Merton Heritage Discovery Day 2026.

Wimbledon theatre 1912  Deeds Mill, Mitcham London Road, Morden

 

Saturday 22 August sees the return of the annual Merton Heritage Discovery Day.

This is FREE annual showcase for our borough's colourful past features walks, talks, photographic and heritage displays, author events, craft and children's activities, plus the popular Heritage Marketplace.

This year's event will take place at Merton Civic Centre and Morden Library from 10.30 to 4.30. 

The 2026 programme includes guided walks round Morden Hall Park and the area's industrial heritage; a photographic retrospective from Mitcham Camera Club; assorted local history displays; a quiz; crafts based on Merton's sweet-making heritage, badge-making, colouring competitions and a giant model railway based on the Raynes Park area.

Our bitesize talks programme will cover the eminent rail engineer George Parker Bidder; African cultural links; a century of Wimbledon history books; Lines Brother's Triang toys; pioneering female publisher Dorcas Lackington; Ruth's  Story - a life in education and LGBT heritage.

You can also discover more about our "Merton United" project - part of the borough's Cultural Impact programme. Suggest Merton pioneers to feature on commemorative plaques, learn how you can join our "We Belong to Merton" heritage collection days; find out about volunteering opportunities and help us to identify people, places and events for our forthcoming Multicultural Merton heritage trail. We will also be displaying some of the beautiful Merton Story textile artwork inspired by Merton's diverse communities.

Our Heritage Marketplace will feature stalls from Merton's many museums, local history societies, artists, community, sports and environmental groups. Come along to learn about new projects, collections, heritage sites, volunteer placements and the amazing history on your doorstep.

Whether you are a local history enthusiast, a nostalgia lover or just want a day out with a difference - Merton Heritage Discovery Day has something for young and old.

Full details of our programme will be available from 15 July.

PLEASE NOTE: The main event is open to all, however our talks must be pre-booked.

TALKS BOOKINGS (ONLY): Phone Line/Web booking (OPENS 18 JULY): Tel 020 8545 4040/3230. Visit: merton.events.mylibrary.digital or Eventbrite.co.uk