From Friday 8th to Sunday 17th September 2023, Mole Valley will be celebrating Heritage Open Days by opening the doors of its most fascinating buildings and offering talks on many intriguing, local subjects – all available free of charge.
The theme for this year is ‘Creativity Unwrapped’ and Dorking Halls will be holding the launch event on 8 September. There will be a talk from award-winning artist Mary Branson as she tells all about her art installations, including ‘Harvest’ a huge site-specific installation at Box Hill in collaboration with Surrey Hills Arts and the National Trust, highlighting the plight of farmers facing climate change.
Dorking Museum are hosting a variety of heritage walks including the ‘Historic Pub Walk’ and ‘Betchworth Castle Walk’, providing the chance to stroll through Dorking’s past as told around its many hostelries pubs and inns – both past and present – as well as walk around the picturesque ruins of Betchworth Castle.
Grade II listed property Fetcham Park will also be opening its grounds. The House is one of Surrey’s hidden gems, boasting elaborate plasterwork, decorative gold leaf and breath-taking murals by the eminent 17th-century artist, Louis Laguerre.
There are more than 40 in-person and online events for all ages happening across Mole Valley, including talks, walks, tours and more. All Heritage Open Days events are free of charge. Supported by Mole Valley District Council (MVCDC), the festival is now in its twenty-ninth year.
Councillor Nick Wright, MVDC’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: “The variety of events put on for Heritage Open Days in Mole Valley is a reflection of all the hard work and dedication of the volunteers involved. There are many events that uncover everyone’s creative side and plenty that explores the richness of our local heritage, including some fascinating walking tours around a castle, wetland, graveyard and more.”
Check out our Mole Valley’s Heritage Open Days digital booklet to find out more.