The Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall) is taking part in Heritage Open Days
Residents and visitors are being invited to explore the district’s most treasured historic attractions for free from 11 to 20 September - as part of Heritage Open Days - England’s largest annual festival of history and culture.
Dover District Council's three heritage venues, the Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall), Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery and the Roman Painted House will be taking part, offering free admission alongside a programme of special events, talks, tours and family activities.
Visitors can explore the recently reopened Maison Dieu, one of Kent's most significant historic buildings, following its award-winning National Lottery-funded restoration. With more than 800 years of history, the building has served as a medieval pilgrim hospital, a Royal Navy victualling yard, a prison and Dover's Town Hall. Throughout Heritage Open Days, visitors can discover fascinating stories from the building's past, enjoy hands-on activities and learn more about the conservation project that brought this landmark back to life.
The Roman Painted House, described as one of the finest Roman houses on display in Britain, will be opening for specially extended hours. Visitors can experience its unique Roman wall paintings and underfloor heating system, offering a rare glimpse into life in Dover nearly 2,000 years ago.
At Dover Museum, visitors can discover the district's rich and colourful past, including the internationally significant Dover Bronze Age Boat, Roman and Anglo-Saxon treasures, cross-Channel swimming memorabilia, wartime displays and the museum's much-loved polar bear, Fred. The popular What People Wore exhibition will also be on display.
As part of this year's programme, special free access will also be available to the Mayor's Parlour within the Maison Dieu on 19 and 20 September. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore this remarkable Victorian suite, designed by renowned architect and designer William Burges, and learn about its recent restoration and new role as holiday accommodation managed by The Landmark Trust.
Additional Heritage Open Days highlights include:
• Queen Elizabeth I's Progress through East Kent - a free illustrated talk at the Maison Dieu by Cressida Williams, Canterbury Cathedral Archives and Library Manager, on 17 September.
• Queen of the Waves: The Story of Gertrude Ederle - a talk by Catherine Holt, Curator at Dover Museum, exploring the life of the first woman to successfully swim the English Channel on 18 September.
• Maison Dieu: Stories of Everyday People - Discover the ordinary, and often extraordinary, stories of the people connected to the Maison Dieu throughout its 800-year history, from medieval pilgrims and workers in the Dover Victualling Yard to Victorian gaol prisoners and campaigners for Votes for Women. Hosted by Maison Dieu volunteer Ambassadors, this will take place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September.
The Heritage Open Days celebrations will also coincide with the Maison Dieu’s End of Project Celebration on Saturday 12 September, marking the culmination of five years of conservation, community engagement and heritage activities. The free, family-friendly event will celebrate the achievements of the project, from the conservation of the building and its collections to community archaeology, music and dance.
Cllr Lynne Wright, Portfolio Holder for Community and Corporate Property, said: "Heritage Open Days are a fantastic opportunity to discover the stories, people and places that have shaped our district through the centuries. We are proud to open the doors of the Maison Dieu, Dover Museum and the Roman Painted House and invite residents and visitors alike to explore our remarkable heritage. Whether you're visiting for the first time or rediscovering a familiar landmark, there is something for everyone to enjoy."
Find out more about Heritage Open Days at www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ where you can search by town, area or venue.
Notes to editors:
- Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall) - open weekdays: 9.30am to 3.30pm, and weekends: 10am to 4pm.
- Roman Painted House - open for specially extended hours for Heritage Open Days from 11 to 20 September, 10am to 4pm.
- Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery – open Monday to Saturday: 9.30am to 5pm, and Sundays: 10am to 3pm.
- Some talks and tours require advance booking.
- The Maison Dieu restoration project was made possible thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery players and project partners.
- There is no wheelchair access to the Mayor’s Parlour, due to the narrowness of the historic door openings which are part of its listed building status. A presentation of photos and information about the Mayor’s Parlour will be available as an alternative for those unable to view it on the day.
- For further information, please see www.facebook.com/DoverHeritageOpenDays; www.maisondieudover.org.uk; www.dovermuseum.co.uk
Posted on 07 September 2026