Somerset

Properties and events in Somerset

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

Print selected events below

Abbey House Glastonbury open day

Abbey House, Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8DH
In person
Pre-booking preferred

Another chance to see inside this unique historic property and learn about the people who lived and worked here.

Axbridge and District through the 50s and 60s

King Johns Hunting Lodge Museum, The Square, Axbridge, Somerset, BS26 2AP
In person
Pre-booking not required

A photographic and exhibit led collection that traces the lives, the work, education and experiences of the people born, living and working in the parishes at the foot of the Mendips and bordering the Levels

Brean Down Guided Tour

Brean Down, Brean, Burnham-On-Sea, Somerset, TA8 2RS
In person
Pre-booking preferred

Discover over 10,000 years of history at Brean Down on a free guided walk with one of our knowledgeable guides.

Bridgwater Arts Centre Tours

Bridgwater Arts Centre, 11-13 Castle Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3DD
In person
Pre-booking preferred

Join one of just five exclusive tours of this stunning Grade I listed Georgian building and uncover the fascinating story behind England’s very first Arts Centre. Discover hidden spaces, rich history, and the legacy that shaped a cultural landmark.

Bridgwater History and District Civic Society talk - "Bridgwater 1024 to 1927: Class Conflict in a Somerset Town"

Bridgwater Arts Centre, 11-13 Castle Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3DD
In person
Pre-booking preferred

Join Dave Chapple of the Bridgwater History & District Civic Society for a fascinating talk exploring “Bridgwater 1024–1927: Class Conflict in a Somerset Town.” Discover centuries of tension and resilience as the town’s story unfolds.

Carhampton Church Tower

St John the Baptist Church, Main Road, Carhampton, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6NT
In person
Pre-booking not required

Climb the spiral staircase up the church tower to see where ringing takes place, the bells and the extensive views from the top.

City of Wells Almshouses

City of Wells Almshouses, Priest Row, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2QE
In person
Pre-booking not required

Open on 19th September only. Medieval almshouses with stunning gardens, a newly renovated working chapel and the original Guild Hall of the city. live music between 1400 and 1500.

Craftsmen & Cloisters Discover Muchelney Abbey & Meet the Medieval Stonemason

English Heritage, Muchelney Abbey, Muchelney, Langport, Somerset, TA10 0DQ
In person
Pre-booking not required

Free Entry. Explore Muchelney Abbey grounds and interior, and meet our medieval stonemason at work

Dawe's Twineworks

94A High Street, West Coker, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 9AU
In person
Pre-booking not required

Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker, is the only surviving Victorian Twineworks in the UK - and it works. We celebrate all our local history, notably the sailcloth and twine industries based on flax

Discover Hardington St Mary's

The Church of St Mary's, Pillar Lane, Hardington Bampflyde, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2RE
In person
Pre-booking not required

Be amazed by a hidden gem which feels like you're stepping back in time.

Downside Abbey Church and Monastery Gardens - Free Guided Tours and Exhibition

Downside Abbey, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, Somerset, BA3 4RH
In person
Pre-booking not required

We are offering free guided tours of i) the Abbey Church ii) the monastery gardens. Our exhibition 'Everyday Lives' will be open and free to view in the Abbey Church.

Evercreech Material Recycling Facility tour

Unit D, Evercreech Junction, Evercreech, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6NA
In person
Pre-booking required

Join us for a fun, behind-the-scenes tour of Evercreech recycling facility for Heritage Open Day! Learn more about recycling in Somerset and what happens once it is collected from your home.

Everyday Histories at Somerset Heritage Centre

Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6SF
In person
Pre-booking not required

Celebrate the Everyday Histories of Somerset – the ordinary people whose daily lives have left behind extraordinary stories and go on a behind-the-scenes archives tour.

Free entry to Barrington Court

National Trust Barrington Court, Barrington, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 0NQ
In person
Pre-booking not required

Come and enjoy a visit to Barrington Court. Explore beautiful gardens & historic orchards, farm buildings, avenues and the ground floor of Strode House, the historic stable block, which was converted into the Lyles' family home in the 1920s.

Goathurst Heritage Trail - Halswell House, Parkland, Mill Wood and the Temple of Harmony

Halswell House, Halswell Park, Goathurst, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2DH
In person
Pre-booking not required

View the Halswell House State Rooms. Visit the gardens and parkland. Enjoy the woodlands, ponds and follies. Take part in a Goathurst Heritage Trail.

Goathurst Village Heritage Trail - Temple of Pan

The Temple of Pan, Halswell Park, Goathurst, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2DH
In person
Pre-booking not required

The Temple of Pan is part of the Goathurst Village Heritage Trail. The Temple of Pan was built as an ornamental folly as part of the landscape and gardens of the Halswell Park Estate in the 1770s.

Goathurst Village Heritage Trail-St Edward, King and Martyr Church

St Edward, King and Martyr Church, Goathurst, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2DE
In person
Pre-booking not required

Visit the church as part of the unique Goathurst Village Heritage Trail. View the wealth of ancient tombs and monuments to the Halswell-Kemeys-Tynte families and discover the fascinating links between the church and nearby Halswell House and Park.

Grays Almshouse

1 Grays Alms House, East Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3NA
In person
Pre-booking not required

As part of the National Heritage Open Days, Taunton Heritage Trust will be opening Grays Almshouse and Chapel on Thursday 17th September.

Guided walk-around by Bridgwater History and District Civic Society

Outside Blake Museum, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3NB
In person
Pre-booking preferred

Join this engaging guided walk through the town’s streets, bringing to life its 19th-century social and industrial story. From bustling docks to brick and tile works, discover the people, industries, and places that shaped Bridgwater.

Hinton Watermill

Hinton Farm, Hinton, Mudford, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8BA
In person
Pre-booking not required

The last remaining watermill on the river Yeo in Somerset, built in 1800 by William Smith Geologist and Canal builder, unique in having 450 m of tunnels supplying the water. Originally built with a water wheel but now has a Victorian turbine 1893.