Welcome to England’s largest festival of history and culture!

Every September some 40,000 volunteers across England organise 5,000 events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.

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BLOG: Festival spotlights

Unlocked: 10 Sites That Aren’t Normally Open

Heritage Open Days is a great opportunity to discover unique and often hidden places. From tranquil estates to…

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BLOG: Guest Posts

Introducing…The Festival of Archaeology

From the glamor of Indiana Jones to the iconic stripy jumpers of Time Team’s Mick Aston, archaeology is full…

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BLOG: Festival spotlights

Jane Austen: At Home and On Screen

Jane Austen is a name everyone is familiar with, as her classic works are taught in schools, adapted into…

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HODs news

Welcome to England’s largest festival of history and culture!

Noticeboard

Unlocked: 10 Sites That Aren’t Normally Open

Introducing…The Festival of Archaeology

Jane Austen: At Home and On Screen

Dare to Dream: FREE workshop packs

HODs Newsletter

Event directory

Festival spotlights