Heritage Open Days

You're invited to join a celebration of the UK’s diverse cultures, crafts and communities during Heritage Open Days. There's a packed programme of free events and activities with chances to peek into secret spaces, find out about historical architecture and much more.

This year's festival includes walks, talks and community celebrations that bring historic stories and places to life – there are hundreds of places you can visit and thousands of free things to do. Whether you’re getting arty, letting loose with music, or connecting online, you can take part however you like. 

Many of the places we care for will be offering free entry. You can find the full list on the Heritage Open Days website, including other events and organisations we are supporting to host the event in your local area.

 

Spotlight on architecture

This year's festival is shining a light on architecture and celebrating England’s diverse built heritage. Why not visit a Roman fort, Georgian mansion or medieval building? Take a moment to look up at local architecture – is there a story to discover about how they were designed and built or the impact they had on people and places around them?

About Heritage Open Days 

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture. Each September it brings people together to celebrate heritage, community and history, plus a chance to try out new experiences for free. 

Brought to you by the National Trust, it's supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and delivered locally by a large range of organisations, including civic societies, heritage organisations and local councils, community champions and thousands of volunteers. 

We’ve helped to manage Heritage Open Days since 2011, and it's an important part of how we highlight the history, heritage and culture of not just the places we care for, but of places and communities across the country.  All this is possible thanks to over a decade of support from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and the help of more than 33,000 volunteers.

The festival is England’s contribution to European Heritage Days, taking place across 50 countries. Other events in the UK include Open Doors Days in Wales, European Heritage Open Days in Northern Ireland and Doors Open Days in Scotland.