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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who co-ordinates and runs Heritage Open Days?

Heritage Open Days was set up in 1994 as England’s contribution to European Heritage Days. Until April 2009, the programme was directed and co-ordinated by The Civic Trust, and has now been taken over by English Heritage.

Is the event organised by English Heritage?

From May 2009, English Heritage will organise the weekend as a whole and coordinate the national registration, marketing and PR. Its Outreach team has been working on the programme since 2003 to take the scheme into new areas and support communities to broaden the range of properties opening. This work will continue. Individual sites are opened by their owners or other local volunteers.

How can I participate and open a property as part of the Heritage Open Days programme?

Everybody can participate and register a property with Heritage Open Days, provided that you own or manage the property. If you are a Civic Society, Preservation Trust, Local Authority or other organisation and wish to open properties in your locality which you do not own or manage, please approach the owners of the respective properties and ask for their consent to register the property with Heritage Open Days. In addition, you have to fulfill the following entry criteria:

  • Properties included in Heritage Open Days should be of architectural, cultural or historic interest.
  • All openings must take place during the dates set by English Heritage. Organisers can choose the days they wish to open properties/organise events. You do not need to participate on all days.
  • Admission to properties and participation in activities must be free during the chosen Heritage Open Days opening period. Properties that do normally open free of charge should either open an additional part of the property or arrange a special activity.
  • Visitors must be offered some explanation or interpretation of the history/architectural merit/function of the property.

For more information visit the Organiser Information section.


Does English Heritage give out grants for Heritage Open Days projects?
Individual Heritage Open Days projects are not eligible for English Heritage grant aid. However, the Heritage Open Days team can provide advice about raising funds.

Are the participating properties open all year round?

Heritage Open Days takes place only once a year, traditionally on four days including the second weekend in September. Many of the properties are not open to the public at other times of year, with the exception of certain museums, churches or other public buildings.

Does the English Heritage offer insurance cover to participating properties?

English Heritage does offer insurance cover to all participating properties for the duration of the event. For more information visit the section Registration Essentials

Is entry to participating properties free?

Entry to all participating properties has to be free over Heritage Open Days. Entry charges to certain parts of participating properties might apply. This is usually mentioned in the event directory entry.

Do participating properties provide disabled access?

Many properties provide full or partial wheelchair access. Icons in the event directory listings indicate whether a property is wheelchair accessible or not and if so, to what degree and whether disabled parking is provided. The event directory also allows you to search for events that are fully wheelchair accessible. If you need more specific information regarding the accessibility of a certain property, please contact the Heritage Open Days team.

Does the Heritage Open Days programme take place every year?

Heritage Open Days takes place annually on and around the second Saturday in September. The event dates for 2010 are 9-12 September. Visit http://www.heritagedays.net for event dates of similar programmes in London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Do you open the properties more than once a year?

Heritage Open Days takes place only once a year in September. Most of the properties are not open to the public at other times of year, with the exception of certain museums, churches or other public buildings.

Does English Heritage organise London Open House?

No, London Open House is organised by the charity Open City. Visit http://open-city.org.uk for more information.