Essex

Properties and events in Essex

Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.

Print selected events below

'Meet and Play the Moot Hall Organ' at Colchester Town Hall

Town Hall, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PJ
In person
Pre-booking not required

A rare opportunity to hear and play the remarkable organ in Colchester Town Hall which provides music for the town's annual Oyster Feast and other civic events.

“The Chelmsford Blue Plaque Challenge” an Illustrated talk by Alan Pamphilon

Galleywood Heritage Centre, The Common, Galleywood, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8TR
In person
Pre-booking required

The Chelmsford Civic Society were invited a few years ago by Chelmsford City Council to increase the number of people recognised by Blue Plaques in Chelmsford.

180 Bishopsfield, Harlow

180 Bishopsfield, Harlow, Essex, CM18 6UT
In person
Pre-booking required

Of great interest to architects, architectural students, and those interested in 20th Century town planning. A courtyard dwelling in Bishopsfield - one of 256 dwellings in the award winning development from 1961.

A Virtual Tour of 26 High Street in Chelmsford - Dr Benjamin Pugh's Mansion House

Chelmsford, Essex,
Online event
Pre-booking not required

A virtual tour of 26 High Street in Chelmsford - Dr Benjamin Pugh's Mansion House.

A Virtual Tour of Saracens Head Hotel

Chelmsford, Essex,
Online event
Pre-booking not required

A Virtual Tour of Saracens Head Hotel revisits the history of this centuries old building which was one of many coach houses in Chelmsford.

AudaTours Colchester Audio Tour: Unsung Hands

Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3AA
Online & In person
Book on day

A self-guided audio tour of Colchester, exploring the silk weavers, oyster fishers and garrison workers of Britain’s oldest recorded town.

Audley Chapel

Audley Chapel, Berechurch Hall Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 9NU
In person
Pre-booking not required

The 16th-century burial chapel of the Audley family, with a fine hammer-beam roof and unique monuments and features. Knowledgeable guides will be on hand to answer questions.

Beaulieu Palace - New Hall School Circular Walk

Beaulieu Community Cabin,, Taylor View, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 3HS
In person
Pre-booking required

Ever wondered about New Hall school and how it came to be?

Beeleigh Water and Steam Mill

Abbey Turning, Old London Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6LL
In person
Pre-booking not required

Beeleigh Water and Steam Flour Mill contains a unique Elephant Boiler, Wentworth Beam Engine and Victorian Milling Hurst.

Bell Ringing, Craft, Ancient Church

St Andrew's Parish Church, Parsonage St, Halstead, Essex, CO9 2LD
In person
Pre-booking not required

Come to St Andrews' Church to see and try out the ancient art of bell ringing Have guided tour of this Grade 1 Listed building Enjoy home-made refreshments Activities for kids and adults. Displays from local societies Organ recital

Big Battlefield Walks Weekends - Battle of Maldon 991

The Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JG
In person
Pre-booking required

A chance to visit this decisive Anglo-Saxon - Viking battle.

Bobbit's Hole Nature Reserve

Bobbit's Hole Nature Reserve, rear of Asda Superstore, Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HJ
In person
Pre-booking not required

Discover Bobbit's Hole Nature Reserve this Heritage Open Days.

Borley Church: Between Hedgerow and Sky: Studies in Light and Stillness

Borley Church, Hall Road, Borley, Essex, CO10 7AE
In person
Pre-booking not required

Eleanor Mann's paintings echo the beauty found surrounding Borley's historic church, which enjoys stunning views across the Stour Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy refreshments by Borley Bakes in this quiet, thoughtful place.

Boxted Airfield Open Weekend

Boxted Airfield Museum, Langham Lane, Langham, Colchester, Essex, co4 5nw
In person
Pre-booking not required

New for 2026. Royal Observer Corps post, ww2 camera of the type carried on aircraft to record mission effects. New artefact additions to B26 Aircraft collection.

Canal History Walk

Metro Bank, 38 High Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1BE
In person
Pre-booking required

Gently walk from the busy City Centre along the now peaceful waterway which was once the major transport route supplying the then town with heavy goods.

Cannock Mill

Cannock Mill, Old Heath Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8AA
In person
Pre-booking not required

There has been a mill on this site since the Middle Ages, although the present building was only constructed in 1845. Cannock Mill has three storeys with a hoist loft and is weatherboarded. It is now owned by Cannock Mill Cohousing.

Catherine’s Farmhouse, Great Parndon

Catherine’s Farmhouse, Peldon Road, Harlow, Essex, CM19 4HT
In person
Pre-booking required

Grade II listed farmhouse with selected rooms available to view.

Caught, Caged and Condemned Talk

Patch, 5-6 Grays Brewery Yard, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6QR
In person
Pre-booking required

Step into Chelmsford’s darker history, where justice was swift, public and often painful.

Chelmsford Black History Walk

Anne Knight Building, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1LW
In person
Pre-booking required

This walk which will take in the Cathedral and points of the High Street along to the non-conformist cemetery in New London Road.

Chelmsford Cathedral

Chelmsford Cathedral, New Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1NX
In person
Pre-booking required

We will be offering Introduction Tours of the Cathedral and a rare opportunity to visit our hidden gem, The Knightbridge Library (Bookable Tours).