This year, the Open Days across England will give people the opportunity to see hidden spaces and have new experiences free of charge. The theme for 2022 is Astounding Inventions celebrating creations we can’t live without – and their imaginative inventors.
From over 4,500 events, here are a few which are closest to Leeds:
Mental Health Museum, Fieldhead Hospital, Ouchthorpe Lane, Wakefield The Hospital opened in the 1970s, so to celebrate its first 50 years, visitors can experience the food, music and images of the time and join guided tours and craft activities. There’ll be stories of those who have used the services of the Hospital and those who have worked there.
Huddersfield’s Railways and Canals, St George’s Square, Huddersfield Enthusiasts will take visitors through the town’s transport history, including the buildings and structures left to the town by railway builders. There is also the chance to look at the Broad and Narrow canals and their role in helping Huddersfield prosper. Whilst the walk is along the canal towpath, there are some steps to negotiate.
The Middleton Railway, Moor Road, Hunslet, Leeds For outstanding innovations, the Middleton Railway is the place to be. The first steam locomotives in the entire world to haul loads did so here, in 1812. Well over a century later, in 1932 the Hunslet Engine Company produced Britain’s prototype diesel locomotive, the John Alcock (on display). It was the beginning of the widespread adoption of this type of locomotive. Whilst the visit and talk are free, there will be a charge if you want to ride on the train, too.
Discover Wakefield- a City of Sculpture and Public Art A guided walk with Civic Society President Kevin Trickett MBE will reveal the City’s art and sculpture, statues, monuments and decorative architectural features. Look out and look up and be surprised!
Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days Marketing & Projects Manager: “The festival is just around the corner and it is fantastic to see that our community is putting on a staggering 4,500+ events, with more than 500 focusing on our Astounding Inventions theme. Whether it’s a doorstep discovery, a local curiosity, a world-famous attraction or a one-of-a-kind experience – there really is something for everyone this year”
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery: “The history of the places where we live and work are what shape us and through their support for the festival, our players help people to connect with those places, and each other. Our players have raised over £4.4 million to support the National Trust to date and we’re looking forward to seeing lots of visitors coming together to enjoy shared experiences again this year.”
For further information, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Every one of the HODs events can be found in the online festival directory
Photographs are from events in previous years. Credit Isle of Wight Steam Railway (locomotive) and Chris Lacey (all other images).
