Content hub

Time for a (bookish) treasure hunt! It’s the National Year of Reading, so from Thomas the Tank Engine to Hercule Poirot, let’s discover the places that inspired some of our favourite characters. Then why not find a lovely library to pick up your next read, or admire the jewels of their rare book collections!

History doesn’t just live indoors! Enjoy a breath of fresh air this September and discover some of England's historic gardens, landscapes and wild places.

Are you ready to go behind the strong room door, and discover ‘what’s in the box’? If there even is a box! From papers and scrolls to brass instruments, badges, silk textiles and spoken words, not all archives are the same. Let’s explore a few that are opening up for you this September and the stories they can tell.

Whether you're looking for nostalgia, adventure or breathtaking views, these events all deserve a place on your Heritage Open Days bucket list.

Ready? Set?... Go! Yes the event directory is now live, with over 1,600 events for you to hunt through. The team’s first picks range from immersive theatre exploring food histories to a church open day showcasing local farming lives (including a ‘giant’ legend from the 17th century). Heritage Open Days is back on 11-20 September - it’s your passport to explore, so save the dates and make your picks!

Can’t travel to that great event? Fancy catching something quick whilst waiting at a bus stop? Whether you want to explore behind the scenes of classical buildings or re-discover a lost canal, we have an event for you. Try one of these great online options – from daily social media posts to live webinars, you just need to click to connect to more!

Have you heard of the pioneering roadbuilder who was blind? The South Asian women who joined the army in WWII? What about the late Victorian queer poet who earned a state pension? Here are some great events shining a light on important, but lesser known histories over the festival.

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!