Liskeard Unlocked – Heritage Open Days

Liskeard Unlocked is part of Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture and takes place every September. This year it is from September 10th – 18th September.

There will be walks, talks, exhibitions and the chance to see behind doors which are usually closed. And, it’s all FREE. This year the theme is Edible England and many of our events are food themed to reflect that.

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Click here to download a PDF of the Liskeard Unlocked Leaflet

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Events and Walks
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Friday 10th September

Bees and Beekeeping An illustrated talk for the Old Cornwall Society by local beekeeper and honey producer Dale Wood. Liskeard Public Hall, 2.30pm (no need to book).
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Saturday 11th September

Food Market and display Shop safely for local food and find out about the history and future of the Cattle Market site.  What was life and food like in the old workhouse?  Food Bank collection – please bring long-life food. 10am – 1pm in the Cattle Market events space

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A number of houses and buildings will be open, including Westbourne House, which was owned in the nineteenth century by the richest man in Liskeard, Richard Hawke but was bought in 1948 by Cornwall County Council and for many years was occupied by Social Services.  See the beautiful original features and what the new owners are doing to restore it.

Pendean House An opportunity to look around the gardens and exterior of this Victorian home which was previously a dental surgery and a children’s home. 10am – 1pm
You can still see a virtual tour inside Pendean House here

The Pipewell This Well was once the principal water source for the town centre and is fed by four springs. The iron gates which are normally locked to protect the well (and the magic stone it contains) will be open so that visitors can see the full extent of the water source. 10am – 2pm

St Martin’s Church Explore St Martin’s Church, seeing the history behind the building and how it has been a place of Christian worship for over 800 years. 10am – 1pm

Liskeard and District Museum Visit the museum to see the food outlets in Liskeard in times gone by and take a look at what was being prepared in the kitchen during the 50s and 60s. 10am – 1pm

Methodist Church Interesting Grade II listed building.  Come and see displays around spices and some of the famous meals in the bible.  The church will also be decorated for the harvest celebrations. 10am – 1pm (and Monday 10am – 1pm)

Westbourne House A rare opportunity to visit this substantial Grade II listed town centre building.  The new leaseholders, Wildanet, are undertaking a complete restoration.  Visitors will be able to see their progress and read and hear of the house’s history dating back to 1816. 2pm – 5pm.

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Sunday 12th September

Stroll Around Food Shops and Eateries from Way Back – a gentle circular walk with Brian Oldham, learn the stories of buildings of the town. Meet in the Cattle Market Events Space at 10am. Spaces limited, booking is essential via Liskeard Information Centre (see below)

Selected Stonework Stories – join geologist Calum Beeson to examine the source, quality and workmanship of the stonework of five of Liskeard’s prominent 19th century buildings. Meet in the Cattle Market Events Space at 2pm. Spaces limited, booking is essential via Liskeard Information Centre (see below)
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Saturday 18th September

Tea Treat Celebration     

Traditional Cornish tea treats involved a Sunday school parade and service as well as games and, of course, tea treat buns.  Come and join us for food and activities including a teddy bear’s picnic with a prize for the best dressed teddy (judging 3pm), tea-time treats from The Real Junk Food Project, games with School of the Wild, a self-guided nature trail, and food and nature displays and demonstrations.  Find out more about community gardening and free local cookery classes.  Supported by Making Space for Nature, Liskeard Together, Cornwall Housing, Liskeard Hive and the Caradon Orchard Group..2-5pm in Castle Park

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Online Events

Friday 10th September

7-8pm – A Look in Liskeard’s Larders in Times Gone By a Zoom talk by Brian Oldham of Liskeard Old Cornwall Society looking at food and drink available through Liskeard’s history register via Liskeard Tourist Information Centre or online at Eventbrite.co.uk

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Online Photo Shows

These will ‘go live’ at 5pm on Friday 10th September – watch this space…

• Cooking demonstrations with Liskeard Together – learn how to make tasty, easy and cheap meals with ingredients from local shops in this series of videos.
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Booking Information

Walks and talks need to be booked through Liskeard Information Centre, this can be done in person, by phone (01579 349148) or email ([email protected]). Opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am-4pm (closed 12.30-1pm for lunch) and Saturday 10am-1pm.

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Liskeard Unlocked 2020

Due to covid-19 restrictions the 2020 event was adapted to be held outside and online. You can still read about the event and access the online archive of talks and virtual tours at www.visitliskeard.co.uk/liskeard-unlocked