Each September thousands of volunteers across the country invite you to experience local history, architecture and culture. All for free.

Heritage Open Days is over for another year. Huge thanks to all involved, do let us know how it went!

You can still look through this year's festival listings for inspiration below. Then save the dates for next year - the festival returns 10-19 September 2027!

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Festival spotlights

Festival spotlights

Be inspired by these event highlights

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More to explore

More to explore

If you like us, check out these other festivals!

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Photo of pink hand waving flag on a table in a room lit by fairy lights. Surrounded by graphics of question marks.
21 Sep 2026

How was your festival experience?

The good, the bad... and the bunting! Our amazing festival is over for another year, but we couldn't visit all the thousands of events, so we need you to tell us - how did it go?

News
Wooden carving of a cherub reading a book.
11 Sep 2026

10 Great Online Events

Can’t get out and about? Then stay in and check these online events out! Whether you want a 5 minute dip into stories on social media or to settle in for a live talk – from treasure hunts to rescue stories and family history tips, there’s an option for you over the festival.

Festival spotlights
Old photo of young men in wheelchairs lined up shooting arrows from longbows.
08 Sep 2026

Unsung Stories

Do you know who started the Paralympics? Where Drag came from? How to read the symbols in African textiles? What about the link between Laundry Basket Lucy in 1851 and John in 1951? Are you ready to explore some stories that don’t often get told – be prepared, whilst some are joyful, and curious, others are poignant and challenging, but all are important. Explore more with these events over the festival.

Festival spotlights