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Discover a medieval meeting hall, dating from 1471. Home to The Incorporated Guilds of Weavers, Fullers (AKA Tuckers) and Shearmen. Woollen Cloth Trades Museum with static and interactive exhibits plus guided tours.

Tours of Mount Kelly School led by senior pupils

A free walk to the Prisoner of War Cemeteries at the rear of the prison, normally off limits to the general public.

A guided tour from Chris Bellers of both the cemetery, and the usually closed Chapel of Rest Sue Spackman will also talk about the architecture of the Chapel and the work of renowned architect Henry Clutton

'Ruins and Monuments' is an ongoing project that combines photography with graphic work and paintings

Discover the story of Queenie Frankpit and the other laundresses as you explore the working week in Killerton's historic laundry.

A family home and a great estate. Glorious landscape garden surrounded by parkland with fine 18th-century house.

On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September Kirkham House will be open from 1100-1600.

Finch Foundry was a mainstay of Dartmoor's industrial landscape for 150 years, producing up to 400 tools per day for local industry. The waterwheels and machinery are still mostly operational today. Tours of the site start on the hour from 1100-1500.

Author and Plymouth Proprietary Library patron, Judy Leigh discusses her new novel "The Three Witches" (written under the pseudonym Elena Collins) which tells the story of the sisters in Shakespeare's "Macbeth".

The Grantlands estate was built in the 1860s, with all the buildings on the main part of the estate being Grade II listed: this is a chance to walk through an unchanged 19th century private estate in the heart of Uffculme village.

It’s all about entertainment through the ages this year and we're delighted to be able to offer a range of FREE events! The museum has a special Quest for you to complete. We have things happening across three sites so check our other listings too!

A selection of rare books will be on display in the library for anyone to come and view including Milton's 'Paradise Lost', 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte and 'The Plymouth Weekly Journal' (1724).

A chance to find out what happens in Bampton's bell tower - tour of the tower, demonstrations, displays and a chance to ring a bell yourself.

Self-Guided Tours: See the rare surviving ruins of Hemyock's moated medieval castle: Remains of gatehouse archway, towers, curtain-walls and moat which surround the older manor house. Grounds, Interpretation Centre, Cider-Press, Farmyard displays.

As part of Heritage Open Days, we’re waiving our usual admission fees to enable everyone to visit Buckland Abbey for free.

Dartington Morris are once again hosting an annual Day of Morris Dancing in Totnes, on Saturday 12 September 2026.

A free guided tour on the varied uses of the castle, including as a prison for many centuries. Hear the story of Richard Strode MP and how his law still stands today.

It’s all about entertainment through the ages this year and we're delighted to be able to offer a range of FREE events! Come and visit our medieval clock tower. We have things happening across three sites so check our other listings too!

Join us in Pengelly Hall for a special lecture highlighting the often overlooked history of the Devon kitchen, inspired by artefacts and notebooks from Charles Hay Laycock's Devon folk life collection.

Characterful 16-sided house and grounds with views of the Exe estuary, built in 1796 by cousins Jane & Mary Parminter. Filled with curious mementoes of their Grand Tour travels, and handcrafted decorations from shell, feather and paper.

Churchyard tours with fascinating stories of some of the hundreds of people buried here in past centuries. Some famous, Rev John Russell, breeder of the first Jack Russell Terrier, many more are everyday people who lived and worked here.

Tucked away on the banks of the River Dart, explore Greenway, the holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie.

Visit Torquay Museum for free on Saturday 19th September as we unveil local histories of work within our galleries with a brand new trail.

High above the Teign Gorge on the edge of Dartmoor stands Castle Drogo. Reminiscent of a medieval fortress the castle was designed and built between 1910 and 1930 by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens for self-made millionaire Julius Drewe.

The hydro turbine house on the river Teign will be open to have a look around.

Explore this steep-sided river gorge, filled with temperate rainforest, carved into the western edge of Dartmoor. Descend into the Devil's Cauldron pothole on a platform over the water, and take in the 30-meter-high Whitelady Waterfall.

Sitting within a sub-tropical coastal garden, Coleton Fishacre's Arts and Crafts house with Art Deco interior transports visitors back to the Jazz Age. Explore the history of this hidden gem as it celebrates 100 years.

Visit Spiceland's historic 200 year old Quaker Meeting House and the burial ground which came into use around 1680. Find out more about the history of Quakers and Quakers in the 21st Century.

Opening to the public for the first time, The Landmark Trust are pleased to welcome visitors to Silverton Park Stables for this special Heritage Open Days event.

Explore vibrant post-war gardens, miles of 19th-century parkland and grand Gothic Revival architecture by Victorian visionary, William Burges.

Visit our John Greenway historic grade II listed chapel and the almshouse site which is tucked away behind. Refreshments will be served and visitors can have a look around and hear about the history of the buildings.

Self-guided tours of grade II listed 19th Century Victorian gothic chapel and grounds, converted into The New School in 1992 and now Exeter Pre-Prep School. Exhibition of school archives in the hall.

Step inside one of Torbay's most treasured historic landmarks and enjoy free admission to Torre Abbey for one day only as part of Heritage Open Days.

Launch shipyard trail Bideford / Appledore

Step inside Exeter's magnificent Historic Guildhall, one of the oldest civic buildings in England still in continuous use, and discover centuries of local history at this special Heritage Open Days event.

Launch of Shipyard Trail and Shipyard Exhibition North Devon Maritime Museum Appledore

Bridgeland Street Open Day - Bideford Bridge Trust Offices and Bridgeland Street Properties

Create art with natural Blackdown Hills pigments and clay in this free family drop-in workshop led by artist Sarah John.

Hands-on workshop with Dr Naomi Payne. Learn to identify and understand archaeological finds commonly discovered in the local landscape.

Explore the River Culm's past, present and future on a guided walk with Lucy Jefferson and the Connecting the Culm team.

A welcoming creative writing workshop with novelist Vanessa de Haan, inspired by Blackdown Hills history.

Join us for a one-hour guided tour of Dunkeswell Abbey, a monastic site nestled in a beautiful rural setting in the Blackdown Hills National Landscape.

A 2 hour guided river walk with Kathy Alexander, Tour Guide

We offer a warm welcome (with home-made teas) to Providence Chapel, Throwleigh, where you can see a special exhibition of the Dartmoor Photographs of Chris Chapman. In 2023 Providence, a C19 Methodist chapel, won two National Church Awards.

Imagine the excitement in 1926 when dignitaries gathered at the door of the old Cider Barn to inaugurate the Newton St Cyres Parish Hall. How did they achieve it? How did they raise the funds (£600 in 1926 which is approx £49,000 today!)?

On The Quay, alongside Rope Walk, the inside of the building reflects how it has changed over the years to meet the demands of an active rowing club that still competes at local and national levels

Guided walks focused around the west of the City Wall and Exbridges. Talk to archaeologists and trustees about Devon and specifically Exeter’s past. A chance to buy leaflets and books related to Devon’s archaeology.

Discover the everyday stories hidden within letters from the Cathedral's Archives.

Unique Grade 1 Church, re-built in the Commonwealth period (1657), with a significant place in the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549. Exhibition giving information about the history of the bell tower and some opportunities to ring a bell.

Come and take and take a look at how we operate and maintain our heritage railway.

Come and have a go at traditional woodworking and be part of building a longboat from green oak!

Details at www.stmarystotnes.org/events - or look out for signs outside the church.

What are votives? Step back to the 1400s and discover what votives are and why Cathedral visitors left these mysterious items at the tomb of Bishop Lacy.

Saltram offers a house full of treasures, stories & intrigue. A beautiful garden to lose yourself in, plus a park that cyclists, walkers, & our four legged friends love. Visit us for free this Heritage Open Days 2026.

Dr William Ackland, a nineteenth century Bideford doctor a talk by Liz Shakespeare

Open ship and demonstrations relating to seafaring and wooden boatbuilding skills. Linking Maritime heritage with environmental education.

Visit the historical collections of the largest police force in the southwest, at the Museum of Policing in Devon & Cornwall.

Get up close with the historical archive of the largest police force in the southwest, at the Museum of Policing in Devon & Cornwall.

A display of photographs and memorabilia of local shops over time, highlighting their role in Devon's Rural Communities.

St Paul's Church, Landkey Heritage Open Day featuring talk by local historian and guided tour of church.

A 90-minute guided history walk with Kathy Alexander, Tour Guide.

Come and visit our family friendly museum telling the history of Teignmouth and Shaldon.

From Hearth to High Street Step back in time and explore the changing face of Bampton through a remarkable selection of historic photographs drawn from the Bampton Heritage & Visitor Centre's archive Collection.

This is a guided walking tour which focuses on some of the incredible stories of just a few of the over 12,000 people buried in this extramural cemetery.

Open only for Heritage Open Days. Immerse yourself in over 400 years of history at one of the oldest free Grammar Schools in the Country

Discover a hidden gem with over a thousand years of rich history waiting to be explored...

Guided walk through Branscombe with tour or Manor Mill.

Totnes Museum will be celebrating the many local authors who've lived and worked in Totnes with an exhibition, readings and other drop in events. Open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10.30am to 4.00pm during HOD

St Mary the Virgin is now a Festival Church and open for only four services annually. This event will explore its beautiful unique features, tour the graveyard, and describe the contributions of rectors, benefactors and villagers over seven centuries

Join us at Old St Leonard’s Hall and discover how historic buildings can become part of a low-carbon future - including tours and advice on sustainable refurbishment of older buildings.

Create your own tale of our watery town in this puppet workshop, where we will make puppets and devise a play to tell a brand-new amazing water tale of Totnes.

A family heritage event at St Leonards Old Hall (formerly Roberts Road Hall) and the Dissenters' Graveyard: the history of Dissenters and their Graveyard with displays, activities and refreshments at the Hall: and guides at the Graveyard.

*EVENT CANCELLED* Discover the former private residence of Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst, the founders of the Dartington 'experiment,' and see unique highlights from their personal book collection.

Hemyock History and Archiving Association will arrange an open day on the afternoon of Sunday 13th September from 2pm to 5pm in conjunction with Hemyock Castle. Stories of the local residents of Hemyock who served in both World Wars.

A self-guided audio tour of Exeter, exploring the cathedral craftspeople, ship workers, watermen and traders of the city.

Join us for unforgettable stories from history, in the wildlife haven of the Grounds at Poltimore House.

Celebrate Luppitt's people, places and stories by creating unique prints inspired by the local landscape.

For Heritage Open Days 2026, join us for the launch of our guide on the Bloomberg Connects app and for special displays on everyday histories.

Don’t miss seeing the much loved and ever popular and friendly Dartington Morris Dancers, an exciting new addition this year to the Totnes Heritage Festival programme!

Given to the town by Bishop Stapleton in 1314, this building is open for visitors and community events

Come and join us as we open our spaces and host classes all over the Mansion: History, Art, Archaeological Jewellery making, Tai Chi, PE, Theatre and more.

Join Alexander Ringsmith, Totnes Heritage Trustee, for an experimental archaeology workshop producing prehistoric shell jewellery, the oldest known form of human ornamentation.

Don't miss a visit to English Heritage’s beautiful castle in the heart of Totnes town.

The Town Mill was erected prior to 1588; explore this unique building and see some of its original internal workings.

Find out more about St Martin's Church and the people who lived nearby and worshipped here during its long history.

Hear the fascinating stories of some of the individuals buried in the churchyard and find out more about the only church in England built by prisoners of war on a guided tour.

Fascinating free guided tours of the Fursdon historic family house, with beautiful gardens to explore, also for free. Our historic Coach Hall tearoom will also be open to enjoy delicious home bakes or a Devonshire cream tea (tearoom charges apply).

Explore the history, archaeology and impressive earthworks of Hembury Hillfort with archaeologist Bill Horner.

Join Brian Lane-Smith from the South West Airfields Heritage Trust for a tour of the historic airfield at RAF Culmhead.

All Things to All People, Part 1: 100 Years of Dartington Hall History

Welcome! This year our events are inspired by the people who have transformed the history of Mount Dinham, from Henry VIII to local volunteers, and the legacy of this beautiful Exeter landmark which belongs to everyone.

Please note this event is now fully booked. A free guided tour looking at the local lifestyles before 1066 and the changes that the Normans imposed to help explain the need for the castles.

An excellent opportunity to visit this ancient church. Consecrated in 1259, this has been the family church for the Earls of Devon & the Courtenay family since the 13th century. Musical Interludes, Talks & Cream Teas on each Open Day.

Step into the shoes of Tavistock's miners, traders and stonemasons in this fun, hands-on workshop for primary-aged children, led by the Tavistock Heritage Trust Discovery Team. NO NEED TO BOOK - DROP IN SESSIONS DURING THE DAY

Grade 1 listed Queen Anne House with additions by Lutyens in 1925

An informal hands on workshop with the Morley Consort on seventeenth-century music-making, presenting excerpts from the coming evening concert in a more hands-on context.

A guided heritage walk of the Sidwell Street area and beyond. Guided tours of St Sidwell's - 'Lost Treasures of St Sidwell's'

A Red Coat Tour exploring the achievements of women in Exeter that have often been overlooked

A Red Coat Tour exploring Exeter's literary connections

Discover how Exeter was affected by the Blitz. Red Coat Guided Tour.

Discover the fascinating history of Topsham.

This tour explores how areas of the city have changed and adapted over the years.

A talk by Dr. Sue Andrew from the Devonshire Association

Join us on a moonlit bat detecting walk in search of some of the UK's 17 bat species, with local bat expert Sarah Butcher, from the Devon Bat Group.

Exeter Community Centre was originally an 18th Century merchant’s house and is a former school for the blind. Join our tour of the centre and our guided walk around the area to see and hear about the fascinating history of St David's.

Join us under the streets of Exeter on a tour of the city's Underground Passages. Created to bring fresh water into the city from the 14th century onwards and now a unique experience!

Exhibition: Shipyard trail, 'Young Shipwrights' project, Jane Hannah MacDonald II restoration

Don’t miss a unique opportunity for a hands-on experience at the Totnes Image Bank!

Church & Tower open event on Saturday 12th with tours of the bells, clock, ringing demonstrations and a chance to get splendid views of the town from the roof.

What can a well-thumbed bible, a child's schoolbook or a scribbled note tucked inside a visitors' book tell us about life at Powderham?

Explore Tavistock Abbey from its Anglo-Saxon foundation and medieval prosperity to the post-Dissolution town

Talk with volunteers restoring trains and track at Torrington Station

Open day showcasing the renovation work on the lifeboat Jane Hannah Macdonald III.

Working on the railway - visit the signal box and exhibition in guards van.

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of Britain's steam-powered past at the Robey Trust

Tavistock Guildhall Talk : Temptress, Murderess, Mother and Patron

A fantastic talk from Simon Dell

Join Tavistock Edge and Police Superintendent Mitchell of Tavistock Police Division, brought back to life

After exploring the Guildhall — explore how a day in the life of a police officer has changed, enjoy a police-themed children's craft and perhaps meet a historic policeman.

The Tavistock Heritage Chorus, performs extracts from Haydn's joyful choral masterpiece, inspired by Genesis and Milton's Paradise Lost. The evening closes Heritage Open Days 2026, with a brief address from Mayor Anne Johnson.

A new walk for Heritage Open Days 2026

A Heritage Open Days event presented byTavistock Local History Society

A HERITAGE OPEN DAYS EVENT walk led by Simon Thompson

A single roomed chapel in Romanesque Revival style built in the middle part of the 19th century.

Read, learn, discover. Heritage Open Days give you a rare chance to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Tavistock’s heritage library. Read books from 17th to 21st centuries. Learn how to use the online catalogue. Discover the local authors

Get a backstage pass to explore the Alexandra Theatre with this free guided tour of the building that is now Newton Abbot’s cinema. Thursday 17th September 10am-11:30am Friday 18th September 10am-11:30am

Visit this historic steamship, the last of the ‘Fresh Class’ water carriers that served the navy, delivering water to replenish steam turbines.

As part of HODs FAMILY FUN DAY join the Tavistock Players as they take you back to Tavistock's medieval past and characters from it

The tours will provide the opportunity to explore Tavistock’s splendid parish church: to learn something of its 700-year history, to walk around the beautiful building, and to see some of the important artefacts within the church

Get hands on with history

John Fletcher explores the lives of Ordgar, the first Earldorman of Devon; his daughter Ælfthryth, England's first crowned queen

Step behind the doors of one of Exeter's hidden gems and uncover the everyday stories that have shaped the Devon and Exeter Institution.

A very distinctive church built by William 8th Duke of Bedford to accommodate the miners who settled in Tavistock when working in the Devon Great Consoles mines. These mines were located on the west side of the town.

Lavington United Reformed Church is open for the day, along with other venues in Bridgeland Streetfrom 10 am until 2pm. Grade 2* Listed Building opened in 1859 still retains box pews and magnificent pipe organ. Displays & guides to show you round.

See the many interesting memorials within the church in memory of parishioners covering the last 350 year. On the day many information sheets will be located around the building relating to stories of the locality and some famous people.

Plaque, Pillage and Perils at sea! What gruesome stories! Hear how people had to endure the Plague, invasion and disastrous shipwrecks

Join our tour to see how St Nicholas Priory was restored in the years 1912-1916.

Join us for free entry to Arlington Court as part of the Heritage Open Days and take part in one of free outdoor history walk and talks or cellar tours (which are not usually open to the public).

Visit Eggesford Barton, 1 of 3 sites from Eggesford's historic Earls of Portsmouth estate (with Eggesford Garden & All Saints Church), all by the river Taw, with cakes/ refreshments & a new local history exhibition in the church.

Visit All Saints Church, 1 of 3 sites from Eggesford's historic Earls of Portsmouth estate (with Eggesford Garden & Eggesford Barton), all by the river Taw, with cakes/ refreshments & a new local history exhibition in the church.

Visit Eggesford Garden (under restoration), 1 of 3 sites from Eggesford's historic Earls of Portsmouth estate (with Eggesford Barton & All Saints Church), all by the river Taw, with cakes/ refreshments & a new local history exhibition in the church.

Ever wondered how castles were built? Come along for this workshop to find out how, and then use your new skills to understand how the ruins of Okehampton Castle might once have looked.

Join Art and Energy for a guided walk, talk and celebration event exploring water in Plymouth and how it links back to Dartmoor's watery places.

A free ‘after hours’ guided tour of the castle focusing on the original buildings and Edward Seymour’s grand, but unfinished, ideas.