England’s largest festival of history and culture, Heritage Open Days, is back between 12th and 21st September. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the festival allows organisations to highlight the history, heritage and culture of places and communities across the country. As part of the festival each year, many National Trust places throw open their gates to give everyone free access on select days. It’s a great opportunity for those who have not visited their local National Trust place before to experience their nature, beauty and history.

Home of Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, Hughenden Manor also has a secret history regarding its role in the Second World War. During the 1940s, Hughenden was the site of a top-secret operation, code-named Hillside. Men and women, both civilian and RAF worked together to create maps of strategic enemy targets. These allowed RAF pilots to be more accurate on their bombing raids, which had a decisive impact on Britain’s war effort.

The work of local artists includes paintings, ceramics and jewellery can be found there for Heritage Open Days. An Art exhibition is in Hughenden’s studybase, led by Buckinghamshire’s Visual Images Group. Whilst outside, waymarked walks around the estate, relaxing pleasure grounds, picnics in the orchard or little ones can burn off some energy in the play area. Look out for the champion Horse Chestnut tree pictured below.

For full information about Hughenden Manor, please check on it’s National Trust website.

Images (c) Hugh Mothersole for National Trust