Heritage Open Days in York

Every year hundreds of heritage attractions put on special events and tours or open their doors for free so visitors can enjoy what's on their doorstep as part of the national festival. See where you can visit and on which days in September 2019.

Two adults looking at a large blue bed and portraits on the wall

Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens – 20 & 21 September 

See what's in season in the orchards and walled garden, stroll among luxurious borders and sit under the Pergola. In the hall, uncover stories spanning 300 years of history. Don't miss this year's exhibition, ‘Yorkshire! Achievement, Grit and Controversy' to come face to face with portraits of 25 Yorkshire movers and shakers, including Michael Parkinson, Jarvis Cocker and Nicola Adams.

Take a trip to Beningbrough
Visitors at Treasurer's House, York

Treasurer’s House, York – 21 & 22 September 

Head up the stairs to explore this house of curiosity, created by one man, Frank Green, and packed full of art and furniture collected on his travels. Head to the Below Stairs Café for refreshments (charges apply) or relax in the city centre garden by York Minster. There’ll also be free ghost cellar and attic tours over both weekends.

Take a closer look inside Treasurer's House
an autumnal view of the abbey

Fountain’s Abbey & Studley Royal – Saturday 18 September 

Wander around the abbey ruins, admire the 18th-century Georgian water gardens and explore the deer park that make up this popular World Heritage Site. Discover the bright and bold work of artist Steve Messam with the outdoor installation 'These Passing Things', contemporary artwork uncovering the story of the water garden. You can also find out about how beer and bread kept the monastic community going at Fountains Mill, with a variety of activities available.

Explore Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
Organic apple orchard at Nunnington Hall

Nunnington Hall – Sunday 12 & Monday 13 September 

This picturesque manor house sits on the banks of the River Rye in North Yorkshire. Explore the changes made to Nunnington when the Fife family moved in 100 years ago in 'Making a house a home', a new exhibition throughout the house. Join a guided tour to learn even more and step behind the scenes into areas not normally seen by the public. Outside, follow in Margaret Fife's footsteps and discover the garden as she imagined it.

Explore Nunnington as the seasons change
Beige 1767 chocolate box and black and white family photos on the study desk

Goddards - 20 September 

Explore this Arts and Crafts style house and garden - the former home of the Terry family. You can sit in the drawing room , play tennis on the lawn court and make a chocolate box in the factory room. Displays throughout the house consider what 'home' meant to different members of the Terry family that lived her; with letters from members of the family and photo albums, come and cast your vote on what truly makes a house a home.

Visit Goddards for Heritage Open Days
The Tuscan Temple at Rievaulx Terace

Rievaulx Terrace – 20 & 21 September 

A truly special spot in Ryedale, these 18th-century landscape gardens offer woods to get lost in, two temples to explore and a terrace with glorious views over the Cistercian ruin of Rievaulx Abbey. Great for picnics if the weather’s right, or for exploring beech woods as the autumn colour starts to take over. It’s only a short trip away from Nunnington Hall too – why not make it a double-visit?

Take a stroll at Rievaulx