Retford Heritage Open Day 2026

Several historic buildings in Retford not usually open to the public will once again be welcoming residents and visitors to the town as part of Retford Heritage Day on Saturday 12th September.

Take the opportunity to explore Trinity Hospital, Sloswicke’s Almshouses on Churchgate and Retford Masonic Hall, all of which will be open for free tours throughout the day. There is no need to book in advance, simply turn up from 10am onwards.

A number of other venues will also be taking part, including the Majestic Theatre, Denman Library, Bassetlaw Museum, Retford Arts Hub, Grove Street Methodist Church, St Swithun’s, St Michael’s Churches and St Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Further details of the day can be found on the Retford Heritage Open Day Facebook Page and are listed in the leaflet available from the Retford Civic Society information stall on Carolgate on 12th September.

Great Day for Retford Heritage!

Heritage Open Day on Saturday 12 September was a great community event- possibly one of our best.

RCS, working in close partnership with the Museum and the Library, brought together exciting new exhibitions, talks and music on the theme of “Everyday Lives”. Every participating venue pulled out all the stops to welcome in and inform the public, and were pleasantly surprised by the numbers that turned up. A visit by, and Q&A session at Bassetlaw Museum, with a past pupil of King Edward’s School, actor Philip Jackson, brought a touch of the show business world to our town.Thanks to all our enthusiastic RCS volunteers on our stall in Carolgate, both the event and the society were promoted with visitors from near and far.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY

Actor Philip Jackson, known for roles in Poirot and  Sherwood among others, was welcomed by RCS Chairman Derek Turner, the curator of Bassetlaw Museum Mike Galer and Kasia Wosiak, who arranged his visit.

The town was alive with the sound of music as Harworth Brass Band entertained shoppers in Carolgate with a great selection of tunes

and Rattlejag Morris danced for their delight.

The Majestic Theatre offered tours which took visitors round the whole building, including backstage. Musicians and singers on stage brought the theatre fully to life

St Joseph’s Catholic Church was open for their first Heritage Day outing and put on a very interesting display. Some visitors remembered the church being built!