Heritage Open Day and Battle of Britain Day events in Hillingdon kickstart autumn

The annual Heritage Open Days return, starting on Saturday 9 September with 'Discover Manor Farm'. A free and informative exhibition uncovering the site and its place in Ruislip's history runs from midday until 3pm. There are also three guided walks of the site, including 'Discover the importance of buildings' at midday, 'A day in the life of a monk' at 1pm, and 'Tourism comes to Ruislip' at 2pm. 

Next up, the ever-popular car rally returns to another of our heritage sites, Eastcote House Gardens on Sunday 10 September from 11am to 4pm. Browse the stunning motors on display to the backdrop of live music, a tea garden, craft and historic book stalls, as well as discovering the Grade II listed Tudor stables, award-winning walled garden and dovecote. A free walk around historic trees in the gardens will also take place for adults on Thursday 14 September between 11am and midday.  

Explore several miles of the Grand Union Canal on foot on Wednesday 13 September. Led by a guide from London Canal Museum, the free walk for adults will start at Botwell Green Library in Hayes at 10am and visit Hanwell Lock Flight and Three Bridges.  

On Saturday 16 September from 1pm to 4.30pm discover the family-friendly 'Out of Time' puzzle maze at Cranford Park. See if you can solve the riddle in this free, interactive walk featuring a host of characters to help you. Last entry is from 4.30pm. Book your place at www.hillingdontheatres.uk 

Families can also celebrate Hayes on Saturday 16 September at a special free exhibition about its people and its history at Botwell Green Library, and through a two-hour guided walk of Botwell for adults which will illustrate the area's history from brickmaking, record manufacturing, factories and industrial sites. Both take place between 2pm and 4pm.  

If you enjoy architecture, there will be a postmodernism walk for adults along Uxbridge High Street on Sunday 17 September between 11am and 1pm, where you'll discover hidden spaces and landmark buildings. And for film lovers you can take part in a minibus trip to tour locations in Hillingdon made famous by television and films on Wednesday 20 September between 10am and 4pm.  

For more information about the Heritage Open Day events, visit discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/heritage-open-days. All of the walks must be pre-booked by emailing archives@hillingdon.gov.uk or calling 01895 250702.  

A weekend of events is also on offer at the Battle of Britain Bunker Exhibition and Visitor Centre in Uxbridge to mark Battle of Britain Day (15 September).  

The weekend will start with a wreath-laying ceremony on Friday 15 September at 11am to commemorate those who served during the Battle of Britain. There will also be tours running at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. 

On Saturday 16 September at 11.30am you can enjoy a special talk from bunker tour guide Chris Leworthy all about the airborne conflict, and on Sunday 17 September at 11am, hear tour guide Phil Baker explain the Dowding System and the pivotal role of the bunker during the battle. 

Also on Sunday, you can relive the nostalgia while browsing some beautiful 1940s cars that will be on site to mark the weekend.  

Drop-in family activities will run across both days, including a special Battle of Britain children's trail. 

To find out more, visit www.battleofbritainbunker.co.uk     

Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, said: "There's a plethora of ways for history buffs to keep entertained as we enter the autumn months with our September events programme offering something for the whole family. 

"We're deeply proud of the borough's historic roots and hope that visitors come from near and far to uncover the many gems to be discovered in our corner of west London."