Some of Teignbridge’s historic gems will be opening for free in September as part of England’s largest festival of history and culture.

The theme of this year’s Heritage Open Days, which runs from September 12-21, is ‘architecture’. However, Heritage Open Days marketing and project manager Liam Montgonery, is keen to stress that this is about more than buildings. ‘It’s really about people and the ways we interact with the world around us,’ he explained. ‘This year’s festival is a great opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of local stories across England.’

Here are ten Teignbridge treasures to discover during the Heritage Open Days festival:

1. Neadon Farm House, Manaton

TQ13 9UY

Friday September 12 to Sunday September 14 10am-4.30pm

Discover how members of the South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts portray the modern Dartmoor landscape at an exhibition featuring more than 200 artworks.

2. The Dream Church (St Luke’s), Milber

TQ12 4LQ

Saturday September 13 10am-4pm

Find out how a vivid dream became a church in Milber. A talk at 2pm will explain how reverend, botanist and author of the bestselling ‘The Concide British Flora’ book, Wiliam Keble Martin, turned a vision into reality.

3. St Clement’s Church, Powderham

EX6 8JJ

Saturday and Sunday September 13-14 and 20-21. 2pm-5pm

Learn about the links between this 13th Century church and the Courtenay Family. Listen to a talk by the current Earl of Devon, Charlie Courtenay, at 2pm, listen to live music, and enjoy cream teas and cakes.

4. South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh

TQ11 0DZ

Saturday and Sunday September 13-14. 10am-4pm

Take a behind the scenes tour of the South Devon Railway and visit the engineering workshops and the old signal box. Transport buffs can also admire the classic cars on display and take a vintage bus ride.

South Devon Railway's Easter Gala event at Buckfastleigh station
Find out what does on behind the scenes at the South Devon Railway in Buckfastleigh as part of England’s Heritage Open Days. (Steve Pope/MDA)

5. Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton

EX6 6PB

Wednesday September 17. 10am-5pm

Find out how the architecture of Castle Drogo has been inspired by the rugged Dartmoor tors that surround it.

Front view of the Castle Drogo.
Discover how Castle Drogo was inspired by Dartmoor’s landscape during England’s Heritage Open Days. (National Trust Images,James Dobson)

6. Whiteway House, Chudleigh

TQ13 0DY

Thursday and Friday September 18-19. 11am-12pm and 3pm-4pm

A rare chance to explore this hidden gem with a tour of the Grade 2 listed Georgian house. Pre-booking required before September 14.

7. West Ogwell Church and Gaia House

TQ12 6EW

Friday September 19. 2pm-4pm

Discover the history and architecture of West Ogwell church before taking a mindful guided walk around the old estate manor next door, which is now Gaia House, a silent retreat.

8. Newton’s Place and St Leonard’s Tower

TQ12 1JQ

Wednesday September 17 10am-1pm and Saturday September 20

Tour Newton Abbot’s Medieval clock tower (10am-1pm Wednesday September 17 and Saturday September 20). And visit Newton’s Place for a Lego workshop where you can build your own clock tower, follow an architecture-themed trail and meet Lady Katherine (local author Rosemary Griggs), mother of Sir Walter Raleigh.

Newton's Place, Newton Abbot museum
Newton Abbot museum is based at Newton's Place (Jo Bowery / MDA)

9. Stover Granite Gatehouse

TQ12 6QG

Saturday September 20. 10am-4pm

Discover the rich history of the recently-restored Grade 2 listed granite gatehouse, which was a home for over 100 years.

10. Castle Drogo’s Hydro Turbine

EX6 6PW

Sunday September 21. 11am-3pm

Join one of the guides to find out more about the turbines on the River Teign that powered Castle Drogo.