#34
November 5 · 25 min
CH
Come Here!
Liz Drury
Come Here! — A Heritage Podcast with Liz Drury Looking for inspiring places to visit — and the stories behind them? Come Here! is the podcast that takes you inside the UK’s most fascinating heritage sites, museums, galleries, historic houses, parks and cultural spaces — in the company of the people who know them best. Hosted by voiceover artist and archaeology PhD Liz Drury, each weekly episode features a friendly, in-depth conversation with curators, site managers, rangers and heritage professionals from across the sector. Together, we explore the history of their sites, the hidden details visitors might otherwise miss, what makes each place special — and, of course, all the practical information you need to plan a visit. Whether you’re a heritage enthusiast, a day-trip planner, or simply curious about the stories behind Britain’s cultural spaces, Come Here! will introduce you to somewhere new. And if you work in the heritage sector yourself, this podcast is your invitation too — a chance to share your site, your passion, and your visitor experience with a wider audience. New episodes every week. Come and discover somewhere worth visiting.
- 26 episodes
- weekly
- Avg 25 min
- English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
- CH#33October 29 · 22 min
Jewish Heritage Walking Trail, Sheffield
Carmen Levick is a senior lecturer at the University of Sheffield. She is fascinated by how stories connect to spaces, and has developed a walking tour of the old Jewish quarter of Sheffield. The tour is built on a mobile phone app which is free to download. The history of the Jewish community in Sheffield goes back to the beginning of the 18th century. It produced a rich and vibrant heritage and culture which had a determining impact on the social, economic and cultural life of the city. This walking trail explores locations associated with the community, using stories, images and soundscapes to offer an immersive experience of creative walking. https://jewishheritagesheffield.co.uk
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- CH#31October 15 · 29 min
The Sheffield Blitz Walking Tour
Join author and social historian Neil Anderson as he explores Sheffield's remarkable Blitz story through two major new heritage experiences. Discover the immersive Sheffield Blitz exhibition at the National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield, featuring the moving first-hand testimonies of survivors, rare artefacts and newly uncovered stories from World War Two. Neil also discusses the Sheffield Blitz Walking Tour, a location-based app that guides visitors around the city centre, revealing the places, people and events that shaped two of the darkest nights in Sheffield's history. The conversation also explores the wider work of the National Emergency Services Museum and how innovative storytelling, digital technology and community heritage are bringing Sheffield's wartime past to life for new generations. neilandersonmedia.com https://visitnesm.org.uk https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.llamadigital.sheffieldblitz&pli=1
- CH#30October 8 · 35 min
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
This week on the Come Here! podcast, we're off to Derbyshire to visit one of England's best loved stately homes. Chatsworth is an iconic country estate, renowned for its rich history, creativity and collections spanning more than 4,000 years. Home to the Devonshire family for seventeen generations, the estate features over 25 rooms to explore, including the Painted Hall, State Rooms and Sculpture Gallery. Set within 105 acres of beautifully cultivated gardens, visitors can discover historic and contemporary water features, sculptures, an arboretum, a rock garden and countless hidden gems. Chatsworth is cared for by Chatsworth House Trust, a registered charity established in 1981. www.chatsworth.org
- CH#29October 1 · 21 min
Poole's Cavern, Buxton
Poole’s Cavern is one of Derbyshire’s finest natural limestone caves, offering visitors the opportunity to explore a remarkable geological landscape shaped over millions of years. Surrounding the cavern, Buxton Country Park provides more than 160 acres of mature woodland, diverse wildlife and scenic walking trails just minutes from Buxton town centre. The sites are managed by Buxton Civic Association, a charitable trust working to protect the area’s natural environment and heritage while providing opportunities for visitors to enjoy and learn about this unique landscape. https://buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/BCABuxtonCivicAssociation https://www.instagram.com/pooles_cavern/
- CH#28September 24 · 30 min
Captain Cook Museum, Whitby
Step into the only surviving building certainly linked to James Cook — a Grade I listed 17th-century house on Whitby's historic harbourside. Built in 1688, this was home to Captain John Walker, who took on a seventeen-year-old apprentice named James Cook in 1746. The rest is history. Inside, you'll walk the same floorboards Cook once did. True to Quaker principles, there's no grandeur here — just an authentic, atmospheric glimpse into a master-mariner's world, its original colours restored to create a calm, evocative feel. Ground floor rooms are furnished exactly as they were in the 1750s. Look closely in the Blue Room: the original floorboards, and a door cleverly bent to match the panelling — a nod to Whitby's shipwrights and craftsmen. Climb higher and follow Cook's journey from Whitby to Canada, and on to the far "Ends of the Earth." At the top, the attic where young Cook once slept now hosts a special exhibition that changes every year — with the harbour view getting better with every step up. Outside, our Courtyard Garden blooms with 18th-century planting, including exotic South Seas species like flax and bottlebrush. And don't miss our collection of over 700 stunning botanical prints from the Joseph Banks Florilegium, drawn by Sydney Parkinson on Cook's first voyage. There's always something happening: • Tuesdays — Free guided Tours at 11am & 12pm (included with entry) • Wednesdays — Storytime and Workshops for families • Thursdays — Talks exploring Cook's life and legacy • Every August — The Historical Maritime Society sails in! Meet Nelson-era sailors and Royal Marines in full uniform, bringing the Age of Sail to life every Saturday and Sunday Open 7 days a week, February to November. Come walk in the footsteps of a legend https://www.cookmuseumwhitby.co.uk
- CH#27September 17 · 31 min
Thornton Abbey & St Peter's Church, North Lincs
Thornton Abbey and St Peter's Church are both in the care of English Heritage and are located a few miles apart. Both sites are only open once a month, but on the same day, so you can visit both together. Use the links below to find the dates. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/thornton-abbey-and-gatehouse/# https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/st-peters-church-barton-upon-humber/
- CH#26September 10 · 28 min
Whitby Museum
Here at Whitby Museum, we are surrounded by cabinets filled with curiosities. As you wander through, footsteps echo on the creaky floorboards, the magic seeps, history pours and discoveries are made; revealing the life of our historic coastal town from the Jurassic era to the present day, our collections are fascinating – even quirky. Come and see our fossils, our costumes, our model ships and our curiosities for yourself. Whatever your age, whatever your interests, Whitby Museum is a precious treasure trove. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCky-laXLuVwI1mGjzY6KP0g https://www.instagram.com/whitbymuseum/ https://www.facebook.com/WhitbyMuseum/ https://whitbymuseum.org.uk/category/library-archives-blog/ https://redcircle.com/shows/24175188-fab1-4f63-91e1-e144e3064573
- CH#25September 3 · 31 min
Louth Museum, Lincolnshire
Louth Naturalists' Antiquarian and Literary Society was established in Louth almost 140 years ago, later becoming a charity and a company running our local independent museum. Louth Museum is an award winning visitor attraction in the historic market town of Louth, nestling at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds. There are four galleries, a library and a gift shop. Discover: The back-lit panoramic bird’s-eye view of Victorian Louth Rocks and fossils of the Lincolnshire Wolds 200,000 years of local archaeology Brickmaking and printing The disastrous Louth Flood of May 1920 The story of the Ghost of the Green Lady Carpets made in Louth The largest national collection of Victorian woodcarvings by Thomas Wilkinson Wallis Whilst the museum is closed - why not take a virtual tour. https://www.louthmuseum.org.uk
- CH#24August 27 · 27 min
The Walks of Life Museum, Tuxford, Nottinghamshire
The Walks of Life is UK's only museum dedicated to the collection of handcarts, and was established in the 1990s by the late Dorothy Harrison. The collection includes wheeled mobility throughout life - from birth, through childcare, work and old age, and in addition to carts the museum also has a comprehensive social history collection. The site encompasses, a historic farmhouse, three exhibition halls, Tuxford's last telephone box, a pick-your-own fruit orchard, and a special wartime exhibition. Website: https://walksoflifemuseum.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walksoflifemuseum mail address: admin@walksoflifemuseum.org
- CH#23August 20 · 26 min
International Bomber Command Centre
The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) is a world-class facility to serve as a point for recognition, remembrance and reconciliation for Bomber Command. Providing the most comprehensive record of the Command in the world, the IBCC ensures that generations to come can learn of their vital role in protecting the freedom we enjoy today. Links: https://internationalbcc.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/InternationalBomberCommandCentre https://www.instagram.com/intbcc https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-bomber-command-centre https://www.tiktok.com/@intbcc
- CH#22August 13 · 28 min
Gainsborough Heritage Centre
The Gainsborough Heritage Centre is located in a historic 1904 building that originally served as the town's Post Office and Telephone Exchange. Run entirely by passionate volunteers, this local museum preserves and showcases the town’s rich past spanning from Roman times to the modern industrial era. Visitors can explore three distinct floors featuring: Industrial Exhibits: Showcasing machinery made by world-famous local manufacturers like Marshall Sons & Co.and Rose Brothers. Recreated 20th-Century Street Scene: Featuring vintage shops, a period post office, and a detailed backyard scene. Research Library & Archives: A comprehensive hub housing local newspaper archives, oral histories, and genealogical records for family history tracking. Exchange Tearoom & Shop: A cozy space to enjoy homemade cake or buy local history books and replica memorabilia. Location & Hours Address: 12 North Street, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 2HS Opening Hours: Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Admission: £3 for adults, Free for under-16s and members. Official Website: Explore the Gainsborough Heritage Association Official Site to plan a visit. Research & Enquiries: Learn how to utilize their comprehensive local records at the Gainsborough Heritage Local Archives. Social Media Updates: Follow the latest museum events and news on the Gainsborough Heritage Facebook Page.
- CH#21August 6 · 22 min
Dinostar Dinosaur Museum, Hull
Hull’s interactive, hands-on, dinosaur museum, Dinostar is celebrating its 22nd anniversary in 2026. The museum in the Fruit Market area of the Old Town was officially opened by Tony (now Sir Tony) Robinson (of Time Team and Blackadder fame) in June 2004. Since then the museum has grown to become a popular attraction for visitors to Hull. Highlights of the exhibition include full-size Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops skulls, dinosaur bones you can touch and numerous interactive, child-friendly exhibits. One of the most popular exhibits is an interactive sandbox where children can build dinosaur landscapes and even make a volcano! The museum is designed with children and families in mind. Exhibits can be touched, buttons can be pressed and young palaeontologists can dig for dinosaur bones in sand. The museum is complemented by a gift shop offering dinosaur toys as well as genuine and replica fossils. More recent additions include an exploration of feathers on dinosaurs – look out for the feathered Velociraptors stalking the upper floor. Three large Velociraptor models overlook visitors from their perches. The famous dinosaurs, stars of Jurassic Park and Jurassic World, are represented as feathered in line with the latest scientific research. There is also an Augmented Reality exhibit where visitors appear alongside wandering dinosaurs. Dinostar is on the corner of Humber Street and Queen Street in Hull’s Fruit Market creative quarter. It is just two minutes' walk from The Deep, Victoria Pier and Hull Marina. In recent years Dinostar has been joined in the Fruit Market by a range of cafes, restaurants, galleries and independent shops. A great place to explore. The museum is open every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year. It also opens during school holidays, notably the summer school holiday from July to the start of September. School visits to Dinostar are very popular. As the museum is closed during school times groups have exclusive access to the venue. Groups of up to 60 children can be accommodated. As an alternative, especially for schools further afield, Dinostar takes some of the more portable exhibits to schools for Dinosaur Workshops. Workshops have taken place in schools from Aberdeen to Southampton and from Cardiff to Norwich. Dinostar has also appeared at science festivals, visitor attractions, holiday parks and even racecourses across the country. Dinostar – The Dinosaur Experience 28-29 Humber Street Hull HU1 1TH Tel: 01482 320424 Websites: www.dinostar.co.uk and www.dinosaurworkshops.co.uk Instagram: DinostarHull X/Twitter: DinostarHull
- CH#20July 30 · 22 min
Dogdyke Pumping Station, Lincolnshire
Much of Lincolnshire is low-lying and, if left to nature, would be fenland and marsh, and difficult or impossible to farm. From the seventeenth century landowners have tried many techniques to reduce seasonal flooding and to raise the water out of the land and into the rivers. At first, wind-powered pumps were built but in the nineteenth century, with the invention of steam engines, a new chapter began. Tall brick chimneys rose across the fenlands and hundreds of steam driven pumps were constructed to drain the wetlands and produce productive farmland. But they in their turn were replaced by diesel pumps and, in the later twentieth century, by electrically driven pumps. Pretty much all of the old steam (and diesel) pumps were demolished and the engines sold off for scrap. But just a few remain as museum exhibits … one of the best is at Dogdyke Pumping Station near Tattershall, where an 1855 beam engine is still driven by steam and still turns its massive scoop wheel to lift water from the land into the river Witham. Right next to it, and now also redundant, is the 1940 Ruston diesel engine that replaced the steam. Both engines are maintained and demonstrated by volunteers. These magnificent engines are cared for by the Dogdyke Pumping Station Preservation Trust and are demonstrated to visitors on the first Sunday of every month from May to October (12.30 – 4.30). The tea room serves splendid cakes and admission is free (although donations are appreciated). www.dogdyke.com
- CH#19July 23 · 23 min
Sundown Adventureland, Nottinghamshire
This week's episode is something a bit different. Sundown Adventureland isn't a museum, it's a theme park for young children, but it has a long history of almost 60 years. Audrey and John Rhodes started the business almost by accident in 1968 when visitors to buy their homegrown produce were enthralled by a pet monkey they had acquired. This grew into a petting zoo and eventually a theme park. The third generation are now running this family business which is a delight for children and their grown ups alike. In 2022, Sundown Adventureland opened its new overnight accommodation, Wild Acre Village. Located next to the park, the 50 lodges provide a themed holiday experience for guests, with single or double lodges available. www.sundownadventureland.co.uk
- CH#18July 16 · 25 min
Grantham House, Grantham Lincolnshire
Grantham House is a hidden treasure in the heart of Grantham, Lincolnshire. It has been in the care of the National Trust since the 1940's but was only opened to the public in 2025. Only part of the house is permanently accessible (the downstairs with the cafe and book shop) but there are also rooms available upstairs for community classes and events. There are also 5 acres of stunning gardens to enjoy. Admission is free for everyone as part of the National Trust's strategy objective to end unequal access to nature, beauty and history. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/grantham-house
- CH#17July 9 · 25 min
Cottage Museum Woodhall Spa
The Cottage Museum at Woodhall Spa covers the history of the town and the Wield family who lived there from 1887 until the 1960s. The house is a rare example of a Boulton and Paul bungalow constructed of corrugated iron on a wooden frame. John Wield was a keen photographer and his photographic collection is a unique and valuable record of life at the time. Some of his photographs are on display at the museum, along with a reconstruction of his darkroom. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cottagemuseum Instagram @Cottage_Museum Website WWW.cottagemuseum.co.uk
- CH#16July 2 · 23 min
Sturminster Newton Mill
Pete Loosmore is the Miller at Sturminster Newton Mill, which is part of the Sturminster Newton Heritage Trust. Sturminster water mill stands on the banks of the Stour River, 300 yards from a medieval, six arched bridge and the site of an even older ford few yards further on. The area is overlooked by “Sturminster Castle”, which is the ruined remains of a manor house once given to Katherine parr by Henry V111.( Now on private land) There has been a mill on the riverbank for at least 1000 years, the site is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The current building has parts dating back to the 1500s. The atmosphere and scenery changes day to day, season to season, from substantial winter flooding to a picturesque, peaceful place to relax or observe the wildlife during spring, summer and autumn. The Mill has played a key role in the history of the town, Sturminster Newton, just across the bridge. Milling of grain, whether for flour or animal feed has been a constant, but the mill was also pivotal in the production of a special fabric, Swan Skin. This was an important local industry. Woven woollen cloth would be brought to the Fulling wing of the mill to be beaten with urine and fullers earth to make a thick, warm, waterproof fabric which was then exported to the fishing trade in Newfound during 1600s to early 1800s. Even now, Newfoundland families are tracing their families back to Sturminster Newton. The full story is told in the mill. The method of working inside of the mill has changed little during the passing centuries. A medieval miller would feel at ease milling grain today once he had mastered the “modern” under water turbine installed in 1904 to replace the two traditional undershot waterwheels. Today, the mill is kept working by a group of volunteers and is open during spring and summer months when the miller uses the traditional machinery to produce flour for sale. Whether you want historical facts, the opportunity to soak up the peace and quiet of tranquil surroundings, or observe wildlife from the many footpaths, the mill is a special place to visit. For opening times and more information www.sturminsternewton-museum.co.uk
- CH#15June 25 · 31 min
Websites for heritage attractions
Helen Reynolds is a freelance copywriter and her business, Ink Gardener Copywriting, specialises in writing copy for heritage attraction websites. Helen has many years of experience of working in the heritage sector as she previously managed websites and social media for the Lake District National Park. She is a font of knowledge when it comes to creating a great website for a heritage attraction, and she's passionate about history and heritage as you will hear. Whether you work for a heritage attraction or not, this is a fascinating 'behind the scenes' episode, and if you do happen to work for a museum or other attraction, Helen has a free gift for you! To access her target audience top tips pdf, send an email to helen@inkgardener.co.uk with the secret code 'Come Here'. www.inkgardnener.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/helencopywriter/