Heritage Open Days: Five fun places in Greater Manchester to explore at 2022’s events

Dozens of sites across Greater Manchester will be letting in members of the public this September as part of the National Trust’s Heritage Open Days in partnership with the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Many of the sites, which range from historical buildings to industrial centres, are not usually open to the public.

There are 4,500 locations taking part nationally this year, with around 500 following the theme of Astounding Inventions.

Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days Marketing & Projects Manager, said: “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”

All the events are free, but booking may be required.

Here are some of the Open Day events to look out for in Greater Manchester.

Head Gardener’s Tour

Ordsall Hall, Salford

This Grade I listed Tudor manor is inviting guests to take a tour around their two-acre gardens with Ordsall Hall’s head gardener.

Visitors will also be able to learn about gardening inventions, in keeping with the festival’s theme.

The tour takes place on Sunday 11 September, 2-3pm.

Pre-booking is required. More details can be found here.

Salford Road Solar Farm

Salford Road, Bolton

The largest public sector-owned solar farm is inviting guests to take a closer look at solar panels and learn how they work.

Leading the tour will be the Recycle For Greater Manchester Education team, who will also be showing people around the nearby Household Waste Recycling Centre.

This tour takes place on Monday 12 September in two sessions – one at 1-2pm and the other at 6-7pm.

Pre-booking is required. More details can be found here.

Palace Theatre Heritage Open Day Tours

Oxford Street, Manchester

Theatre buffs keen for a sneak-peek backstage will be happy to know that the “The Grand Old Lady of Oxford Street” is also taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days.

Visitors will learn about the history of the building and even get to see the view from the Royal Box.

This tour takes place on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 September, both at 11am.

Pre-booking is required. More details can be found here.

Rubbish to Resource - See your recycling in action

Longley Lane, Sharston

If you’ve ever wondered why we separate our plastics from our glass, and where our recycling goes once it has been collected, you may be interested in this tour of the Materials Recovery Facility.

There will be plenty of activities and a chance to find out how recycling centres operate.

This tour takes place on Friday 9 September 10am-12pm, Wednesday 14 September, 2-4pm and 6-8pm

Pre-booking is required. More details can be found here.

Fairfield Moravian Settlement

29 Fairfield Square, Droylsden

Established in 1725 as a self-sufficient religious community, Fairfield Moravian Settlement is one of Greater Manchester’s true hidden gems.

Almost unchanged since it was built, this site has been used as a filming location, most recently in the BBC hit show Peaky Blinders.

There will be guided tours, refreshments and exhibitions.

This site will be open on Sunday 11 September, 1-5pm, with tours every half hour until 3:30pm.

Pre-booking is preferred. More details can be found here.

More information on the Heritage Open Day events can be found here, where there is also a searchable directory of all the locations involved throughout the country.