAF Burtonwood Heritage Centre, Gulliver's World, Shackleton Close, Old Hall, Warrington WA5 9YZ
Sunday 10 September from 9.30am – 4pm
Car enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Northwest’s leading classic vehicle club will be showcasing more than 250 classic vehicles from across all eras at RAF Burtonwood Heritage Centre including cars buses, motorcycles, emergency vehicles and even some military vehicles.
St John the Evangelist's Church in Walton Open Day
St. John the Evangelist's Church, Old Chester Road, Higher Walton, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 6TQ
Saturday 9 September from 10am – 4pm
Located in the conservation village of Walton in Warrington and described as a mini-cathedral, St John the Evangelist is a gothic revival church built of Cheshire sandstone with richly carved oak fittings, originally built for the estate workers of Sir Gilbert Greenall, Baronet.
St. Mary's Church Great Sankey: Open Days
Liverpool Rd, Great Sankey, Warrington WA5 1RE
Saturday 9 September from 10am – 12pm
Sunday 10 September from 10am - 2pm
Visit our 18th century grade II listed church building and learn more about this place of worship and its people over the years. A wonderful mix of old and new elements, the building underwent a major restoration in 2008. Come and see our slideshows of our stained-glass windows, former Vicars of the parish, and old photos of the church and the churchyard. Plus, an excellent collection of photos containing more recent events at the church.
Thelwall art, heritage crafts & traditions
Thelwall Parish Hall, Thelwall, Warrington WA4 2SX
Saturday 9 September from 10am – 5pm
Let’s celebrate the art, heritage, crafts and traditions of Thelwall! Featuring the Thelwall Festival Art Gallery, the North Cheshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers & Dyers, Fishing & Farming, the Thelwall Rose Queen, the Thelwall Morris Men and Chaigeley School 75th Anniversary. Refreshments available all day!
A historical ecclesiastical collection and local archaeological finds
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St. Oswald's Church, Golborne Road, Winwick, Warrington, WA2 8SZ
Saturday 9 September from 11am – 4pm
Sunday 10 September from 11am – 4pm
Join us at St Oswald’s Church to discover ecclesiastical and archaeological artefacts from the Winwick area, along with documents and photographs linking Winwick with the Titanic disaster. Three local authors will be on hand with books for sale and there will be a display of artwork by local children.
Walton Hall Open Day
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Walton Hall, Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, Warrington, WA4 6SN
Sunday 10 September from 11am – 4pm
Walton Hall will be open from 11am - 4pm so that visitors can look around the Hall and visit an exhibition showing the history of the Hall & Gardens. Volunteers will be on-hand to answer any questions. Activity packs will be available for children. Visitors can either wander around the Hall, on their own, or volunteers will be on hand to take them on a guided tour - pre booking not required.
Creative Crafternoons at the Museum
Central Library, Museum & Library, Bold Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1JG
Saturday 9 September from 1pm – 3pm
Saturday 16 September from 1pm – 3pm
Get creative with free craft activities for children at Warrington Museum & Art Gallery. between 1pm and 3pm every Saturday during Heritage Open Days with a new and exciting theme every session. Last admission is 2.45pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult, recommended age 3yrs+. Booking is not required.
Cultural Quarter Heritage Trail
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Central Library, Museum & Library, Bold Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1JG
Friday 8 September: Meet at the Central Library at 11am, no booking required.
Join us for a heritage walk around Warrington's Cultural Quarter and learn about local history. What are the stories behind some of Warrington's iconic buildings? What is missing from the front of the Museum & Library? Whose initials are near the door to the School of Art? What symbols are carved into the exterior of the County Court and the Warrington Club? What is the significance of the pillars either side of the entrance to the Masonic Hall? Where do the Cairo Street Chapel gates come from? There will be refreshments afterwards and our Heritage & Archives Officer will be available to answer your questions.
Mystery of the Willow Skeletons
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Warrington Museum & Art Gallery, Bold Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1JG
Friday 8 September from 10am – 4.30pm
Saturday 9 September from 10am – 4pm
Sunday 10 September from 11am – 3pm
Wednesday 13 September from 10am – 4.30pm
Thursday 14 September from 10am – 4.30pm
Friday 15 September from 10am – 4.30pm
Saturday 16 September from 10am – 4pm
Sunday 17 September from 11am – 3pm
A small display featuring willow sculptures created by young people at Warrington Youth Zone, who took inspiration from the story of the mysterious three skeletons discovered on the Youth Zone site!
Thelwall Morris Men 50th Anniversary
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Warrington Museum & Art Gallery, Bold Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1JG
Friday 8 September from 10am – 4.30pm
Saturday 9 September from 10am – 4pm
Sunday 10 September from 11am – 3pm
Wednesday 13 September from 10am – 4.30pm
Thursday 14 September from 10am – 4.30pm
Friday 15 September from 10am – 4.30pm
Saturday 16 September from 10am – 4pm
Sunday 17 September from 11am – 3pm
This small display marks 50 years since the Thelwall Morris Men - Warrington's famous Morris Men side - were formed in 1973. The display features photos, kit and awards including the fabled "Silver Shoes".
Warrington Museum of Freemasonry
15 Winmarleigh St, Warrington WA1 1NB
Saturday 9 September from 9.30am – 3.30pm
Visit the newly extended Museum, with tours of the Masonic rooms and new exhibitions Warrington's creative Freemasons, the building of the Masonic Hall and 300yrs of Anderson's Constitutions. Join us for refreshments in the bar area. Tea, coffee, biscuits, and cake.
Warrington Transporter Bridge: Guided Walks of Warrington Transporter Bridge
Meet at Dunkys Day Nursery, 47 Old Liverpool Road, Warrington, Cheshire, WA5 1AF
Saturday 9 September: 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm, 4pm
Sunday 17 September: 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm, 4pm
Visit Warrington’s best kept secret – the world's only rail transporter bridge. This Grade II* listed building crosses the river Mersey, tucked away behind Warrington Bank Quay station on the West Coast Mainline.
Pre-booking essential see http://www.warringtontransporterbridge.co.uk/ for details.
Warrington Town Hall
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Warrington Town Hall, Sankey Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 9SD
Saturday 16 September from 10am – 4pm
Free tours of the town hall at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm
Warrington is a place that is steeped in history and there’s so much to discover in Warrington’s most iconic building. Meet the Mayor and discover its fascinating history as a family home! Everyone is welcome, so come and find out more about this beautiful Georgian building and sample the delicious home-made cakes on sale in the Tea Room. There will be 4 guided tours of the building over the course of the day which will be free of charge and will take around 45 minutes.