Suffolk
Properties and events in Suffolk
Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.
A Common Thread
The connections of the river to Bungay depicted in a new textile project.
Abbey Hall, Creative Space, Eye, Suffolk
Abbey Hall is set in 10 acres of water meadows on the site of the Benedictine Priory of St Peter which was razed in 1530. The former Abbey Farm Barn was listed at Risk in 1974 but has now been revived into a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy.
Aldeburgh Museum
Housed in the iconic Grade 1 Listed, timber framed, Tudor Moot Hall and home of the Town Council, the museum displays artefacts about the rich and diverse history of Aldeburgh from the Anglo-Saxons to today, through digital and manual displays.
Bawdsey Radar Museum
The first World War 2 operational RADAR station. Visit us to find out more.
Beccles Bell Tower
Discover the historic detached Beccles Bell Tower.
Beccles: the first 500 years, 950 - 1450
Local historian Dr Barry Darch will present an illustrated talk about how Beccles began and developed up to the mid 15th century.
Book Binding from he 15th Century - Fisher Theatre
Bungay's printing heritage from the 1700s is being relived with a hands on demonstration
Book Binding from the 15th Century - Town Hall
Bungay's printing heritage from the 1700's is being relived with a hands on demonstration
Broomhill Pool, Ipswich.
One of just 17 listed lidos in Britain. This "Art Moderne" pool building is one of the most attractive Lido style open-air pools in Britain and has an unrivalled position on the edge of Broomhill Park in Ipswich.
Bungay and the History and Demise of the Railway
Display and history of Bungay's railway. Demonstrations and hands on exhibits
Children's activity Beccles and District Museum
Children's activities will be provided, as well as the usual exhibitions for adults and children to enjoy - and a special exhibition on Toft Monks..
Children's activity: Build Beccles Through the Ages - with Lego
Enjoy using Lego to build part of the history of Beccles
Communicating local history through music
Local musicians spreading history through music. Held in a Saxon. Part of a weekend of Folk Music.
Cotman 4
A delightful stroll along Old Felixstowe's seafront, viewing historic buildings along the way. Visitors should meet at Harvest House and the walk will finish at Cranmer House.
Craft Beccles Through the Ages
A children's activity, using craft materials to explore the history of Beccles
Eye Parish Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
This beautiful Church is one of the grandest in Suffolk, not only on the outside, but also with regards to the treasures within. The great flint-encrusted tower was rebuilt in the second half of the 15th century and took over 40 years to build.
Eye Town Hall Eye Heritage Pop up Museum
The Victorian building is Grade II * listed and is a meeting place for the Council also used as a Wedding and community hire. Paintings & artefacts are on display and a 'pop up' local history museum on Sunday September 8th.
Eye World War II Airfield, home of the 490 Bombardment Group Walks x 3
View the three runways of Eye airfield and see the memorials to the people of the 490th USAAF who gave their life in World War II.
Fairfield School
Generations of Felixstowe residents have been educated as this school, opened towards the end of the nineteenth century. This delightful building combines original features with modern learning facilities.
Felixstowe Ferry Walk
A stroll around the Ferry; a delightful hamlet full of history and seafaring stories. The walk starts and ends at St Nick's Church.
Felixstowe Museum
An award-winning museum houses a comprehensive collection of artefacts and photos related to Felixstowe's history.
Felixstowe Town Hall
An impressive late nineteenth century civic building retaining some original features. Tours and an exhibition of archive material rarely seen are added attractions.
Fore Street Pool
An elegant Victorian design with a fully glazed roof. Officially opened on the 1st March 1894 by the Mayor of Ipswich Samuel Anness. The first year saw over 42,000 people use the facility. The population of Ipswich was only 57,000 at the time.
Gainsborough's House
Gainsborough's House is looking forward to welcoming visitors free of charge for Heritage Open Days 2024. Come and join us on Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September to explore all we have to offer in the traditional house and new galleries.
Guided Tours of Ipswich Regent Theatre
Bookable free guided tours will lead you behind the curtain of East Anglia's largest theatre and see parts of the building not normally open to the public. Tours are limited to 20 people, and tickets must be booked in advance.
Guided Tours of Ipswich Town Hall, Mayor's Parlour and Corn Exchange
Fifty minute guided tours around Ipswich Town Hall, The Mayor's Parlour and the Corn Exchange.
Harvest House
An iconic 1903 architectural gem on the Felixstowe cliffs which features plenty of original Edwardian features and a delightful garden.
Heritage Skills Market
A day of learning about and experiencing a range of heritage skills, delivered my local traders.
Historical Importance of the River Waveney to Bungay
Bungay, known as Little London in the late 1800s, was a major trader and textile producer. The river gradually became un-navigable which led to loss of trade for Bungay. There will be displays, talks and 'hands on' exhibits.
How far would you travel for your faith?
We are creating a map, based on the first edition of the OS 1” to show how far people had to travel to worship at the oldest Independent Chapel in the county, as there was nowhere else for them to go. We are using our Baptism Records dated 1706-1835,
Hungate Church (Beccles Methodist and United Reformed Church)
An opportunity to see the interior of historic Hungate Church (Methodist and United Reformed), find out about its long history and see some artefacts connected with it.
Imogen Holst House: 9 Church Walk
A special opening of the Aldeburgh home of composer, conductor, and educator Imogen Holst. It is open for timed slot entry to explore her one-bed bungalow which is a fascinating mid-century capsule designed and built by HT ‘Jim’ Cadbury-Brown.
Ipswich 100
September 2024 is the centenary of Ipswich County Library. During the Heritage Open Days you will be able to view an exhibition curated by Suffolk Libraries and Suffolk Archives and take part in our Stone Seeking Quest.
Ipswich Citadel Salvation Army celebrate 140 years
A warm invitation to explore the past and present life of our Corps (church) as we celebrate 140 years of the Salvation Army in Ipswich.
Ipswich Institute Reading Room and Library
Have you ever walked past the blue door hidden on Tavern Street in Ipswich and wondered what was behind it? Now is your chance! We will be opening our buildings to non-members to explore the Ipswich Institute, local history and heritage.
Ipswich Magistrates Court
Open day for the general public - with mock sentencing exercises, opportunities to speak to Magistrates and representatives of other agencies involved in the criminal justice system and behind the scenes tours of the court cells.
Ipswich Maritime Trust on board Sailing Barge Victor
Come on board the iconic Sailing Barge Victor, meet members of the Ipswich Maritime Trust, and discover more about our maritime heritage.
Ipswich School Heritage Open Morning
Ipswich School will be opening its doors for a fascinating tour of the school’s long history on Saturday 7 September, as part of Heritage Open Days 2024.
Landguard Fort
A Grade 1 listed building with a rich military and maritime heritage.
Let the bells ring out for Stowmarket
A wonderful peal of 10 bells, refurbished, augmented and hung on a new metal frame in 2023. Experience the sound of the bells from within the tower, watch the bells ringing at close hand and find out what goes on behind the scenes.
Little Hall Heritage Open Day
Free entry to Little Hall Lavenham, a historic building holding an important collection at the heart of a medieval village.
Lowestoft Arts Centre
Lowestoft Arts Centre is non for profit art centre run by volunteers and has gallery manned by volunteers who have art works for sale. There are studios attached with three artists.
Lowestoft Maritime Museum
A celebration of the area's rich maritime heritage. Enjoy extensive displays and much more in this ingeniously laid-out museum.
Lowestoft Seafest 2024
Lowestoft Seafest taking place this September
Martello P
This fortification, built in the early nineteenth century, is one of the few which remain along the east coast.
Meet the Tudors at Christchurch Mansion
Meet the Withypolls at Christchurch Mansion 1100–1600 Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th Find out how the Tudors lived at the Mansion with a costumed guide from The Friends of the Ipswich Museums. Will Queen Elizabeth I be visiting?
Norman Tower, St Edmundsbury Cathedral
Visitors will be able to enjoy a brief history of the Norman Tower, find out information about the bells in the Tower and hear about the art of bellringing. This will include a demonstration of bellringing. There are timed visits lasting 45 minutes
Radio Caroline and Felixstowe and Offshore Radio
Felixstowe and Offshore Radio will have a display of mainly local archive photos, material and memorabilia focused on Radio Caroline and its local links.
Smock Mill
A welcome return for one of the iconic buildings in Walton, near Felixstowe. This is a rare example of this type of mill in East Anglia. Visitors will learn about the history of the mill from the owner.
St Benet's Minster
An opportunity to visit St Benet's Minster, Beccles
St Edmundsbury Cathedral Ancient Library Tour
Come and learn more about our Ancient Library and the books in the Cathedral’s collection.
St John Ambulance - Lowestoft Heritage Centre
Open day at the St John Ambulance HQ in Lowestoft including the Heritage Room: equipment and vehicles, past and present, will be on display.
St Margaret's Church, Ipswich
For over 700 years, St Margaret’s has been at the heart of Ipswich. See our magnificent 15th century roof and our 21st century bellringing gallery. Self-guide with a leaflet (including one for children) and see our exhibit of old prints.
St Peter's by the Waterfront & The Ipswich Charter Hangings
Visit this historic mariner's church which has links to Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, view our heritage displays and the Ipswich Charter Hangings.
Suffolk Archives - Behind the scenes tour of The Hold
A free behind-the-scenes tour showcasing the amazing collections at The Hold, Ipswich.
Suffolk energy-from-waste facility
Join us to learn more about waste in Suffolk, as well as taking a guided tour of the facility which will explain the energy from the waste process from start to finish.
Suffolk Lacemakers - display and demonstration of bobbin lacemaking
Suffolk Lacemakers will be promoting and demonstrating the heritage craft of bobbin lacemaking See lacemakers at work, look at a display of their work and try for yourself at the 'Have A Go' lace pillow
The Bank, Arts Centre Eye Suffolk
Originally built as a Midland Bank. To meet the banking needs of individuals and companies trading in Eye, Suffolk. Later in life, this building was rebranded as a HSBC bank, before closing as a bank serving the town.
The Council Chamber, Beccles Town Hall
The historic Council Chamber inside Beccles Town Hall with an exhibition about the history of the Council
The Dove River Church Eye Suffolk
The Dove River Church, Just off Church Street is an impressive building set back from the road linked to the Dove Hall. This Baptist Chapel was built in 1868.
The Hamilton Gardens House
A fascinating talk and tour around the exterior of this 1860s house in one of the most popular roads in Old Felixstowe. No. 7 Hamilton Gardens has an interesting history and retains external period features.
The Martello Tower U Talk
A fascinating talk about the history of Martellos and the experience of living in one of these iconic buildings.
The Master's House, Ipswich
Master's House is a 16th Century building and the business 'home' of Ipswich Central. It has a blue plaque for Co-operative Movement pioneer William King (1786-1865).
The MCP Chapel
The Felixstowe Ladies' College Chapel has been beautifully renovated by MCP who have graciously allowed access to the public for the first time.
The Old Lloyds Bank Building
A 1929 bank building which has been impressively renovated, retaining original features, was a popular attraction in 2014 so its return to the programme is very welcome.
The Red House, Aldeburgh
A chance to explore Benjamin Britten's life and work at the Aldeburgh home he shared with his life partner, Peter Pears.
The Spa Pavilion
Backstage tours, including practical demonstrations of technical equipment, are offered in Felixstowe's popular theatre.
The Two Sisters Arts Centre
This vibrant Arts Centre is hosting a Living History experience rooted in local people and events in Trimley and the surrounding area.
Unitarian Meeting House - Ipswich
Grade I listed non-conformist Meeting House built in 1699 and still almost as it was then - open access for all. Pulpit in the style of Grinling Gibbons, wig pegs, spy hole, brass chandelier, box pews, and a Grade II Hall to visit next door.
Victoria Post Mill, Eye Suffolk
This post mill was built around 1799 and was used for grinding corn.A post mill is the earliest type of European windmill.The whole body of the mill that houses the machinery is mounted on a single vertical post.
Woodbridge Quay Church
Discover the oldest non-conformist church in Woodbridge. The present building was erected in 1805 with internal changes in 1897 and 2013. Grade II listed.
Woolverstone Hall
Built in 1776, and now home to the prestigious Ipswich High School, the magnificent Woolverstone Hall tells its story of being a family home, a World War II military base and a revolutionary boarding school for underprivileged boys in the 1950s