About

Woolwich Works are delighted to take part in the National Trust's Heritage Open Days.

This architectural award-winning, Grade II and II* listed heritage buildings date back over 300 years and have some amazing stories to tell!

Woolwich Works has welcomed King George III, housed a firework factory and a theatre, and even the Royal Artillery Band! Always evolving, the venue is now a multi-faceted event space at the heart of the community with a wide variety of programming including commercial hires, workshops, live music, dance, comedy, café, resident artistic companies, fun for families, and more!

Come and celebrate Heritage Open Day with a brimming programme of activity, for all ages, taking place across the building.

Programme

History Talk: Royal Arsenal Explored
For nearly 500 years the Royal Arsenal in South East London defended the interests of England and then the United Kingdom. The expertise and output of Britain's largest factory allowed the UK to build an Empire containing a quarter of the planet's population and saw both Nation and Empire through two World Wars (WW1 & WW2). Join Steven Peterson and Ian Bull for this fascinating talk.
* This talk will be FREE to book in advance. Details coming soon.

Chineke! Open Rehearsal
2pm, Fireworks Factory
To celebrate Heritage Open Day, Resident Artistic Company at Woolwich Works Chineke! is throwing open the doors to its rehearsal. Chineke!, Europe’s first majority Black and ethnically diverse orchestra, is inviting visitors to see and hear the orchestra in the heart of Woolwich Works' iconic Fireworks Factory.
* This open rehearsal will be FREE to book in advance. Details coming soon.

Lost & Found with Thames Mudlark Nicola White
Local artist, inspirational YouTuber and licensed Thames mudlark Nicola White takes you on a journey of discovery along the river, revealing the extraordinary stories of forgotten people and places through objects found in the mud.
* This talk will be free to book in advance. Details coming soon.

Heritage Tours
Book your free ticket in advance
You will be led around a variety of our historic spaces by one of the guides and hear stories from the building’s past like London’s first fireworks displays, visits from Kings and Queens, Suffragette protests and more.
* The Tours will be FREE to book in advance. Details coming soon.

Bean Feast!
Visitors' Book Cafe, no booking required.
The cafe will be serving up delicious bean-based yummy dishes to mark Heritage Open Day. The term "Beanfeast" dates back to 6th July 1773, when King George III arrived at Woolwich by barge and proclaimed an annual holiday after enjoying an open-air feast of beans and bacon. The modern Beanfeast menu will include vegetarian options!

Sketch the Site
At The Courtyard, no booking required.
Head to the Courtyard, the heart of Woolwich Works, where you can grab a pencil and paper and sketch the site. You don’t need to be an artist to take part - All ages and abilities are welcome. Take your work home, or display it in the Workers' Bar.

Cheers!
Have a drink, or just relax and enjoy our open air Courtyard and Garden Shed Bar and more!