Open House Festival

Headstone Manor & Museum

historical house

Pinner View, Harrow (in grounds of Headstone Manor recreation ground)

Built circa 1310, the moated manor house is the earliest surviving timber framed building in Middlesex. Described as one of the most interesting domestic complexes in the whole country, the fabric of Headstone Manor contains examples of high quality work dating from the 14th, 17th and 18th centuries.

Getting there

Tube

North Harrow

Train

Headstone Lane

Bus

H10, H9, H14

Access

Facilities

Accessibility notes

Some of the rooms can be accessed only via steps and some doorways are only 70cm wide. There is a small platform lift to the first floor.

Create a free visitor account to book festival tickets

Activities

Sun 14 Sep

Family activity

11:00–12:30

Family Workshop: Cardboard Shanty Towns

Join us for an exciting family workshop where you’ll transform everyday recycled materials into your own magical miniature village.

How to book

Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.

Guided tour

14:00–14:45

Exploring Headstone Manor’s Architecture

Step back in time and discover the architectural evolution of Headstone Manor!

How to book

Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.

Mon 15 Sep

Guided tour

15:00–15:45

A brief history of the Harrow Local History Collection

We are proud to announce our newly renovated archive store and invite you to have a look around.

How to book

Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.

Tue 16 Sep

Guided tour

11:00–11:45

A brief history of the Harrow Local History Collection

We are proud to announce our newly renovated archive store and invite you to have a look around.

How to book

Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.

Talk

14:00–14:45

Local Architectural Landmarks: Selected Stories

The buildings around us have many stories. Let us share with you some of the great highlights.

How to book

Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.

Thu 18 Sep

Guided tour

14:00–14:45

Exploring Headstone Manor’s Architecture

Step back in time and discover the architectural evolution of Headstone Manor!

How to book

Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.

About

Headstone Manor & Museum

Visit us at Headstone Manor and Museum, a beautifully restored historic site nestled in the heart of Harrow. Discover over 1,200 years of local history as you explore our stunning medieval buildings, including the Grade I listed Manor House, the charming Granary, and the atmospheric Moat. With engaging exhibitions, family-friendly activities, and the welcoming Moat Café, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique day out — Headstone Manor and Museum is the perfect place to step back in time.
Dating back to the 14th century, Headstone Manor has witnessed over 700 years of local life — from its origins as a medieval moated manor house to its role in farming, industry, and community life. Now lovingly restored, the site brings history to life through fascinating exhibitions, original architecture, and stories of the people who lived and worked here. Come and explore the past in a place where history truly lives!

Activities

At Headstone Manor & Museum, there’s something for everyone with a vibrant mix of family and adult programming throughout the year. Families can enjoy hands-on fun with Explorer Backpacks, interactive trails like Bill the Duck, creative sessions with the Art Cart, and themed events during school holidays. Younger visitors will love the play-based learning in our dedicated Bakehouse space and Mini Museum mornings designed for under-5s. For adults, the museum offers engaging workshops, historical talks, and craft sessions ranging from stained glass making to nature-inspired stitching. Whether you're visiting with children or looking to dive deeper into history and heritage, Headstone Manor & Museum promises a day full of discovery and inspiration.

Visit the Museum

Explore free of charge Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, with the museum closed on Mondays. You'll find us on Pinner View (HA2 6PX), just a short 15‑minute walk or quick bus ride (H9, H10, H14) from Harrow & Wealdstone station—and there’s free parking and bike racks on-site. All key buildings—including the Small Barn entrance, Great Barn, Visitor Centre (Moat Café), Granary, and the ground floor of the Manor House—are wheelchair-accessible, with lifts and tablets available for first-floor exploration. Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are located in multiple buildings, and assistance dogs are welcome.
The Moat Café serves freshly brewed coffee, cakes, and light bites, while the Visitor Centre includes a gift shop. Outside, enjoy the moat, nature trail, gardens, and wildlife—plus a free Nature Finder’s trail available at reception.
Whether you're visiting solo, with family, or as part of a group, Headstone Manor & Museum offers a warm welcome and a day full of history, heritage, and peaceful parkland.

Free Events during Open House Festival

During Open House Festival all events are free and ready to inspire curiosity and discovery:

📅 Sunday 14 September 2025
• Cardboard Shanty Towns Family Workshop – create miniature villages from recycled materials

• Timeless Foundations: Exploring Headstone Manor's Architecture Tour

📅 Monday 15 September 2025
• The Good, the Bad and the still Ugly: A brief history of the Harrow Local History Collection Stores

📅 Tuesday 16 September 2025
• The Good, the Bad and the still Ugly: A brief history of the Harrow Local History Collection Stores

• Local Architectural Landmarks – Selected Stories – a themed talk exploring Harrow’s heritage buildings

📅Thursday 18 September 2025
• Timeless Foundations: Exploring Headstone Manor's Architecture Tour

📅 Over the full Festival (12–21 September 2025)
• Exploring Harrow’s Architectural Heritage Pop‑up Exhibition – ongoing showcase of local history
• Plus drop-in Art Cart activities on multiple dates

Note: Pre‑booking is required for the workshop and tours. Be sure to reserve your spot early—visit the Headstone Manor website for booking details.

Come along during 13–21 September and engage in family workshops, adult talks, guided tours, archive sessions, and more as part of our Open House Festival celebration!

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