Heritage Open Day Festival
Published: 25 September 2025
The Heritage Open Days Festival brought together over 300 visitors from across Keynsham, and welcomed visitors from Bristol and Bath, discovering so much about the Town’s heritage while celebrating the community spirit that makes Keynsham so unique. Visitors enjoyed a wide variety of activities highlighting Keynsham’s story, from its Roman roots to the present day.
Keynsham Abbey Open Day: Visitors explored the landscaped remains of the Medieval Abbey, founded in 1166. Adults enjoyed expert-led guided talks whilst children took part in a special "Monk Trail" activity to learn about monastic life.
Albert Mill Heritage Weekend: Over 200 local resident including visitors travelling from Bristol and Bath had the rare chance to tour this 18th-century mill, complete with original machinery and beautiful riverside gardens. Albert Mill opens once a year during the festival and gave residents and trustees the chance to share their knowledge of the site, with tea and cake served in the sunshine.
Roman Artefacts at Keynsham Library: Families were able to see and handle a fascinating collection of Roman artefacts discovered during the development of the Somerdale Estate and learnt about daily life in Roman Britain.
The History of Keynsham: Keynsham buildings are steeped in history and the town has seen many changes. This walk led by Pauline Mousley of the Keynsham & Saltford Local History Society took visitors through the town centre covering Dapps Hill, Temple Street, and the High Street, ending at St Johns Church.
Keynsham Methodism, In the Footsteps of the Wesleys: Hosted by the Keynsham Methodist Church, visitors explored the history of Methodism from the 1700s onwards, enjoyed daily organ recitals, and viewed archived photographs.
Hidden Histories at Keynsham Cemetery: The Victorian Cemetery revealed both its peaceful character with its unusual listed Chapel and an incredible hidden past as the site of a major Roman archaeological discovery, visitors were able to see archived photos of the discovery and read through historical news articles building a story of intrigue.
Keynsham Heritage Open Days has once again shown how much our Town has to offer. From Roman Artefacts to Victorian Cemeteries, Mills, and Medieval Abbeys, there truly was so much to discover.
Taking place every September the Heritage Open Days Festival is an annual celebration of England's history and culture that allows visitors free access to heritage sites and community events that are not usually open to the public or would normally charge an entrance fee.
We’re proud to be part of this 'National Celebration of Heritage' and look forward to next year where we hope to work closely with more of our community and celebrate the rich history of Keynsham.