Preston
Properties and events in Preston
Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.
A Village through time
A guided walk taking in the main buildings, people and events that have shaped this rural village.
Another Brick in the Walk
This brisk walk round brickworking history traces the hidden past of one of Preston's most important industries. The 3 mile linear walk takes an indirect route ending at the HODs event at Dobcroft Nature Reserve in Ingol.
Ashton Freehold - built in style
Discover what the architecture tells us about a Victorian suburb created in Ashton-on-Ribble by a freehold land society, an early type of building society.
Behind the Scenes at Preston Playhouse
Access all areas in a guided tour of Preston Playhouse - built for worship, used for drama! See front of house and backstage, discovering the history of the building and how performances are created here today.
Bricks, Bugs & Backstories
Explore Dobcroft Nature Reserve, once Cottam Brickworks, where history meets nature. Spot the rare Great Crested Newt as you wander through this reclaimed industrial site, now a haven of wildlife, heritage, and hidden architectural gems.
Broughton in Amounderness Heritage Centre and Church Cottage Museum
Guided Tours of Church Cottage (1590), restored Museum 1995, part of Broughton Heritage Centre and including Parish Church and National School. Includes 'Peasants Hovel', Sleeping Gallery, Inn, School Room, Parlour, Wash House, Cart Shed and Garden.
Broughton St John Baptist
St John Baptist will be open to visitors. There will be a special exhibition about baptisms featuring past registers, items for display and information about the Saxon font. Refreshments will be available and everyone is welcome.
Built for history makers – explore County Hall, Preston
A chance to explore some of Lancashire's hidden gems - book your free place on one of our talks or guided tours to discover the history and architecture of County Hall in the impressive Council Chamber, Christ Church Chapel and Lancashire Archives.
Chapel Talks – Christ Church Chapel, Preston
A chance to explore one of Lancashire's hidden gems – for only the second time we open the doors of Christ Church Chapel.
Explore the New University of Lancashire Archives
*New location for 2025* Welcome to the new home of the University of Lancashire's Special Collections and University Archive. Explore 200 years of history and Ask the Experts about our archives, University and Temperance history.
Fernyhalgh and Ladyewell
This talk is based on a new walk leaflet highlighting the history, buildings and people of Fernyhalgh and the Ladeywell Shrine
Haslam Park and Local Nature Reserve
Haslam park has features dating from 1910. 21st century additions focus on natural areas Join a guided walk to see the "The structures of the park and canal then and now". Explore the Local Nature Reserve alone or ask for a guide Visit website
Jeremiah Horrocks Observatory
Visit this small and intriguing building tucked in the corner of Moor Park, and discover what's inside that domed roof. Built for gazing at the sky, it's a star of Preston's scientific history.
Kennington Primary 'Bubble' classroom
Visit a 1970s architectural innovation designed for new educational ideas. The ‘bubble’ classroom at Kennington Primary School was the first fully structural plastic building in Britain, and is still in use today.
Lancashire Archives Open Day
Lancashire Archives is home to millions of historical documents that help tell the amazing story of our county, from 1115 – the date of the oldest – to the Twenty first century. Come and learn more about how the team safeguard for future generations.
Lancashire Conservation Studios - Behind the Scenes with Conservators & Curators
Behind the Scenes at the Museum- Meet Curators & Conservators who look after Lancashire's heritage. 13th Sept Tours of the Studios by Conservators. Wed 17th Sept -With Curators see collections, Roman Tent Pegs, Medieval coins, Bronze Age pottery.
Moor Park Sports and Social Club - Preston's Hidden Gem
Hidden is plain sight, one of Preston's architectural gems. Built and opened in 1899, Moor Park Sports and Social Club is a beautiful 19th Century Red Brick building surrounded by mature trees providing an oasis despite being on major roads.
National Football Museum presents ‘Origins’
Explore football’s early history and Preston’s vital role in the beautiful game! ‘Origins’ at the National Football Museum's Research Centre will reveal treasures from the past, the story of the first FA Cup, and showcase the museums own origins.
Plau Gin and Beer House
Tour a historic pub and dram shop, reopened after an award-winning restoration, and since Grade II listed. Discover the old Plough Inn, built 350 years ago, with its medieval well and remains of 18th century distillery in its vaulted cellar.
Plumbs Factory Tour
Join us for a behind the scenes look at Plumbs! As the UK specialists in made-to-measure sofa covers, curtains and reupholstery for over 60 years, this is an exclusive opportunity to see our expert craftspeople at work.