As part of Heritage Open Days 2025, Woolwich Works – a series of historic 17th century buildings – will be opening its doors to the public, for a rare chance to go behind the scenes and see these historic buildings up close and personal.
Taking place on Sunday, September 21 from 11am to 5.30pm, the open day will allow visitors to take part in several activities from guided tours and talks to music recitals.
First built in the 17th century, these award-winning Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings formerly housed a firework factory, a theatre Royal Artillery Band and even King George III’s famous 1773 ‘Bean Feast’.
Visitors on Heritage Open Day will be able to explore its history with guided tours, which will go behind the scenes of the Royal Arsenal and how the site has been restored in more recent times.
There will also be a series of talks throughout the day including The Windrush Front Room in 10 Objects, along with a special appearance from the descendants of local suffragette and campaigner Adelaide Knight and her husband Donald Adolphus Brown, who will speak on their family’s connection to Woolwich.
Creative workshops will also make up the itinerary, with ‘Crafternoon’ sessions inspired by the building’s connections to suffragettes and fireworks.
Music lovers will be able to listen to a live rehearsal by Chineke! Orchestra – Europe’s first majority Black and ethnically diverse orchestra – set within the striking Fireworks Factory performance space.
To round off the day, the site’s café will revive King George III’s famous 1773 ‘Bean Feast’, when the monarch enjoyed beans and bacon in an open-air celebration at Woolwich, this time reimagined with a modern twist.
Liat Rosenthal, Head of Creative Programming at Woolwich Works, said: “We are delighted to be part of the National Trust’s Heritage Open Day 2025 and to bring such a broad programme of events to Woolwich.
“These beautifully restored buildings have a rich and illustrious past going back some 300 years, and we are excited to invite members of the public to discover more.”
All activities are free, though booking is recommended for some talks and tours.
