Bunker's Generator House opens to public for the first time for heritage festival
Tuesday 27 August 2024: Go on a scavenger hunt in Cranford Park or explore a part of the Battle of Britain Bunker never previously opened to the public, as historic venues across Hillingdon open their doors to celebrate Heritage Open Days 2024.
Hillingdon residents and visitors can enjoy a range of free events at venues, including Manor Farm, Cranford Park, Eastcote House Gardens and the Battle of Britain Bunker.
For fans of military history, a must-see is the Generator House at the Battle of Britain Bunker Exhibition and Visitor Centre in Uxbridge, which will be open to the public for the very first time on Sunday 22 September.
The building provided power to the bunker during the Second World War and visitors will have the opportunity to get up close to its authentic 1930s standby generator and other equipment, which all remains very much as it was when the house was part the RAF Uxbridge site.
For something more outdoorsy, or a great day out for families with children, a special scavenger hunt will take place at Cranford Park on Saturday 7 September, from midday to 4pm.
Explore the park to collect stamps, answer questions and complete mini games. No booking is required, simply collect game sheets and maps from the Stable Courtyard.
Elsewhere in the borough, visitors to Manor Farm in Ruislip can uncover the nature and history of the River Pinn though several events at Manor Farm House on Sunday 8 September, beginning with a nature walk along its banks from 11am.
Later, historian Sam Brummage will give a talk on the river's past at 2pm and young people can enjoy some pond dipping from 1pm to 3pm.
Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, said: "We are proud of Hillingdon's heritage and delighted to offer a wide range of events and activities to highlight and celebrate it.
"Heritage Open Day is a great opportunity to discover the hidden gems and stories of the borough and to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our historic venues."
Further Heritage Open Days events in Hillingdon are taking place at the Great Barn in Harmondsworth and Eastcote House Gardens on 14 and 15 September, respectively.
Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations and takes place every September.
Communities come together to celebrate their heritage and history and witness the past being brought to life by discovering hidden places and new experiences.
To find out more, visit discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/heritage-open-days.
