Heritage Open Days
Discover Ramsgate’s Rich Heritage This September
This September, Ramsgate will once again celebrate Heritage Open Days – England’s biggest festival of history and culture. From Friday 12th to Sunday 21st September 2025, you’ll be able to enjoy free access to hidden places, guided tours, exhibitions, and special events right here in our town.
Click here to download the Thanet Heritage Open Day PDF
The national theme for 2025 is ‘Architecture’, which couldn’t be a better match for Ramsgate. With its Georgian terraces, Regency villas, Victorian landmarks and historic public buildings, the town is bursting with character. In fact, according to Historic England, Ramsgate boasts 451 listed buildings, from Grade I treasures of exceptional interest to Grade II buildings of special local importance.
No Heritage Open Days in Ramsgate would be complete without Pugin Week, celebrating the life and legacy of Augustus Pugin. And adding even more excitement, the much-loved Festival of Sound will join the celebrations with a special event on the first weekend – bringing music, performance, and storytelling to some of our most historic spaces.
A Celebration of Local Architecture
Friday, 12th – Sunday, 21st September
Ramsgate Tunnels
Open daily, 10am – 4pm. Along with their scheduled tours, you can explore the history of Ramsgate at a special exhibition on loan from Imperial College. Ramsgate Tunnels, Marina Esplanade, CT11 8FH
Ramsgate Tunnels is also taking part in the Heritage Harbours National Trail – Transformed by War. This is another chance to see their Operation Dynamo exhibitions: The Ramsgate Story and The RNLI and Operation Dynamo and the Standing With Giants panels along Marina Parade, as well as their Tommy Trail.
- Find a Tommy silhouette: Look for the silhouette figures with “Tommy” attached to them throughout Ramsgate.
- Scan the QR code: Use your phone or device to scan the QR code on the silhouette.
- Learn the story: The scan will direct you to the Geovey platform, where you can learn about the rescue and evacuation of soldiers from Dunkirk and children from the town.
Friday, 12th – Sunday 14th September
Pugin’s Ramsgate
Shrine of St Augustine and the National Pugin Centre
Open 10am – 4pm. Explore the personal church of Augustus Pugin, a 19th century architect, designer, and reformer, who often referred to this church as ‘His child’ despite having eight children! There will also be an opportunity to take part in the Pugin tile collaborative art project. The Church will be closed an hour each day for Midday Mass.. There will be a display in the cloisters about the recent Pugin renovations at Alton Towers. Access to St Augustine’s can be challenging due to steps but it is still possible to access many areas with a wheelchair. Disabled toilets are at ground level. St Augustine’s Road, CT11 9NY. www.augustine-pugin.org.uk
Sonic Trail: Acoustic Architecture 12pm – 4pm
Sound installations commissioned by the Ramsgate Festival of Sound shining a light on the incredible architecture of Ramsgate in various locations across the town. There are seven commissions and collaborations around the town for you to immerse yourself in over the three days. Head over to our Festival of Sound blog to find out more.
Friday, 12th – Monday 15th September
The Grange & St Edward’s Presbytery
Open Friday 12th to Sunday 14th, 10am-4pm and Monday 15th, 10am-1pm
Explore the extraordinary Neo-Gothic family home of Augustus Pugin overlooking the sea in Ramsgate, often cited as the template for the modern home. Leaflets on the building’s history and children’s activity sheets will be available on site. The Grange was built by Augustus Pugin in 1845 and reflects his belief in the Gothic style as the only true Christian architecture. Pugin produced some of his finest work at The Grange including designs for the House of Lords.
St Edward’s Presbytery, built by Augustus Pugin in 1850, is part of this great architect’s original conception for this important Gothic revival site on the West Cliff. Whilst booking is not essential, visitors are asked to register for the event via Eventbrite so that updates can be provided regarding the event. Book your FREE tickets at www.eventbrite.co.uk The Grange and St Edward’s Presbytery, St. Augustines Road, CT11 9NY. Free parking available nearby at Royal Esplanade.
See also, 13th September for the exclusive talk by Jacqui Ansell; A Gothic Revival Masterpiece – Pugin in Ramsgate
Saturday, 13th September
St George’s Church
Open 10am – 3pm Step inside this beautiful and historic Ramsgate church with a guided tour and learn about its fascinating past. Book a tour of the Crypt and Tower. View the Dunkirk Memorial Window. www.stgeorgechurchramsgate.uk
St Laurence Church Tours
Open 10am – 4pm Explore the oldest church in Ramsgate. Refreshments available. High Street, St Lawrence, CT11 0QT
A Day in Paradise
Open 12pm – 6pm. Houses will be open to the public, with sea shanties, sea biscuits and ale in the evening. 3, 7, 9 Paradise, CT11 9TX
A Gothic Revival Masterpiece – Pugin in Ramsgate
Open 4pm – 5.30pm, just turn up, no need to book! Popular, international art historian, Jacqui Ansell, will deliver a richly illustrated talk aiming to capture the detail, breadth and brilliance of Pugin’s work. It should prove a great introduction for art lovers and students new to his interior designs and architecture, as well as a delightful indulgence for those already familiar with them. A Q&A session will follow the talk, plus an opportunity to explore the exquisite church nave, with friendly experts and members of the Pugin Society on hand to further enhance your visit. St Augustine’s Church Ramsgate CT11 9NY.
Sunday, 14th September
Ellington Park
Open 11am – 3pm. Join the team of volunteers in Ellington Park for a day celebrating the heritage of one of Ramsgate’s most beloved green spaces. The park was designed by the Victorian landscape company Joseph Cheal and Son, known for their work at Hever Castle and Kirkstall Abbey and was completed in 1893.
The day will feature information boards and talks about the park with special focus on the beautifully restored Bandstand which will host a local choir. There will be performances by the Elli Park Players who have created a costumed walk. The miniature steam train will be running, courtesy of The Ramsgate and District Model Engineering Club. Limited nearby street parking, Ramsgate train station 5 mins walk as well as two Loop bus-stops (Ashburnham Road and Wilfred Road). The park is fully accessible via four entrances and free to all to enter. Accessible toilet at cafe. www.ellingtonpark.org.uk
Christ Church & Gardens Open Day
Open 10am – 5pm. A rare chance to explore this church of great historical interest. Designed by the famous architect, Sir George Gilbert Scott, in 1846-1847. The Church and its gardens will be open with stalls in the grounds including plants and crafts. Refreshments will be available. Vale Square, CT11 9DE Free on street parking available.
Holy Trinity Church Exhibition
Open 1pm – 4pm. Enjoy a look around Holy Trinity Church, taking in the beautiful stained glass windows and Victorian architecture. An exhibition will showcase items relating to the history of the church. Refreshments will be available. Full wheelchair access. On street parking nearby. Holy Trinity Church, Bellevue Road, CT11 8ET
Monday, 15th September
Ramsgate Society: If Walls Could Talk
Open 7pm – 8pm. Ramsgate’s Architectural Secrets, a talk by Clive Aslet. Oddfellows Hall, 142 High Street, CT11 9TY www.eventbrite.co.uk
Saturday, 20th September
St George’s Church
Open 10am – 3pm. Step inside and learn about its fascinating past. Book a tour of the Crypt and Tower. View the Dunkirk Memorial Window. St. George’s Church, Church Hill, CT11 8RA www.stgeorgechurchramsgate.uk
RNLI Open Day
Open 11am – 4pm. Learn about the building, meet the Crew, see the boats, entertainment and more. RNLI Station, Commercial Quay, CT11 9RN.
Saturday, 20th – Sunday, 21st September
Georgian Town House (private home, Ramsgate)
Open 11am – 4pm. Take a rare opportunity to visit this elegant Georgian house with an Edwardian extension and beautiful garden.
See the stunning restoration work, including a grand staircase, panelling, and hidden fireplaces. Don’t miss the secret staircase, discovered behind a wardrobe, complete with fragments of Regency wallpaper! 154 High Street, CT11 9TT
Sunday, 21st September 2025
Montefiore Synagogue and Mausoleum
Open 10am – 4pm. Visit this unique and historically significant building, normally closed to the public, and explore its rich cultural and architectural heritage. Designed by architect David Mocatta, student of Sir John Soane and the first Anglo-Jewish architect, and opened with a grand public ceremony in 1833. The Synagogue has been designated by Jewish Heritage UK as one of the Top Ten in Britain. Toilets available. Unfortunately, there is no disabled access. On street parking in nearby streets.
Spencer Square
Open 11am – 6pm. Round off the weekend at this beautiful square, Enjoy the gardens and explore notable art and history, including two blue plaques that commemorate Vincent van Gogh’s time in Ramsgate. View the “After Dunkirk” art show, free tennis taster session at 1pm, and watch a Championship level match at 3pm. Refreshments available at the licensed Vincent’s café. On street parking nearby. Spencer Square, CT11 9LA
For more events in October click here.
