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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Colchester Baptist Church

Colchester Baptist Church, Eld Lane, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1LS
In person
Pre-booking not required

There have been Baptists active in Colchester for many centuries, with their community being one of the oldest in England. This church dates back to 1834 and is still in active use today.

Colchester Castle Museum

Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ
In person
Pre-booking not required

A much loved museum in the picturesque Castle Park, this is the annual opportunity to explore this fascinating building free of charge.

Colchester Cemetery

Mersea Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8RU
In person
Pre-booking not required

Colchester Cemetery is a beautiful and peaceful green space. This is a rare opportunity to explore its history with an expert guide.

Colchester Siege Walk

War Memorial, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ
In person
Pre-booking not required

A guided tour exploring the Colchester places and people at the time of the English Civil War Siege in 1648.

Colne Valley Postal History Museum

109 Head Street, Halstead, Essex, CO9 2AZ
In person
Pre-booking not required

A privately owned Postal History Museum in the heart of East Anglia. Hands-on history for everything post and telephone related! New larger premises for 2026!

Combined Military Services Museum

Combined Military Services Museum, Carriage House, Station Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LQ
In person
Pre-booking not required

A treasure trove of militaria, with stories of intrigue and ingenuity, the museum engages our natural curiosity to discover and learn. With uniforms to try on, handling, quizzes and activities, we can engage enquiring minds, young and old alike.

Cuckoo Farm Studios

Cuckoo Farm, Boxted Road, Mile End, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5HH
In person
Pre-booking not required

Cuckoo Farm Studios was established over thirty years ago when a small group of artists moved in and began to turn this derelict farm into a suitable venue in which to work. Today it is the home of more than thirty artists.

Earls Colne Heritage Museum at The Quaker Meeting House: Pop-up and walking tour

The Meeting House, 8 Burrows Road, Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2RZ
In person
Pre-booking not required

Join the team of Earls Colne Heritage Museum for a Pop-up Display and Free Walking Tour 'Industrial Housing for Hunt's Atlas Workers' led by John Stedman. Starting at the Quaker Meeting House built in 1733.

Earls Colne Quaker Meeting House

Quaker Meeting House, 4 Burrows Road, Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2RZ
In person
Pre-booking not required

Early Quaker Meeting House, grade II listed, still in use by Quakers and as a community venue.

Explore & Discover: Open House at St. Mary’s Church Old Harlow

St Mary & St Hugh Church, Churchgate Street, Harlow, Essex, CM17 0JT
In person
Pre-booking not required

St. Mary’s Church will be open to explore and discover a little bit of history on your doorstep, and enjoy home made refreshments.