Churches across Worcestershire and Dudley are opening their doors for this year’s Heritage Open Days with a range of activities for all ages and a chance to discover the story behind our historic churches and the communities they serve.
This year’s Heritage Open Days take place between 12 – 21 September and are an opportunity to celebrate our heritage, community and history; exploring hidden places and trying new experiences. Churches are hosting events which will be completely free to attend.
St Laurence Church, Alvechurch – Saturday 13 September, 11am – 2pm
Visit this Grade II listed church, designed in part by William Butterfield and one of Worcestershire's largest enclosed churchyards. The programme of events will include a video of the recent church tower restoration, portrait competition, the village school choir, children's / adults dancing demonstration, Morris Dancers, vintage cars, as well as Bournville sailing and boating club display, along with children's craft activities, face painting and refreshments.
All Saints Church, Bromsgrove – Saturday 13 September, 10am – 4pm & Sunday 14 September, 2 – 4pm
Another chance to see the material collected for the church’s 150th anniversary. Explore the windows and Bromsgrove Guild features inside the church along with an exhibit about the Bromsgrove button factory. There will be a book stall and refreshments will be available. Find information and pictures about the church building and its history and personalities.
Christ Church, Catshill, Bromsgrove - Saturday 13 September, 10am – 4pm & Sunday 14 September, 11am – 4pm
This 185-year-old Country Church has historic links to the poet A.E. Housman and the scientist Alan Turing. Visit beautiful stained-glass windows and the church’s war graves. Memorial Books will be on display.
St Peter’s Church, Cradley - Saturday 13 September, 10am - 2pm and Sunday 14 September, 11am – 3pm
See inside this church originally built in 1789 as a Non-Conformist Chapel, before the minister converted to the Church of England in 1798. Local History Experts will help visitors trace their Cradley ancestors and a selection of local history books will be available to purchase. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. There will also be a blacksmith demonstrating the art of forging and chainmaking in the churchyard as well as a display of wedding dresses from the last 100 years in the church. At 2.30pm there will be a free concert with the Revd Victoria Barlow playing favourite wedding music on organ and piano.
Top Church, Dudley – Saturday 13 September, 1.30 – 3.30pm
Step into the story of Top Church’s and discover how its striking features reflect the rich cultural and historical backdrop of the community. Kids can embark on an engaging trail to uncover secrets of the building while enjoying fun facts and clues along the way. An immersive digital tour brings the past to life with interactive insights, perfect for curious minds of all ages. Take part in a LEGO architecture challenge and build your own masterpiece inspired by the church’s iconic features! Whether you're a budding designer or just want to have fun, it will be a hands-on celebration of imagination and craftsmanship.
St Edmund’s Church, Dudley – Saturday 13 September, 11am – 2pm
These is lots to see in this church standing on a site over 1,000 years old; partly destroyed in the Civil War and rebuilt in 1724. There will be knowledgeable guides sharing interesting information and refreshments will be served.
Hampton Lovett Church - Saturday 13 September, 10am – 4pm & Sunday 14 September, 10am – 2pm
Celebrating 200 years of the railways, you will see a stunning, working 00 gauge model (built by two local enthusiasts) which reveals Hampton Lovett's railway heritage. Then wander around this Grade I listed church and discover its historic features, including 'mysterious markings' recently discovered in and around the church and a guided tour of the 14th century tower. There will be a photo-quiz for children and a display of Morgan Cars in the area adjacent to the churchyard. Parking, toilets plus light refreshments and a book sale are all available in the nearby Hampton Lovett Parish Rooms.
St Stephen’s Church, Redditch – Saturday 13 September, 10am – 2pm. Church also open Mon 14 – Sat 20 September, 10am – 2pm
Explore St Stephen's church in Redditch and share your story of the church. Climb the tower and see the bells or visit the vestry to see tiles from the original St Stephen's chapel. Explore the stories woven into the building, the bells, and the people.
St Mary’s Church, Ripple - Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September, 10am – 4pm
St Mary's Church, Ripple is the largest medieval church in Worcestershire and is host to one of Britain's finest collections of misericords: 16 intricately carved seats from the 15th century. A rare 1613 "She" bible will be on display (other known copies in Exeter, Salisbury and Durham Cathedrals and Oxford and Cambridge universities). See early Victorian Chamberlain tiles, six bells by John Rudhall from 1807 and a Victorian stained-glass window by Ernest Heasman, a pupil of Kempe.
St Mary, Hanley Castle – Saturday 13 until Sunday 21 September, 2 – 5pm
Enjoy an exhibition illustrating the wonderful creation of the natural world. Explore the story of creation and discover how the architects and builders of the natural world have inspired architecture and the built environment.
Little Malvern Priory - Wednesday 17 September, 2pm – 4.30pm and Saturday 20 September, 10.30 – 4.30pm
The history of the Priory can be traced back to the 12th century when it was established as a small Benedictine community of about fifteen monks under the control of Worcester Cathedral. Bishop Alcock visited in 1480 who was the tutor to Edward V, with his brother the Duke of York, one of the Princes in the Tower. The East window of the Priory portrays Edward V and other members of his family – one of only two portrayals of him.
St John’s Church, Kidderminster – Saturday 20 September, 10.30am – 3pm
A day of music, heritage craft skills and architecture starting with an uplifting Cake and Coffee Concert with the Orchestra of St John. Enjoy homemade cakes and then explore the building and churchyard, learn about the Spire Project to restore Worcestershire's tallest church spire, meet the stonemasons and heritage restoration team and have a go at carving a piece of stone or doing some lime pointing.
St Michael and All Angels, Stoke Prior – Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September, 9am – 6pm
The Church will be open 0900-1800 daily and manned 1000-1600 daily with two local historians and refreshments available. See historical details and plans from the area, artefacts from the local area, and transport hubs as well as discovering the history around the architecture of the building.
