St Mary-at-Finchley opens doors for free Heritage Open Days events
Residents can join tours, a five-mile walk and a concert from 11 to 20 September 2026
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St Mary-at-Finchley, the oldest building in Finchley, will open its doors for free Heritage Open Days events from 11 to 20 September 2026. The Grade II* listed church, located at 26 Hendon Lane, will host a series of activities, including heritage tours, a community gardening session and a five-mile guided walk.
Gardening, music and a heritage walk
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On Saturday 12 September, residents can take part in a community gardening event from 10:00 to 12:00. The session will be followed by a heritage tour of the church and its churchyard, which contains seven Grade II listed monuments. The church said the tour will explore the building’s history and its significance in Finchley.
The following day, Sunday 13 September, the church will hold its Patronal Festival. After the 10:00 Eucharist service, organist Macie Sutherland will perform works by Mendelssohn, Bach, Messiaen and Kerensa Briggs. The concert will begin at 11:30, with coffee served from 11:15. A lunch will follow at 12:15.
At 14:00 on the same day, a guided Healthy Heritage Walk will set off from the church. The five-mile circular route will pass through local green spaces and historic sites. The walk will end at 16:30 with drinks and refreshments back at the church.
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Turner’s sundial on show
Visitors will have the opportunity to view the church’s historic sundial, which was featured on the BBC Antiques Roadshow. The sundial also appears in a painting by J.M.W. Turner, dated 1793-94. The church said the sundial is one of the highlights of its heritage tours.
All events are free to attend. Further details are available on the church’s website or by emailing churchwarden2@stmaryatfinchley.org.uk. St Mary-at-Finchley is located at 26 Hendon Lane, N3 1TR.
Questions this report answers
+When are the Heritage Open Days events at St Mary-at-Finchley?
The events run from 11 to 20 September 2026. Activities include tours, gardening, a concert and a five-mile heritage walk. All events are free and open to residents.
+What happens on the community gardening day?
The community gardening event takes place on 12 September from 10:00 to 12:00 at St Mary-at-Finchley. It will be followed by a heritage tour of the church and its churchyard.
+Who is performing at the Patronal Festival?
Organist Macie Sutherland will perform after the 10:00 Eucharist on 13 September. The concert will include works by Mendelssohn, Bach, Messiaen and Kerensa Briggs.
+How long is the heritage walk on 13 September?
The guided Healthy Heritage Walk is approximately five miles long. It starts at 14:00 from St Mary-at-Finchley and ends with refreshments at 16:30.
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