Sheffield Heritage Open Days 2021
If you're interested in history and seeing little known parts of the city then Sheffield Heritage Open Days is the event for you. It's on from 10 to 19 September and is entirely free. It includes free guided walks, tours of fascinating buildings from the grand to the ordinary, online talks, and special events at places that may be more familiar. You can see a full list of what's on in at Sheffield Heritage Open Days online and free booklets will also be available around the city. Heritage Open Days runs across England (largely excepting London which has its own Open House London event on 4-12 September) and so there’s plenty of other places to visit too.
Here are some of the places you can visit in and near Kelham Island and Neepsend. Whilst many are on a 'just turn up' basis there are others that need booking, and they can get booked up fast.
Aizlewood's Mill, Nursery Street
Friday 10 and Tuesday 14 September
Guided tours of this Victorian flour mill that dominates the surrounding area. Bookings by email.
Gardeners Rest, Neepsend Lane, Sheffield. Photo: Anders Hanson
Brewery talk and tasting, Gardener's Rest, Neepsend Lane
Tuesday 14 September
Learn about traditional brewing and get to taste some of the wares too. Bookings by Eventbrite.
Wednesday 15 September
An online talk that goes through a range of over 50 unusual objects made in Sheffield and sent all around the world to adorn dining tables. Booking to be announced
Gardener's Rest Festival of Food and Drink, Neepsend Lane
Throughout
During the Heritage Open Days festival, the Gardeners Rest will be paying homage to Sheffield's traditional, locally-produced food and drink to mark this year's Edible England theme. Just turn up.
Industrial Collection Store Tour, Kelham Island Museum, Alma Street
Wednesday 15 September
This tour gives you the rare chance to visit the collection stores at Kelham Island Museum and get a little bit closer to the fascinating objects that aren’t currently on display.
Holy Trinity Church, Nursery Street
Throughout
Grade 2 listed building erected in 1848 for Wicker district parish. During the flood of 2007, the church was extensively damaged. The congregation is refurbishing to its former glory. Just turn up
Pub Heritage Walk: Kelham Island
Friday 17 September
This event is a short walking tour in the Kelham Island area of Sheffield. It encompasses both aspects of the industrial heritage of the area and of the ‘Beer Capital’ status owned by the City of Sheffield. Bookings by Eventbrite.
Tales of City Centre Music Halls of West Bar
Tuesday 14 and Thursday 16 September
Linear walk exploring the ‘Shaftesbury Avenue’ of Sheffield and the history of local music hall. A walk round the West Bar area, visiting the sites of long gone music halls, circuses and pub singing rooms, with tales of the managers, artistes and clientele of these establishments. Bookings by Eventbrite.
The history of the Gardener's Rest talk with cellar tour, Neepsend Lane
Wednesday 15 September
A chance to learn about the fascinating history of this Victorian pub, plus a rare opportunity to visit the cellars and learn about how real ale is kept. Bookings by Eventbrite.
Zion Graveyard, Attercliffe, Sheffield. Resting place of Mary Anne Rawson. Photo: Anders Hanson
Wardsend Cemetery, Livesey Street, Hillsborough
Sunday 12 and Tuesday 14 September
Join us for " A Wardsend Wander" in our Cemetery next to the River Don. You will hear about producers of agricultural tools and silverware manufacture through market gardening, livestock rearing and brewing, to a world of competitive sports’ achievements. Bookings by Eventbrite.
Zion Graveyard, Lawrence Street/Zion Lane, Attercliffe
Sunday 12 September
Explore a unique historic burial ground and find out about key members of Georgian Attercliffe. You will also see the grave of Kelham Island's very own Mary Anne Rawson. Just turn up.