Discover Island history for free

There will be a free admission day at both of Isle of Wight Council’s Newport museums in September as part of the Island’s participation in England’s Heritage Open Days.

Newport Roman Villa will open free of charge on Friday 6 September 2024 from 10.30am to 2.30pm providing an opportunity to discover more about life on the Isle of Wight over 1,700 years ago.

Discovered when the owners of a nearby house sank new foundations for a garage in 1926, visitors will be able to explore the well-preserved ruins, bath suite and hypocaust for the third century farmhouse as well as enjoying the Roman-inspired garden.

The Museum of Island History will also open free of charge on Saturday 7 September 2024 from 10am to 1pm.

Situated in Newport’s historic Guildhall, the museum provides an introduction to the history of the Isle of Wight from fossils to festivals.

See newly acquired items including the whistle from a steam engine which helped build the PLUTO pipeline which was later converted to a doorbell by Agricultural Engineer John Palmer, and a ship badge from HMS Shearwater a naval vessel built at J. S. White’s in 1939.

There are also displays of images from the museum’s collection of historic landscape art, an exhibition exploring Historic Newport as well as family-friendly activities and trails.

These events are organised by the council’s Heritage Service.

Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture running from 6 to 15 September 2024 involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations.

Every September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history across thousands of locations. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.

Find out more about Heritage Open Days on the Isle of Wight and across England