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European Heritage Days 2023 - explore more

Posted on 30th August 2023 by Sarah Holloway

Whether you want to step out on a dance floor, try your hand at ancient skills, 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!

Logo design of a silhouette of a woman dancing surrounded by a circle of stars and a line of music.

Over 50 countries across Europe take part in the joint initiative by the Council of Europe & European Union. Each runs the festival a little differently but all aim to bring you new, often exclusive, opportunities to explore our fantastic heritage. This year the European theme is ‘Living Heritage’, so look out particularly for events exploring the practices, knowledge and skills that have been passed down the generations.

Northern Ireland – European Heritage Open Days

9-10 September + online events 4-10 September - Organised by Dept. for Communities

Discover N.I website / NI EHOD Web app / NI EHOD Digital Brochure

Work with the experts to craft your own beautiful piece of glass / © Tyrone Crafted Glass

  • Cutting edge history: Explore a centuries old skill in this special workshop with Tyrone Crafted Glass where you will also have the chance to cut your own piece.
  • Step back in time at Cockle Row Cottages: In this village by the sea immerse yourself in the past lives of the fishing community with a wonderful range of activities celebrating their language and culture, including: dancing, piping, soda bread making and even falconry!
  • A showband stroll: Explore some of Ireland’s rich musical history in this walk looking at Omagh's Showband heritage, highlighting sites of significance from rehearsal rooms to ballrooms.

Scotland – Doors Open Days

Throughout September - Organised by Scottish Civic Trust with Scottish Archaeology Month

Two women looking at an old harpsichord with its lid open.

Explore centuries of music making though this extraordinary collection / © The University of Edinburgh

  • Making music through the ages: In Scotland’s oldest purpose-built concert hall you will find a world class collection. So as well as marvelling at the acoustics and beauty of the building take extra time to explore musical instruments from across the ages and listen out for the demonstrations.
  • Meet the maker: Textile artist, Ceri Biddle, is opening up her studio in Orkney. Stop by to see her beautiful work and learn more about the craft skills of dyeing, printing and quilting. 
  • The ancient art of stained glass: Ten windows, two artists, one talk.  Discover the stories and craftsmanship behind the beautiful windows at All Saints in Challoch in this special talk. 
  • If trees could talk: Join a Highland Ranger for a ramble that may change your view of the trees you pass every day. Learn their Gaelic names, how to identify them, and what they have been used for in ages past.

Wales – Open Doors Days

Throughout September - Organised by CADW

Old whitewashed cottage sitting within a a garden of green grass and a blossoming tree. With darker conifer trees in the background.

Soak up the sun and centuries of stories at this beautiful old cottage / © Jill Tate

  • ‘Meadow of the Rays of the Sun’: The beautiful translation of this house’s name (Dolbelydr) conjures up its tranquil site. Once the home of a famous Welsh scholar, take your time to soak in the atmosphere and learn more about the history of this 16th century house and its restoration. 
  • Waterways: Stop by The Lengthsman’s Hut in Llangollen for a peek into the past. These huts were used as stores and shelters for the workers who maintained the canals. This one has been restored to look as if the lengthsman has just popped out to work and will be back soon.
  • Step in to the Mayor’s Parlour: Set into one of the towers of Tenby’s medieval town walls is the room where the council meets. Full of memorabilia the door will be open for you and knowledgeable volunteers on hand to answer questions.

Highlights from further afield

Illustration of a domed bee hive on a low table in a garden.

Explore the long history of beekeeping and build your own hive at one of Spain's events

  • SPAIN - An Ancient Buzz About Bees: A family friendly workshop to construct your own hive inspired by the long tradition, dating way, way back into prehistory of bee-keeping in the Ayora Valley.
  • POLAND - Carters' Glove Day: Weaving workshops, quests and quizzes will help you explore this special tradition. The weaving of warm, waterproof gloves for carters was an essential skill for the people of the Highlands. Its unique importance has recently been recorgnised by its inclusion on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage
  • NETHERLANDS - Dialect Walk: Stroll through a world of words as you take a walk through Kerkrade.

PLEASE NOTE - These events were accurate at the time of publication but the details may change. Some events require pre-booking. Please check the individual entries for updates and details.

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