Breckland Highlights

The Breckland district is alive with heritage events throughout the festival!

We're delighted to have Dereham Windmill part of the HODs festival again this year after the success of their events in 2023. Dereham Windmill is Grade II listed set in dog friendly grounds that are connected by a number of rural walks in and around the Dereham area, so perfect for a day of exploring. On each of the five floors of the Windmill there are illustrated explanations on what happened in each area, when the mill was in use and full of noise & floor dust!

Dereham’s Rail Links - In War and Peace

Discover how this local railway has served the area for over 175 years through a special Serving in War and Peace display, supported by an illustrated talk and exhibits. Watch heritage trains arrive and depart the station, some scheduled to be steam-hauled. Time it right and you might see the fireman replenish the steam loco tanks from the water crane. For a real insight into railway life of the past, hear from a retired railwayman as he recounts a selection of his reminiscences and anecdotes in an illustrated talk. For the kids, there'll be craft activities, while for older children (and adults!) there is a station trail and a Tea Room quiz to get involved in! No booking required, Sat 7Sep, 10am-3.30pm.

Oxburgh Estate

This is your chance to explore Victorian Gothic interiors, curious collections, peaceful woodland walks and colourful gardens of Oxburgh Hall. Inside, peel back the layers of history as you wander through a house filled with portraits and treasured objects. Especially for Heritage Open Days, you can discover some of Oxburgh’s curious collections not usually on display. Get close to some intriguing objects, and see inside cabinets normally closed shut. Even the gatehouse roof will be open for visitors to enjoy the wonderful views (bookable on the day at the ticket office, limited spaces available). Visitors can enjoy free entry all weekend to the very special estate. No booking required, Sat 7 & Sun 8 Sep, 9.30am-5pm.

Great Ellingham Connected

An inspired local history exhibition aligned with the 2024 Heritage Open Days theme, "Routes - Networks - Connections," will be held at the historic Crown Public House. Highlights include the Great Ellingham Inclosure Map (c.1802), showcasing ancient roads and footways, and exhibits on 19th and 20th-century clubs and societies. Explore 140 historical village field names, family trees, and digital images of past residents and buildings. You can also get help on how to research your own family history, and kids can enjoy custom tabletop games and coloring sheets. No booking required, Sat 7 & Sun 8 Sep, 11am-4pm.

Transportation Tales, Trials and Tribulations

Visit The Guildhall in Thetford for an evening of theatre, tales and songs all about real-life convicts and their journeys as they were transported to Australia from Thetford and other parts of Norfolk. Written by the Guildhall Writers’ Group and performed by local artists, you're in for an entertaining night with history! Booking required, Fri 13 Sep, 7.30pm.