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X-WR-CALNAME:Swindon Heritage Preservation
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://swindonheritage.org.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Swindon Heritage Preservation
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260919T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260919T160000
DTSTAMP:20260630T085318Z
CREATED:20260217T141220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T085318Z
UID:7918-1789812000-1789833600@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:Heritage Open Days 2026!
DESCRIPTION:Join us to celebrate Heritage Open Days 2026 on Saturday 19th September in Swindon’s historic Railway Village! The theme this year is “Everyday Histories of Working Lives”. \nWith a range of FREE activities you’re sure to discover and learn about the Village’s past\, present and future all told through our heritage buildings and dedicated volunteers. Witness the sights of local community life and how it’s changed as time has gone by. \nWe will also be presenting “Meet The Smiths” in the Railway Village Museum on Saturday 19th featuring new characters and their stories of what life was like in Swindon in 1901. \n \nThe Cricketers’\nView the newly renovated ground floor at The Cricketers’ Arms\, a Grade II listed building being brought back into community use. Built in 1846\, The Cricketers’ originally operated as a pub and flats from 1859 until its closure in 2015. Join us between 10 AM and 4 PM for display showcasing information about the history of the building and the restoration project currently in progress. \nLocation: The Cricketers’\, 14 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BN | You can view the location on Google Maps here. \n \nThe Bakers’\nOpen between 10 AM and 4 PM\, The Bakers’ Café will be serving cake and refreshments in return for a small donation. Formerly a bakery\, then converted to the Bakers Arms Pub\, the building was restored by Swindon Heritage Preservation and now operates as a cosy community space. We will also be opening our Archive Room within The Bakers’ where you will be able to view some highlights of our unique archive collection. \nLocation: The Bakers’\, 16 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BN | You can view the location on Google Maps here. \n \nThe Railway Village Museum\nJoin us at The Railway Village Museum on Saturday 19th to step back in time at the cottage to discover Victorian traditions and witness the sights\, sounds and smells of local community life. Prime Theatre in association with Swindon Heritage Preservation present “Meet The Smiths”. Costumed actors portray what it was like to live and work in the Railway Village in 1901 as a of member of The Smiths family. Places are limited so if you would like to witness this popular event\, please book below. \nPlease Note: Wheelchair ramps are available\, with the ground floor of the Museum being accessible for wheelchairs. However due to tight corridors and narrow doorways some wheelchairs may not be able to enter the corridor. This is also why we ask that pushchairs are not brought inside. The stairs are steep so please take extra care. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us before the event via email: info@mechanics-trust.org.uk \nLocation: The Railway Village Museum\, 34 Faringdon Rd\, Swindon SN1 5BJ | You can view the location on Google Maps here. \n \nRailway Village Guided Heritage Walk\nExplore Swindon’s Railway Village with our guided walks starting at 11 AM\, 1 PM and 3 PM\, starting from The Bakers’. Explore the architectural and social history of GWR Park\, the Carriage Works\, the Water Tower\, the Health Hydro and more! Please pre-book to secure your spot on the tour. \nThe route is mostly flat and you will be guided by one of our dedicated volunteers. \nStarting Location: The Bakers’\, 16 Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BN | You can view the location on Google Maps here \n \nCentral Community Centre\nThroughout the day between 10 Am and 4 PM the Central Community Centre will be open  to view our collection of local artist’s paintings around the hall showing the Village’s past!  The Central Community Centre was originally built in 1862 as an Armoury to serve the XI Wiltshire Volunteer Rifle Corps\, before being converted into the GWR Medical Fund Hospital in 1871. \nStarting Location: Central Community Centre\, Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BG | You can view the location on Google Maps here \n  \n\n\nUseful Information\nTransport and Parking\nThe Railway Village is easily accessible by train and bus\, with the Central Bus Station just a short walk away. There are several car parks available around the Railway Village\, but we recommend Bristol Street Car Park for its proximity to the Village. \nOn-site Facilities\n\nRefreshments will be available for a donation from The Bakers’.\nFully accessible toilets are available at The Bakers’\, Central Community Centre & The Cricketers’.  There are no toilets available at the Museum.\nAccessible access varies across our buildings. The Cricketers’ & The Railway Village Museum have partial wheelchair access to the ground floor only. The Bakers’ & Central Community Centre both have full wheelchair access. If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility please contact us before the event via email: info@mechanics-trust.org.uk\nDisabled parking is available on-site\, at the Central Community Centre (SN1 5BG).\nDue to tight corridors and narrow doorways at both The Cricketers’ & The Railway Village Museum\, we ask that pushchairs are not brought inside these buildings.\n\nPrice\nAll tours and entry are completely FREE\, with refreshments available for a donation at The Bakers’. If you would like to support Swindon Heritage Preservation in conserving the precious stories and places that tell Swindon’s story\, you can find ways to support us here.
URL:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/heritage-open-days-2026-2/
LOCATION:Railway Village Museum\, Emlyn Square\, Swindon\, SN1 5BG
CATEGORIES:Community,Heritage,HODs,Museum,Walking Tours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SHP_Logo_Stack_RGB_MED-1.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
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