Doors open across Surrey for Heritage Open Days

People are being offered the chance to visit some of Surrey's historic locations, many of which are usually closed to the public.

The Heritage Open Days programme runs from 6 to 15 September, and celebrates its 30th year in 2024.

Churches, theatres, stately homes and even a firm of solicitors are among those taking part.

The theme for 2024's events is routes, networks and connections, with one event looking at the history of the M25 motorway which runs through the county.

That takes place at the Leatherhead Institute on 13 September, in a talk entitled 'M25 - friend or foe?'

Historic vehicles will be on display at the Surrey Vintage Vehicle Society in Reigate, while guided tours of Woking's British Rail electrical control room, which closed in 1997 will be available.

Also in Woking, tours can be booked of the Commonwealth war graves at Brookwood Military Cemetery.

The county's stately and country homes are well represented, with both Polesden Lacey and Leith Hill Place, the childhood home of composer Ralph Vaughn Williams, taking part.

There will also be a chance to explore the secret walled garden of law firm Downs Solicitors in Dorking.

On 14 and 15 September the Watts Gallery and Artists Community near Guildford, founded by the Victorian painter and sculpture George Frederic Watts, will be holding open days.

Also taking part in Heritage Open Days are the Royal Holloway University in Egham, Charterhouse School in Godalming, the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford and Guildford Cathedral and Castle.

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