Resident can explore Warminster’s historic buildings for free this September as part of Heritage Open Days, a national festival celebrating history and culture across England.
Seven local sites will open their doors, offering tours and special behind-the-scenes access. Some tours require pre-booking.
The Minster Church of St Denys will welcome visitors on 12th and 19th September at 11am and 12pm. The Minster Church is the oldest in Warminster, with a history dating back to Saxon times.
St John’s Church opens on 13th September from 10am to 4pm. The small Victorian-built church is home to a striking collection of Pre-Raphaelite mosaics, which adorn the walls of the chancel and nave.
The Athenaeum is running a guided tour on 14th September between 2pm and 3pm. Wiltshire’s oldest working theatre, built in 1857, the visit will showcase the Grade II listed building and include a display of archive documents and photos in the gallery.
Warminster Maltings is hosting tours on 18th September at 11am and 2pm, and on Friday 19th September at 11am. The tours will highlight the architecture and history of the Grade II* listed buildings, which date back to the 18th century, and explain how malt is made.
Warminster School is opening its historic buildings for a tour on 18th September from 10.30am to 11.30am. Visitors will see the chapel, the five courts, and the World War II Italian Prisoner of War Pinocchio paintings.
St Lawrence Chapel will be open on 20th September from 10am to 4pm. Guests can explore the chapel’s history, recent improvement projects, Grade I listed organ, stained-glass windows, and its historic 13th-century tower.
Stourhead House is hosting tours on 12th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th and 21st September at 11am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm. Visitors can enjoy special behind-the-scenes access to the house’s hidden attics, basement and cellars.
Some tours require pre-booking. For more information, and to book, visit https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
