Visit a church during the Heritage Open Days

Churches across Worcestershire and Dudley are opening their doors either physically or virtually for the Heritage Open Days.

This year’s Heritage Open Days take place between 11 – 20 September and are an opportunity to celebrate our heritage, community and history; exploring hidden places and trying new experiences. The following churches are hosting events for this year’s Heritage Open Days.

Worcester Cathedral

Experience the Cathedral out of hours by candlelight, explore on a torch-light trail, find inspiration through atmospheric music and enjoy a glass of wine in the medieval cloisters. Open 6.15 – 10pm on Saturday 12 September.

St Michael & All Angels, Stoke Prior

Visit to see a display of photographs of the church and the village taken by local people. Open 10am – 5pm from Saturday 12 – Sunday 20 September.

St Mary’s Church, Hanley Castle

Explore the area with numerous discovery trails focussing on the history of the area, the people of the village, the trees and wildlife of the churchyard and the stones that built the church itself. Open 10am – 5pm on Saturday 12 & 19 September and midday – 5pm on Sunday 13 & 20 September.

St Mary’s Church, Hanbury

‘An everyday church in Ambridge’: Visit to learn more about the church’s 65-year friendship with The Archers. Open midday – 4.30pm on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.

St Edmund King and Martyr, Dudley

Visit to view historical displays about the church. A church has stood on this site for over a thousand years, and was rebuilt in 1724 after partial destruction during the English Civil War. Open 11am – 2pm on Saturday 19 September. A virtual tour will also be available from 11 September at: www.dudleyheritageopendays.org.uk or on the parish Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/StMarys1872).

Churches in Redditch

Take a virtual tour of some of the Anglican churches in Redditch. From the ruins of Bordesley Abbey and the site of the original St Stephen’s Chapel follow the church from field to factory, delight in the beauty of St Stephen’s Church and all of the Holy Trinity Redditch team churches. Available on the Holy Trinity Team website (https://www.holytrinityredditch.org.uk/2020/08/30/virtual-heritage-open-day-2020/).

Suckley Church

Take a virtual tour and discover the fascinating story of Suckley Church told through the lives of the people who have worked and worshipped there. Then read about the church’s registered charity SPACE – an initiative to bring new life to the Suckley community by providing 21st century facilities within the church building. Available on Suckley Church’s ‘A Church Near You’ page (https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/18630/)

St John’s Church, Brockmoor

Take a virtual tour of this Grade II listed building, which will highlight some of the items of interest inside and outside of the building. Available on the church’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/St-Johns-Church-Brockmoor-107770709252857/).

St Peter’s Church, Cradley

A series of virtual events on the church website, including a tour of the church and the tower to see the bells in action, a demonstration of the 1933 Compton Pipe Organ, a tour of the churchyard and a chat with the church’s resident bee keeper. Visit the church website for more information: www.stpeterscradley.org.

Christ Church, Quarry Bank

A virtual tour of the church, built in 1845, telling the story of the church and community as seen through the various stained-glass windows and monuments, along with extracts from an archive of photographs. Available on the parish website: www.brierleyhillteam.org.

St Mary, Hurst Hill

Take a virtual tour of this Grade II listed building. The church which was consecrated in 1872, is of brick / stone construction and contains beautiful woodwork particularly in the chancel and sanctuary, some fine examples of stained glass and a painted screen in the north aisle. Available on the parish website: http://smtvhh.infopage.org.uk/

Top Church, Dudley

A virtual tour of the church at the top of Dudley High Street, telling the story which goes back 800 years and links closely to the town and community. Available from 11 September at www.dudleyheritageopendays.org.uk.

Hampton Lovett Church 

View a virtual exhibition imagining the stories that could be told if only ‘these walls could talk’.