Keynsham Heritage Open Days 2026 Booklet - FINAL VERSION

Heritage Open Days

Keynsham

Keynsham Heritage Open Days

11-20 September 2026

ABOUT Welcome to the 2026 Keynsham Heritage Open Days guide! This is a 10-day festival with something for everyone; whether you're an adult, teenager or toddler.

All the activities are completely FREE to explore.

2026 marks the fifth time that cultural venues, businesses and community groups in Keynsham have come together to celebrate England's largest Heritage Festival.

We're showcasing the phenomenal history of our town, from the Romans to the present day. There's something to discover every day.

Check the easy-to-use online directory to find out what’s happening near you. www.heritageopendays.org.uk Fully accessible events and activities are marked with this symbol. Some venues are partially accessible - for more information, use the contact details provided.

Venues providing refreshments (free of charge or for a small donation) are marked with this symbol. High Street cafes and restaurants are open as usual.

Events with free family activities are marked with this symbol - for more information, use the contact details provided.

There is lots going on during Heritage Open Days but .....

Did You Know?

Keynsham Union Workhouse

Built in 1837 following the ‘Poor Law Amendment Act’, providing shelter and support for up to 300 of the area's poorest residents from Keynsham and surrounding parishes. Designed to be largely self-sufficient, inmates were expected to work in exchange for food and accommodation. Renamed Clements House in 1930, the building continued to serve the community until 1948, reflecting over a century of changing approaches to poverty, welfare, and social care.

The Bridges’ Almshouses Founded around 1685 by Sir Thomas Bridges to provide homes for, it is believed, six widows of men hanged after the Monmouth Rebellion. For over 250 years they were maintained by a local charity, despite recurring flooding and increasing structural deterioration. By the late 1940s the buildings had become unfit for habitation, and after the residents were rehoused, the Almshouses were restored in 1959, preserving their historic façade as an important reminder of Keynsham’s charitable and architectural heritage.

Old Manor House This Grade II listed building, believed to date from 1617, is thought to be the oldest surviving house in Keynsham.

Although extensively rebuilt in the mid-19th century in the Tudor Gothic style, it retains elements of its original Tudor porch. Built as a private residence rather than the Manor House, it is believed to have served as the Manorial Court and was later used for magistrates' hearings. During the 19th century it was the home of Henry and Lydia Bush until Henry's death in 1876.

Information and photos kindly provided by Richard Dyson of Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society

AT A GLANCE 1

Discover beautiful gardens in the remains of the medieval abbey.

Abbey Park, BS31 2BT

3

Roman artefacts on display with talk.

Keynsham Library, Market Walk, BS31 1FS

5

Walk in the footsteps of the Wesleys. Keynsham Methodist Church, Charlton Road, BS31 2JA

2

Enjoy tea & cake in an historic industrial setting.

Albert Mill, Dapps Hill, BS31 1UL

4

Walk through Keynsham’s history.

Join a local walking group and discover more about Keynsham, Keynsham Memorial Park, BS31 1HL

6

Discover hidden histories at Keynsham Cemetery.

Durley Hill, BS31 2AJ

AT A GLANCE 7-9

Guided tours of St John’s Church.

Climb the tower, learn more about the church and grounds and hear a bell ringer demonstration. BS31 2BL

11

‘Hidden Heroes’ Community photography exhibition.

Snap & Stroll St John’s Church, BS31 2BL

10

History and architecture of Keynsham Baptist Church.

High Street, BS31 1DS

12

Historical talk on Keynsham from 1945 to 2020. Make Space, Riverside Terrace, BS31 1HE

13

A further delve into the Roman remains at Keynsham Cemetery The Space, BS31 1HA

Some events will require prebooking; scan here for more information and booking details or go to www.heritageopendays.org.uk

6 7-9 & 11 1 5

10

3

13

12

4

Pick up the Discovery Trail from Keynsham Town Council Offices (15-17 Temple Street) any day Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4.00pm.

2

EVENT TIMINGS

1. Keynsham Abbey Open Days Date and time:

12 & 19 Sept, 2pm-5pm

Location:

Keynsham Abbey, Abbey Park, BS31 2BT what3words: ///locate.snail.timing

Organiser:

Keynsham Abbey Working Group

About: Visit Keynsham Abbey remains. Meet a Saxon on 12 Sept and learn about his life. Hear a talk on 19 Sept at 2.30pm to learn more about the Norman Abbey.

There is a trail for younger children, a scale model of the Abbey, displays of carved stone, a tile game, and our medieval gardens.

Suitable for: Everyone is welcome. Guided talk is aimed at adults.

2. Albert Mill Heritage Weekend Date and time: 12 & 13 Sept, 10am-4pm Location:

Albert Mill, Dapps Hill, BS31 1UL what3words: ///bared.placed.rams

Organiser:

Albert Mill Management Company

About: This is a unique opportunity to wander around this stunning mill dating back to the 1700s. The main Mill room has original machinery in situ. There will be residents on site with a wealth of knowledge to answer your questions.

Beautiful sunny gardens with a water wheel make the perfect place to relax and have a cup of tea and cake!

Suitable for: Everyone is welcome. This is an old building, with steps and uneven ground. Pre-booking not required. Not wheelchair accessible.

3. Roman Artefacts Date and time:

12 Sept, 11am-12pm

Location:

Keynsham Library, Market Walk, BS31 1FS what3words:///letter.other.cattle

Organiser:

Keynsham Library

About: Explore a unique collection of Roman artefacts uncovered right here in Keynsham during the development of the Somerdale Estate.

Enjoy a hands-on experience with these fascinating objects and learn about their uses in Roman times.

Join us for a free interactive session where you will be guided back in time to explore daily life in Roman Britain.

Suitable for: Everyone is welcome. Pre-booking required via www.heritageopendays.org.uk or scan the QR code.

4. Guided Walk through the History of Keynsham Date and time:

11 Sept, 6pm

Location:

Keynsham Memorial Park Bandstand what3words:///took.clues.sank

Organiser:

Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society

About: Join Richard Dyson of Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society and Keynsham Walkers are Welcome for a guided walk around Keynsham looking at the buildings and changes over the years. Covering Dapps Hill, Temple Street and the High Street ending at the Parish Church. Approximately 1 mile, all on pavements and lasting about 1½ hours.

Suitable for: Everyone is welcome. Pre-booking not required.

5. Keynsham Methodism - In the Footsteps of the Wesleys Date and time:

14, 16 & 17 Sept, 10am-12pm

Location:

Keynsham Methodist Church, Charlton Road what3words:///slam.frame.daisy

Organiser:

Keynsham Methodist Church

About: Explore, see and listen to the history of Methodism from the 1700s to today.

Our Curators will introduce you to the story of how John and Charles Wesley, and Methodists since, have influenced the growth and development of life in Keynsham.

Take in the church's beautiful original features, enjoy an organ recital daily at 11am, and browse a display of archive photographs.

Suitable for: Everyone is welcome. Pre-booking not required.

6. Hidden Histories at Keynsham Cemetery Date and time:

19 Sept, 10am-2pm

Location:

Durley Hill Cemetery, Durley Hill, BS31 2AJ what3words: ///frosted.plot.enjoy

Organiser:

Keynsham Town Council

About: Keynsham Cemetery is a peaceful Victorian burial ground and the location of a major Roman archaeological site. Discover the unusual listed Chapel and read our information boards.

Suitable for: Everyone is welcome. Pre-booking not required.

7. St John’s Church: Tower Tours and Photo Opportunity Date and time:

12 Sept 10am, 11.15am, 2pm & 3.15pm

Location:

St John’s Church, 1 The Park, BS31 2BL what3words: ///bugs.sugar.stuck

Organiser:

St John’s Church Keynsham

About: This tour will climb the 50 steps to the Ringing Room and hear about the bells and the clock, and see a bell being rung. Then for those who wish, climb the further 50 steps to the top of the tower to take in the spectacular views of Keynsham and its surrounding area. Limited to 12 per tour, book early.

Suitable for: Please see website for accessibility restrictions.

Pre-booking required via email: towertours@yahoo.com If this event is popular, an additional date of 19 Sept will be announced via social media.

8. St John’s Church: Tower & Bellringer Demonstration Date and time:

17 Sept 7.30pm, 8pm & 8.30pm

Location:

St John’s Church, 1 The Park, BS31 2BL what3words: ///bugs.sugar.stuck

Organiser:

St John’s Church Keynsham

About: This tour will be for those who wish to see and hear six of the bells being rung on a normal practice night. This tour will climb the 50 steps to the Ringing Room for a brief talk on the tower, bells and clock, plus a demonstration of six of the bells being rung by our local band of ringers. Limited to 8 per tour, book early.

Suitable for: Please see website for accessibility restrictions.

Pre-booking required via email: towertours@yahoo.com

9. St John’s Church: Guided Tour of Church & Grounds Date and time:

12 Sept 2pm

Location:

St John’s Church, 1 The Park, BS31 2BL what3words: ///bugs.sugar.stuck

Organiser:

St John’s Church Keynsham

About: Join our friendly volunteer guides for a fascinating tour of the historic St John's Church and its picturesque grounds, where you'll discover centuries of local history, explore the church's remarkable architecture, and hear captivating stories.

Suitable for: Everyone is welcome. Pre-booking not required.

10. Baptist Church: History and Architecture Date and time:

19 Sept, 10am - 1pm

Location:

High Street, BS31 1DS what3words: ///parade.monks.goats

Organiser:

Keynsham Baptist Church

About: Enjoy a display of old photographs and artefacts. There will be the opportunity to ascend into the balcony and descend into the underfloor Baptistry.

Refreshments will also be available.

Suitable for: Everyone is welcome. Pre-booking not required.

11. Hidden Heroes Photography Exhibition Date and time:

11-18 Sept, (not Sundays) 10am-1pm

Location:

St John’s Church, 1 The Park, BS31 2BL what3words: ///bugs.sugar.stuck

Organiser:

Snap & Stroll Photography Group

About: Community Photography Exhibition showcasing people and places past and present, focusing on local life, heritage, and community contributors. Includes historical buildings, modern community figures, and “unsung heroes”.

Interactive display concept using mapped locations and stories.

Suitable for: Everyone is welcome. Pre-booking not required.

12. History of Keynsham 1945-2020 Date and time:

15 Sept, 7.30pm

Location:

MakeSpace Riverside Terrace BS31 1HF what3words:///pots.length.grass

Organiser:

Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society

About: Come and hear about Keynsham from 1945 to 2020. Richard Dyson from Keynsham and Saltford Local History Society will deliver a 60 minute talk that will take you on an illustrated journey through the changes Keynsham has seen over those 75 years, bringing the community together to celebrate the moments that shaped our town from 1945 to 2020.

Suitable for: Everyone is welcome. Pre-booking required via www.heritageopendays.org.uk or scan the QR code.

13. Latest Roman Discoveries at the Keynsham Cemetery Date and time: 19 Sept, 7pm Location:

The Space, BS31 1HA what3words: ///sums.create.hunter

Organiser:

Keynsham Town Council

About: Keynsham Cemetery is a peaceful Victorian burial ground and the location of a major Roman archaeological site. The accepted view is that most of the Roman villa has been lost beneath later burials and that little more could be learned about this important site. Be prepared to think differently as you hear about the villa's discovery in 1877, the excavations of the 1920s and archaeological work this century, including the significant discovery this year of a previously unknown section of the villa.

Listen to talks delivered by Zofia Matyjaszkiewicz from Bath and North East Somerset Heritage Services, Harry Whittaker from Bath Conservation Architects, Shaun Wilson from Bath & Counties Archaeology Society and Alan Jenner from Keynsham Town Council.

Suitable for: Everyone is welcome. Pre-booking required via www.heritageopendays.org.uk or scan the QR code.

Special thanks to local groups and venues who have worked hard to make this event possible.

St John’s Church Bristol History & Archaeological Society Albert Mill Management Company Keynsham Methodist Church Keynsham Baptist Church Keynsham Cemetery Chapel Keynsham Library Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society Snap & Stroll Photography Group Bath Conservation Architects Ltd Bath & Counties Archaeology Society Bath and North East Somerset Heritage Services

Keynsham Town Council 15-17 Temple Street Keynsham Bristol BS31 1HF

#HODs

admin@keynsham-tc.gov.uk 0117 986 8683

Keynsham-tc.gov.uk

Keynsham Town Council

www.heritageopendays.org.uk

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