14 Nov 2025
by Heritage Open Days

Collage of Heritage Open Days events from 2025 featuring people enjoying themselves. featuring an architecture themed festival logo + M&H award logo

From expert led conservation workshops at a local primary school to an LGBTQ+ audio trail and a discussion of architectural myths in a pub cellar. Our community put on a spectacular showcase of heritage this September, building community pride and inspiring further engagement along the way.

The community
  • 2,549 organisers
  • 104 coordinators
The festival
  • 5,879 events
  • 1.3 million visits
It gave our community a platform to share stories and culture with local people, and we’ve built new connections and friendships through it.

Organiser

2025

It was a beautiful reminder of how engaging and enriching local heritage can be.

Visitor

2025

Read our report for all the details!

 A big thank you

When it was first created it was a great, inspiring and generous idea and it has only grown in size, importance and impact over the years. When something so loved and so well-established becomes part of the heritage landscape it sometimes is in danger of being taken for granted. This award shows that we don't take it for granted but celebrate it, encourage it and thank all those who make it so special.

Bernard Donoghue OBE

Director, ALVA / Museums + Heritage Award judge, on Heritage Open Days receiving Sector Impact Award

A huge thank you to everyone who has participated in and contributed to our wonderful festival. Whether by visiting, volunteering, or planning and promoting. Every cup of tea poured, form filled in, poster put up, or story exchanged has made a difference.  THANK YOU and see you next year!

Save the date! HODs returns: 11-20 September 2026


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