Hillingdon residents can sink their teeth into an enticing range of free activities from a walking tree trail and classic car rally, to a host of food-themed events for this year’s Heritage Open Days.
Planting tomato plants at Manor Farm for Heritage Open Days
For 2021, the theme for the national event is ‘Edible England’, and food is a key topic for many of the activities, which celebrate local history. An enticing range of council-run events will take place between Friday 10 and Sunday 19 September across Hillingdon and including some of its heritage sites, including:
▫ Manor Farm, Ruislip, on Saturday 11 September
▫ Cranford Park, Harlington, on Sunday 12 September
▫ Uxbridge Library, Uxbridge, on Saturday 18 September
▫ Eastcote House Gardens on Sunday 19 September.
Every September, venues across the borough open their doors to celebrate Hillingdon’s heritage, community and history. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all free.
The broad range of activities ensures there’s something for everyone, including haiku poetry and a tour of an archaeological dig, so you don’t necessarily need to be a historian to enjoy what’s on offer.
Gaze at stunning vintage vehicles during the classic car rally at Eastcote House Gardens on Sunday 19 September, or uncover more of the Uxbridge’s local history at an exhibition at Uxbridge Library on Saturday 18 September.
Under the Edible England theme, on Saturday 11 September between 11am and 3pm discover the role of food and its influence on the local area in talks from local historians at Manor Farm, where you can also plant your own tomato plant and make a sage bookmark. On the same day, residents can also enjoy a ‘foodie walk’ around Hayes.
On Monday 13 September, Yeading Library is the venue for a demonstration of garden recipes from 1pm to 3pm.
Cllr Susan O’Brien, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member Families, Education and Wellbeing, said: “Heritage Open Days are a great way to celebrate and immerse yourself in local history and enjoy some fabulous free events at some of our fantastic locations.
“Food-lovers will find plenty to keep them interested, history buffs will relish the local tours and art and crafts lovers have plenty to keep them occupied, not to mention the ever-popular vintage car rally.”
To see a full list of events and locations, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/heritage-open-days.
