North East

Properties and events in North East

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

Print selected events below

'Churchyard Mysteries': All-Ages Guided Tour

Newcastle Cathedral, St Nicholas Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 1PF
In person
Pre-booking preferred

Enjoy a fascinating tour through the Cathedral churchyard. Was Queen Victoria truly unamused by her visits to Newcastle? Why does a ‘Vampire Rabbit’ overlook the Cathedral? Meet us in St Nicholas Square and join us in exploring the Cathedral grounds!

'The Workers' Church' - St Hilda's Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne

St Hilda's Church, Jesmond, Thornleigh Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE2 3ET
In person
Pre-booking not required

Railways and shipbuilding are inextricably linked to the story of St. Hilda's Jesmond (1905). Everyday histories of local people, Arts & Crafts features, a hanging pix and a magnificent triptych by artist Francis Newbery of Glasgow.School of Art.

"Mighty" Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ Visits

New Victoria Centre, High Street, Howden Le Wear, Crook, County Durham, DL15 8EZ
In person
Pre-booking not required

See & hear the North East's only 'Mighty Wurlitzer' theatre pipe organ (one of UK's largest). The theatre organ was part of the 'Everyday History' of our society last century - find how it was used & look inside the workings of this amazing machine!

A Walk in the Park

Leazes Park, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE2 4BJ
In person
Pre-booking not required

A Heritage Walk in the Park covering the history of the first People's Park in Newcastle and exploring the stories of people connected with the park since it opened in 1873.

A Walking Tour of Alnwick’s Lost Pubs

Market Place, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1HS
In person
Pre-booking required

This walking tour of Alnwick’s lost pubs will show the visitor the location of Alnwick’s lost Beer Houses, Taverns and Inns.

All Saints Church and Churchyard open day - Langley Park

All Saints Church, Quebec Street, Langley Park, County Durham, DH7 9UU
In person
Pre-booking not required

A chance to explore the church, find out what's happening in the churchyard, and discover the history of the village contained there.

Allendale Historic Quaker Meeting House

Society of Friends Quakers, Allendale Quaker Meeting House, Wooley Burn Foot, Allendale, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 9NE
In person
Pre-booking not required

Allendale Quaker Meeting House and burial ground, just a few minutes walk from the centre of the town, is a place of tranquillity steeped in the history of the Allen Valleys and the Quaker community who have worshiped here since the 1660s.

Alnwick Trades

Alnwick Market Place, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1HS
In person
Pre-booking not required

Alnwick's Independent shops are among our most popular attractions. Pick up a leaflet then explore the town centre to discover the stories behind some of our favourite high street businesses.

Alnwick Youth Hostel

34-38 Green Batt, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1TU
In person
Pre-booking not required

Visit the site of Alnwick's 19th century House of Correction. See Alnwick's 19th century courthouse and the prisoners' exercise yard with original wall and windows with bars, still in use for hostel guests - who may come and go as they please!

AudaTours Durham Audio Tour: Hands That Built Durham

Framwellgate Bridge, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3RW
Online & In person
Book on day

A self-guided audio tour of Durham, exploring the masons, miners and cathedral craftspeople who built the city.

Bell Ringing in Berwick Townhall

Berwick Town Hall, Marygate, Scremerston, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1BN
In person
Pre-booking required

Visit the Bell Tower in the Town Hall to find out about the history of Berwick's bells and see how they are rung. Unusually these bells are in a civic building and not a church.

Beneath This Ground: Music and Poetry at Ballast Hills Burial Ground

between Albion Row and Ford Street, next to the former Ouseburn School building, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE6 1LL
In person
Pre-booking not required

Join us at Ballast Hills Burial Ground for "Beneath This Ground," a moving performance of poetry and fiddle music inspired by the lives of the 40,000 people buried here, bringing their stories to life in this atmospheric historic setting.

Bensham Grove: A Day of Heritage & Homecoming

Bensham Grove Community Centre, Sidney Grove, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE8 2XD
In person
Pre-booking preferred

Step inside Bensham Grove for a joyful day of heritage, creativity, and community. Explore our historic rooms, discover local stories, enjoy hands‑on arts activities, and celebrate the people who shaped this special place. All ages welcome.

Berwick Castle Tour

Berwick Railway Station, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1NF
In person
Pre-booking required

Berwick Castle was one of the most important fortresses during the Anglo-Scottish Wars. Probably built by the Scottish King David about 1124, it held his royal mint and was the scene of a decision made by Edward I that would make legends.

Berwick Masonic Hall

The Masonic Hall, The Parade, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1EE
In person
Pre-booking not required

Look around a working Masonic Hall which has operated from here for over 150 years. View the working tools and regalia of a Masonic Lodge. Find out about the building's history and the lodges who are based here.

Berwick's Riverside Walls Virtual Tour

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15
Online event
Pre-booking not required

Originally part of the defences commenced by Edward I after he stormed Berwick in 1296, this section of wall was probably not built until the early 14th century.

Big Battlefield Walks Weekends - Civil War Siege of Newcastle 1644

Newcastle Keep, The Castle, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 1RQ
In person
Pre-booking required

Civil War Events in Newcastle

Birkheads Secret Garden

5 Birkheads Cottages, Near Sunniside, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE165EL
In person
Pre-booking required

Visit Birkheads Secret Gardens to see the transformation of a former opencast mining site. The completed restoration is now a rural haven for wildlife, locals & international tourist attraction.

Brinkburn Brewery Tour: Local Brewing History and Ballast Hills Stories

Brinkburn St. Brewery Bar & Kitchen, Unit 1A, Ford Street, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE6 1NW
In person
Pre-booking required

Take a tour of Brinkburn St Brewery and enjoy a a small display on the brewing-related occupations of people buried at Ballast Hills Burial Ground, including brewers, publicans, coopers, maltsters, labourers, and merchants.

Cherryburn

Cherryburn, Station Bank, Mickley, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7DD
In person
Pre-booking not required

Discover the birthplace of famous artist, engraver and naturalist Thomas Bewick, nestled in the Tyne Valley. With an accessible garden and an unrivalled collection of his work, Cherryburn is surrounded by the natural world that inspired his work.