Open days during the Rushmoor Heritage Festival

Explore Farnborough Hill - open day

Saturday 13 September, Farnborough

Step into history at Farnborough Hill, a stunning Grade I listed estate set in over 65 acres of parkland. Once the home of Empress Eugénie, widow of Napoleon III, this remarkable house blends imperial grandeur with educational legacy.

Founded in 1889 by the Religious of Christian Education, Farnborough Hill is now a leading Catholic independent school for girls. During this special open day, visitors are invited to:

• Enjoy a self-guided tour of the historic house
• Wander the beautiful grounds once walked by royalty
• Discover the story of Empress Eugénie and her lasting influence on the estate
• Learn how the house became a thriving centre for girls’ education

Cost: Free
Location: Farnborough Hill School, Farnborough
Further information: No pre-booking required. For times, costs, tickets and more information, visit the Heritage Open Days website
Organiser: Farnborough Hill

A Legacy of Army Fitness - open day at RAPTC Museum

Saturday 13 September, Aldershot

Step inside the gates of military history at the Royal Army Physical Training Corps Museum, founded in 1953 and located “behind the wire” at the Army School of Physical Training in Aldershot. Gain a unique glimpse into the evolution of physical training in the British Army—from its origins in 1860 to today’s cutting-edge fitness regimes.

Highlights include:

• Interactive and static displays tracing the Corps’ journey from bayonet drills to modern rehabilitation techniques
• Historic collections of medals, uniforms, weapons, paintings, and Olympic memorabilia
• Trophies and honours awarded to RAPTC members, showcasing the Corps’ ongoing excellence
• Stories of sporting legends like Sir Matt Busby and Kriss Akabusi who served in the Corps2

As the official museum of the RAPTC, it maintains close ties with today’s instructors who keep the Army “Fighting Fit and Fit to Fight”. Whether you're a military enthusiast, fitness buff, or curious explorer, this is a chance to uncover a hidden gem of British heritage.

Cost: Free
Times: 10am to 3pm
Location: RAPTC Museum, Aldershot
Further information: No pre-booking required. For more information, visit the RAPTC Museum website.  As the museum is on a working military site, all adult visitors must bring photo ID for access.
Organiser: RAPTC Museum

Q121 wind tunnel - open days

Sunday 14 September, Farnborough
Sunday 21 September, Farnborough

Step into the heart of British aerospace innovation with a rare visit to the 24-foot wind tunnel at Farnborough’s historic RAE site. Opened in 1935 and in use until 1996, this Grade I listed building was once a world-class aerodynamic testing facility.

Highlights include:

• A 24-foot jet orifice and a 30-foot mahogany fan, powered by a 2000hp DC motor
• Capable of generating wind speeds up to 112 mph
• Saved from demolition in 1993, now protected as a national treasure
• Discover how this tunnel shaped aircraft design and safety for over six decades

This is a rare opportunity to explore one of Farnborough’s most iconic engineering landmarks—normally closed to the public.

Cost: Free
Location: Q121 Building, Hall Road, O'Gorman Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7EP
Further information: No pre-booking required. For times, tickets and more information, visit the Heritage Open Days website. 
Organiser: Farnborough Air Sciences Trust

Edgar Jerome's Museum – a hidden gem of Aldershot

Saturday 20 September, Aldershot

Step above the shop floor and into Aldershot’s past at Edgar Jerome’s small museum - a fascinating collection tucked away above one of the town’s longest-running businesses of 102 years.

Highlights include:

• Vintage family photographs and fashions through the decades
• Military memorabilia including WWII helmets, medals, and badges
• Historic newspapers and maps, including a silver-paper edition of the Daily Mail from King George V’s jubilee
• Curious finds like Victorian medicine bottles and coins from Queen Victoria’s reign
• The story of the Jerome family and their century-old outfitting business

This quirky museum began with the personal keepsakes of Eunice Jerome, whose love of history helped preserve Aldershot’s heritage. Even Baroness Margaret Thatcher once paid a visit!

Cost: Free
Times: 9.15am to 5pm
Location: Edgar Jerome, Wellington Street, Aldershot, GU11 1DX
Further information: No pre-booking required. For more information visit the Edgar Jerome website
Organiser: Edgar Jerome

St Mark's Church Memorial Chapel - open days

Various dates, Farnborough

Explore a unique space of remembrance, artistry, and local legacy. The Memorial Chapel, dedicated to the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, was created by returning WWI servicemen to honour fallen comrades. Discover rare historical features and literary connections.

Highlights include:

• A rare English brass memorial set into the chapel floor
• Wood panelling inscribed with names and regimental badges of 360 soldiers
• German and English stained glass windows, reflecting faith and craftsmanship
• Discover connections to Jane Austen and John Betjeman, former Poet Laureate and admirer of ecclesiastical architecture
• A peaceful, contemplative setting ideal for reflection and exploring Farnborough’s wartime history
• Displays and materials illuminating the chapel’s role in the local WWI narrative
• There will also be activities for children and refreshments will be available

Opening times:

• Friday 12 September, 10am to 3pm
• Saturday 13 September, 10am to 3pm
• Sunday 14 September, 12.30-2pm (Following 10.30am Eucharist)
• Friday 19 September, 10am to 3pm
• Saturday 20 September, 10am to 3pm
• Sunday 21 September, 12.30pm to 2pm (Following 10.30am Eucharist)

Cost: Free
Location: St Mark's Church, Reading Road, Farnborough, GU14 6PP
Further information: No pre-booking required. For more information, visit the St Mark’s Church website
Organiser: St Mark’s Church

The Alexander Observatory open day –
Aldershot’s curious contraption

Step inside one of Aldershot’s most curious landmarks - the Alexander Observatory, a domed red-brick building gifted to the Army in 1906 by aeronautics pioneer Patrick Young Alexander. Discover the story behind this remarkable donation and explore the observatory’s original 1891 Grubb 8-inch refracting telescope, still in full working order.

Highlights include:

• Step inside the historic domed observatory, nestled in the heart of Aldershot Garrison
• Members of the Farnham Astronomical Society will be on hand all day to guide your visit
• Experts will demonstrate the telescope, explain how it works, and share the observatory’s incredible history
• Ask your questions, explore the science, and enjoy a hands-on experience of this unique site

Whether you're a stargazer, history buff, or curious explorer, this is a rare chance to experience Aldershot’s scientific heritage up close.

More details to follow....

Cost: Free
Location: Alexander Observatory, Queens Avenue (By The Cambridge School), GU11 4AA
Organiser: Farnham Astronomical Society

About these events

Many activities are free and some require advance booking. Many of these events are not organised by ourselves, so please check each individual organiser's website for more information.

To see the full list of events, please visit our main Rushmoor Heritage Festival page.