HERITAGE OPEN DAYS – Across the Fylde from 13th to 16th September

Blackpool from above

Celebrate Blackpool and the Fylde’s rich history.

Each September venues across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast celebrate England’s largest free festival, Heritage Open Days. From Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th September, a range of venues will bring their history and heritage to life with a selection of tours, events and exhibitions. It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the region’s diverse heritage, discover hidden histories and explore unique architectural gems.

This year’s new look Heritage Open Days brochure is packed with even more interesting venues to visit and enjoy. These include old favourites such as Blackpool Tower, Blackpool Masonic Hall and the Grand Theatre as well as new additions such as 1887 Brew Room (formerly The Blue Room and Stanley Arms Hotel), the Salvation Army and Blackpool Victoria Hospital. A series of entertaining and informative talks on Blackpool’s history will include topics such as the infamous Sideshows, Seaside Traditions and the Raikes Hall and Royal Palace Gardens.

The centenary of World War I will also be commemorated with a walking tour on the history and future of Blackpool’s war memorials. With over sixty events for people to enjoy, there is definitely something for everyone at this year’s Heritage Open Days.

Cllr Luke Taylor, Lead Member for Arts on Blackpool Council, said ‘Heritage Open Days is a great opportunity for residents and visitors alike to learn about the history of Blackpool through some of our most interesting buildings which may often go unnoticed. Through the events people can enjoy unique and privileged access to their histories and stories and appreciate the fantastic design of these buildings. Heritage Open Days wouldn’t be possible with the support and dedication of many different organisations, partners, individuals and volunteers who dedicate their time to share their knowledge and passion. I’d like to thank everyone taking part for helping to make this another weekend to remember.’

For more information about the different properties, opening times, booking info, contact details please see the online Heritage Open Day guide: www.blackpoolheritagetours.co.uk

For a full listing of all the Heritage Open Days in Lancashire (and further afield) please visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk

 Below is the list of Blackpool based heritage sites included in the programme. There are more locations hosting tours in Wyre and Fylde
(some require prebooking. check website for details)

Blackpool
1887 Brew Room
All Hallows Church
Bispham Court
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Town Hall
Blackpool Victoria Hospital Tour
Central Mosque
Cinema Heritage Walking Tour
Funny Girls
History and Haunts of Blackpool
Holy Trinity Church
Imperial Hotel
Layton Cemetery
Lightworks Illuminations Depot
Little Marton Windmill
Masonic Hall
North Shore Methodist Church
Old Penny Arcade
Salvation Army
St John the Evangelist Church
St Paul’s North Shore Memory Lane
St Stephen on the Cliffs Church
Stanley Park & Cocker Clock Tower
The Grand Theatre
The Regent Cinema
War Memorials Walking Tour
Whitegate Drive Heritage Walk
Winter Gardens
World Healing Centre

Lytham St Annes
AKS
Fairhaven United Reform Church
Fylde Town Hall
Lytham Heritage Centre
Lytham Windmill and Old Lifeboat House
St Annes-on-Sea Parish Church & Belltower
St Annes-on-Sea Parish Church – World War I & II Memorial Trail
St Paul’s Church Ansdell & Fairhaven

Fleetwood and Wyre
Autumn Birdwatch
Cemetery History Walk
Cleveleys Cottage Exhibition Walking Tour
Emmanuel @ the Mount Church
Euston Park Gardens
Fleetwood Masonic Hall
Fleetwood Museum
Fylde Country Life Museum
Lifeboat Station
The Lower Lighthouse
Marine Hall
The Mount Pavilion
Nautical Heritage Walk
North Euston Hotel
Rossall Point Heritage Walk
Rossall Point Observation Tower
Rossall Point Observation Tower with NCI
St Mary’s Church
St Paul’s Church
Trinity Baptist Church