Peek behind rarely opened doors during Rushmoor Heritage Festival, where hidden gems and curious buildings reveal their secrets.
Edgar Jerome's Museum – A Hidden Gem of Aldershot
Saturday 12 September, Aldershot
Saturday 19 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
- 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: 11am to 4pm
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
Explore Farnborough Hill - Open Day
Saturday 12 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.
Highlights
- 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
Faith, Flight and Remembrance - St Mark's Memorial Chapel Open Days
From Saturday 12 September, 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 including:
- 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
Cost: Free. Refreshments available (at cost).
Opening times:
- Saturday 12 September, 10am to 3pm
- Sunday 13 September, 12.30pm to 2pm (Following 10.30am Eucharist)
- Saturday 19 September, 10am to 3pm
- Sunday 20 September, 12.30 to 2pm (Following 10.30am Eucharist)
Location: St Mark's Church, Reading Road, Farnborough, GU14 6ND
Further information: No pre-booking required. For more information, visit the St Mark’s Church website.
Organiser: St Mark’s Church
Farnborough's Forgotten Giant - Q121 Wind Tunnel Open Days
Saturday 19 September, Farnborough
Sunday 20 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
- Don’t miss 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
- 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 (FAST)
A Legacy of Army Fitness - Open Day at RAPTC Museum
Saturday 12 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
- 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.
Please note: As the museum is on a working military site, all adult visitors must bring photo ID for access.
Cost: Free
Times: 10am to 4pm
Location: RAPTC Museum, Aldershot
Further information: No pre-booking required. For more information, visit the RAPTC Museum website.
Organiser: RAPTC Museum
Preserving the Past - Rushmoor Repair Café
Saturday 19 September, Aldershot
Discover the satisfaction of giving broken items a second chance at the Rushmoor Repair Café. Bring along household items, clothing, toys or small electricals and work alongside skilled volunteers to see whether they can be repaired rather than replaced.
Rushmoor Repair Café highlights how repairing, reusing and sharing skills can help preserve not only valued possessions and our own heritage, but also knowledge that is passed between generations.
Highlights
- Get free help repairing everyday items
- Learn practical skills from experienced volunteer repairers
- Meet local people and share knowledge over a cup of tea
- Reduce waste and keep useful items in circulation
- Celebrate the value of preserving and caring for the things we use
Cost: Free
Location: West End Centre, Aldershot
Further information: For times, booking information and details of items that can be brought for repair, visit the Rushmoor Repair Café website.
Organiser: Rushmoor Repair Café
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.
Contact us