What is Heritage Open Days?
Every year in September, historic sites across England throw open their doors for free volunteer-run events, including access to places not normally open to the public. Wherever you live in England, there's bound to be a Heritage Open Days event you can get involved with.
When is Heritage Open Days 2026?
Heritage Open Days 2026 will take place from 11 to 20 September 2026.
What is the theme for Heritage Open Days 2026?
The theme for Heritage Open Days 2026 is ‘Everyday Histories’, exploring the everyday living and working lives of the ordinary people throughout history, including our ancestors. There are unmissable Heritage Open Days events taking place all around the country. This year, highlights include:
- Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle will host promenade tours, with the chance to go behind the scenes, find out about the theatre's history dating back to the Victorian age, and see the theatre's one-of-a-kind stage machinery in action.
- The Old Chemist's Shop in Bridlington in Yorkshire will hold an illustrated talk based on the diaries of William Watson, bailiff at Sewerby Home Farm from 1910 to 1915.
- The town of Berkhamstead in Hertfordshire will hold a guided talk by former BBC History producer Dan Parry with an introduction to the town's 'dirty jobs', including mixing arsenic, catching dogs and removing the body of a murdered school usher!
Where can I find Heritage Open Days events near me?
You can search for Heritage Open Days events near you on the Heritage Open Days website.
Are Heritage Open Days free?
Yes, all Heritage Open Days are free.
Do other countries in the UK offer Heritage Open Days?
Heritage Open Days is England’s contribution to European Heritage Days. Other countries in the UK will be running similar events at the same time: Doors Open Days in Scotland, Open Doors Days in Wales, and European Heritage Open Days in Northern Ireland.
