Behind the curtain
Step behind the curtain and uncover a theatre’s secrets with this special tour. You’ll meet staff from the past and have a chance to see unique machinery in action.
Local traders
Gaze at a shop window of wonders then, after a cuppa, take a traders’ treasure map to explore the village! Can you find where the butcher, the baker and the clothesmakers lived?
Or stay inside at this museum to explore a day in the life of different workers. Sensory story sacks, suitable for all ages, are scattered throughout the building to prompt you to play or pause and reflect.
Mill workers
Take a journey from fleece to fabric as you discover the stories of former mill workers in a special anniversary exhibition. Then watch current crafters at work, spinning, weaving and leatherworking.
Life on the rails
A fun day for all the family is on the timetable at these Norfolk stations. Meet the past stationmasters and signal men in costumed characters, and chat to people maintaining the tracks today. Read their stories in the pop up exhibition and share your own tales. Plus, dress for the occasion and you might have a chance to send a train down the line, clip a ticket or sound the horn!
Teaching texts
Head to this unique, historic library for an illuminating exhibition. From the Elizabethan sailor to the Restoration era constable, explore the working lives of our Early Modern professionals through a variety of texts.
Sole makers and traders
Take a walk in the shoemakers’ shoes! From designers to warehouse workers, apprentices to office staff – discover the people behind one of Britain’s most famous footwear brands.
People of the estate
One estate, hundreds of lives. From servants in the house to gardeners across the grounds, plus all the wider connections of local tenants and tradespeople. Come explore their stories at this special event sharing new research and maybe add your own tales to the mix.
A farmer’s life
Hear about daily life on a farm at this illustrated talk. Drawn from the detailed diary kept by its farm manager on the eve of WWI it’s sure to be full of fascinating insights.
Training to be a 'Nightingale'
What did it take to become one of Florence Nightingale’s nurses? Find out at this talk – hear the student’s stories and see items from the original training school that are rarely displayed.
Unexpected investors
Not all financial backers are rich men in suits. When funds were needed to build a (now iconic) bridge, it was ordinary Bristolians who helped out. From bakers to undertakers, discover their stories in this new exhibition.
Unusual occupations
Unloading manure boats, mixing arsenic and moving bodies were important occupations here in days past. Take a walk with a former BBC History Producer to explore this town’s less celebrated jobs.
3 cheers for volunteers!
Well, given how Heritage Open Days is powered by volunteers, we can't miss this event off the highlights list! So let's make it a baker's dozen of events (that's 13, instead of 12)... Book your seats for a humourous show celebrating the amazing resilience, camaraderie and can do attitude of voluntary workers.
Meet the experts
With this year’s theme Heritage Open Days has become a nationwide historical careers fair! Once you’ve explored the lives of past professionals, why not make a date to meet the current ones? From blacksmiths to drag artists, magistrates to rescue crews, whatever takes your fancy, the events will all be free to explore!
Try these handy search filters to find more great events:
- Everyday Histories
- Meet the experts
- Findmypast research – events drawing on research from leading family history website, Findmypast, sponsors of this year’s theme.
PLEASE NOTE - These events were accurate at the time of publication but details are subject to change. Check the individual entries for more - including any booking details needed.
Find out more
- Festival Spotlights - Be inspired for your event searches with our highlight posts.
- What's on? - Search here for an event near you.