Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all free.
West Berkshire Museum
Meet members from the Kennet Valley Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, explore the attic of the historic Cloth Hall and do o a self-guided tour of the attic and to help you better understand its unique history.
West Berkshire Museum | Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 September | 10.30am - 3pm | Free, drop-in
Shaw House
Join us in the Great Hall for introductory talks about the history of the House throughout the day (no need to book) and then explore the House, exhibition rooms and our historic costume exhibition ‘Dressed for Shaw’ and the English Civil War arms and armoury exhibition ‘Dressed for Battle’.
The bake house viewings are free but must be pre-booked online and spaces will be limited.
Shaw House | Sunday 8 & Sunday 15 September | 10.30am - 3pm | Free, drop-in
Ancient Egyptian art is instantly recognisable and a famous characteristic of this enthralling civilisation. This talk by Beth Asbury is an overview of 2D and 3D art, tomb, temple, and domestic architecture. Come along to find out more about a statue that influenced Henry Moore and the second largest religious complex in the world. Learn to tell the difference between a naophorous and a stelophorous statue, as well as raised and sunken relief and where to find it.
West Berkshire Museum | Wednesday 18 September | 7pm | £5
 Altered States - The Orangery Lawn at Shaw House has been transformed into an open-air sculpture exhibition where you can discover artworks by acclaimed sculptors in the grounds of this lovely historic setting.
All works on display will be available for purchase.
For more information about the exhibiting artists please visit www.alteredstatessculptures.co.uk
Shaw House | Open until Sunday 29 September | 11am – 4pm | Free
 We invite you to join us in the historic grounds of Shaw House to enjoy a healing sound bath with instructor Veronika.
This will be an outdoor event, lasting approximately 1.5hrs, so please bring with you a yoga mat and warm, comfortable clothes. Should there be poor weather conditions the class will be moved indoors.
Shaw House | Sunday 6 October | 1pm – 2.30pm | £5
 Buddhist nun Gen Nyingpo will explain methods to respond to life’s challenges with a peaceful, positive attitude enabling our ordinary problems and difficulties to fall away.
Training in meditation is an effective way to increase our mental freedom. During this event we will explore methods to face life with clarity, inner strength, and profound peace.
Shaw House | Thursday 10 October | 7.30-8.45pm | £10
With over 40 wedding suppliers under one roof - this is the perfect way to plan for your big day and will suit couples marrying at any location in and around the Berkshire area.
Organised by Berkshire Wedding Fairs.
Shaw House | Sunday 13 October 2024 | 11am – 3pm | Free entry
Join us to commemorate the 380th anniversary of the Second Battle of Newbury at Shaw House, which became an integral part of the Royalists defensive position during the battle on Sunday 27th October 1644.
Bringing history to life, Dr. Christopher Scott will explore the campaign and battle that saw the Royalist army defending northern Newbury against the combined Parliamentarian forces of Essex, Waller and Manchester. And where the first Civil War could so easily have been brought to a dramatic early end with the capture of the King.
Shaw House | Friday 25 October | £5 | Audio Tours & Private View from 6pm, Talk 7pm
 Oldilocks finds a teddy bear in the park and remembers a delicious bowl of porridge she tasted years ago in the woods. Something else happened but she can’t quite remember what, so she sets off for another adventure followed by a scruffy old pigeon. Will she find the bears house and what will happen then?
Shaw House | Monday 28 October | 11am | Adults £10 Child £7 (under 2yrs free with a paying group).
 Dracula and his friends try to bring out the monster in his half human, half vampire grandson in order to keep Mavis from leaving the hotel.
The café will be open serving themed cinema sweets and treats. Feel free to come along in fancy dress!
Shaw House | Tuesday 29 October | Adults £5 Child £3
 Pumpkin Perfection. Using porcelain pens, decorate a ceramic pumpkin hanging decoration. Take home to display as a Halloween decoration.. A free pumpkin themed trail is also available.
Shaw House | Wednesday 30 October | Shaw House | 10am-3pm | £2.50 per child | Drop-in
 Calling all young witches, wizards, and magical creatures.. Join us as we open the doors to our School of Enchantment for one magical night only!
Discover your school house, follow the Dragon Egg Trail through the grounds, create monstrous crafts in the Great Hall and take home your very own Conjuring Licence.
Shaw House | Thursday 31 October | Doors open 6pm. Event: 6.20pm – 8.30pm | £6 per child
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