Festival spotlights

From the ancient wonder of henge monuments to the modern marvel of submarines, grand plaster ceilings to tiny bird nests. There are so many stories to tell of the structures that surround us – the makers, the menders, the materials and more! Here are just some of the amazing events exploring our official festival theme this September.

From sensory art events to finding quiet spaces in glorious gardens; sign language tours of historic buildings, and audio descriptions of international science collections. There is something for everyone to explore this September.

Whether you want to search the stars, get tangled in woolly stories or explore acres of castles across the continent, this September you are spoilt for choice! Yes, European Heritage Days are back. We’ve been highlighting all the free joyful events here in England but there's even more to explore beyond our borders - here’s a taste of what’s happening elsewhere in the UK… and beyond!

Help! A 17th century ship is disintegrating, the Tudor tapestry is unravelling, and your precious ancient manuscript is torn and faded! Who are you gonna call?! The Conservators! Are you ready to meet some of these stars, and find out just how they work their magic on our heritage treasures? Well, here are 10 great opportunities for you – picked out by the Institute of Conservation no less, but be quick, they book up fast!

What links vampire bunnies, a painted room, a forgotten princess and a slave trade trail? They are all part of the amazing rainbow of our heritage waiting to be explored this September. From thrilling and fun to inspiring and thought-provoking - we challenged the Kids in Museums Youth Panel to choose a favourite event from our listings and this is their incredible selection.

From casting big, booming bells to mixing delicate paint colours - discover some of the amazing crafts that have been passed down the generations. Meet the experts practicing them today and maybe even have a go yourself!

Ever wondered about those mysterious lumps and bumps in the landscape? Or the curious bits of pot turning up in the garden? Archaeology is everywhere, and this September you can meet some experts to answer your questions. Learn how archaeologists read the landscape, peel back its layers and research the stories of our past – then maybe have a go yourself!

Do you have a budding architect in your family? Someone that loves a puzzle, or maybe just wants to dance, dance, dance?! Then check out these events chosen by the brilliant team at Kids in Museums to inspire your search for things to do this September.

From tidal waters and shimmering sands, to rushing rivers and an extensive canal network - we are a watery nation! Explore our coastal and waterways heritage this September with shipwreck tales, lighthouse maps, boats and barges to board, plus experts to quiz.

What inspired the writers of our most beloved books? Perhaps a visit to the places they knew well holds the answers and might spark some creative ideas of our own?! In Jane Austen's 250th anniversary year we invite you to discover some of the lesser known places associated with her, and explore the homes of other famous writers.

This may be our year of architecture, but we can’t overlook nature’s architects and the abundance of events in amongst England’s flora and fauna. From forests filled with art to glimpses of wildlife, intricately designed gardens to the sounds of nature - there’s adventures aplenty to be found outdoors this September!

Secret spaces and backstage passes – we all love to explore beyond the barriers! Well get ready, this September Heritage Open Days is giving you that VIP access to some hidden heritage – indulge your curiosity with tours of secret gardens, underground streets, and private mansions!

Bring on the cake and candles, railways are celebrating a BIG birthday this year! Have you spotted the bunting at stations yet? It’s been 200 years since the first passengers took a train from Stockton to Darlington so there are lots of stories to explore. Here are just some of our festival events that will help you do just that – from tiny trains to enormous one of a kind bridges it’s full steam ahead this September!

Drumroll please, we’ve cut the (virtual) ribbon and the path to England’s biggest festival of history and culture is now open! Yes, our event directory is up and running with over 1,500 events already registered and ready for you to sift through! From the architecture of chocolate to mythical stories and the nature reserve grown from a brickworks it’s shaping up to be a really creative year. These are the team’s first picks from the listings, but what will you choose?

Several days down, but there is still more to come! Time's ticking by fast as we move into the second half of the 2024 Heritage Open Days festival. Here's a sneak preview of some amazing events we think you shouldn't miss in the final days.

Can’t travel to that great event? Fancy catching something quick whilst waiting at a bus stop? Try one of these great online options – from ancient farms to modern airports via social media posts to live webinars, there are so many ways to explore our heritage this week!

Buckle up - we couldn't have a theme of Routes-Networks-Connections and not give you a whole spotlight full of cars, buses, boats and trains now could we?! Here are just some of the hundreds upon hundreds of fab free events offering you the chance to see, step aboard, maybe even take a ride in, or on, a huge variety of vehicles. What are you waiting for, the festival has begun - all aboard the Heritage Open Days Express!

What brings us together? Are you a traveller or a host? At the heart of our festival theme this year is people - so here are 12 great events exploring the routes we've taken and connections made throughout history.

From undersea fibre-optic cables to lacework coffeepots and 'Aylesburys' around the world - our festival community have pulled out all the stops for this year's theme. For our anniversary we're celebrating how people and ideas have moved around and come together throughout history. The transport routes, communication networks, trade unions and social clubs. The travellers who have spread ideas and the hosts who welcome them. There are so many links on our doorsteps just waiting to connect us, near and far. What will you discover?

Whether you want to spend an evening discussing Viking treasure, take a walk with a textile artist or just explore fascinating historic sites and stories, this September you are spoilt for choice! Yes, European Heritage Days are back. We’ve been highlighting all the free joyful events here in England but there's even more to explore beyond our borders - here’s a taste of what’s happening elsewhere in the UK… and beyond!