Heritage Open Days 2026 Nationwide across England, United Kingdom
Overview
Heritage Open Days (HODs) is England’s largest community-led festival of history and culture. Returning from 11–20 September 2026, the festival offers a rare opportunity to explore thousands of hidden places and experience new activities, all for free. The 2026 theme is “Everyday Histories,” a dedicated focus on the extraordinary stories of ordinary people and the working lives that have shaped our local communities. From private gardens and industrial workshops to tunnels and bell towers, the event peels back the curtain on the nation’s “unseen” heritage.
Coordinated by the National Trust with support from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, the festival relies on over 40,000 volunteers and thousands of local organizations. The event is uniquely democratic: it isn’t just about grand stately homes, but also the local libraries, Victorian classrooms, and neighborhood allotments that define English identity. Whether you are interested in architecture, social history, or traditional crafts, Heritage Open Days makes the country’s diverse cultural tapestry accessible to everyone, regardless of background or financial means.
Event Highlights
- “Everyday Histories” Focus: Discover the lives of working women, local artisans, and community heroes through specialized walks, talks, and exhibitions.
- Secret Spaces Revealed: Gain exclusive access to buildings and private areas typically closed to the public, such as historic courthouse cells or private manor libraries.
- Hands-on Workshops: Participate in traditional craft demonstrations, from pottery and blacksmithing to archival “escape rooms” and family-friendly history trails.
- Architecture Spotlight: Enjoy expert-led tours of diverse structures, including Roman forts, Georgian mansions, and mid-century modern “wonders” that are usually behind locked doors.
Why Attend
Heritage Open Days is the definitive “local national festival,” providing an unmatched sense of place and community pride. It is an essential event for anyone who enjoys “peeking behind the scenes” or discovering the stories hidden in plain sight on their own high streets. Because every single event is completely free, it is one of the most inclusive cultural festivals in the world, making it ideal for families seeking educational days out on a budget.
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For history enthusiasts, the festival is a rare chance to speak directly with curators, restorers, and property owners who are passionate about preservation. The 2026 theme provides a poignant look at the heritage of the “everyday,” making history feel personal and relatable. For many, the joy of Heritage Open Days lies in the serendipity of discovery—finding a tiny museum in a railway signal box or an ancient crypt beneath a modern shopping center—reminding us that every corner of England has a story to tell.
Date & Duration
- Dates: 11 – 20 September 2026.
- Duration: 10 Days (Events occur at various times throughout the ten-day period).
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Nationwide across England, UK (except London, which hosts Open House Festival on a separate weekend).
- Venue: Multiple thousands of locations including churches, factories, homes, and parks.
- Google Maps Address: Visit the National Directory to search by postcode or town.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Admission is Free for all events.
- Admission Type: Most events are “drop-in,” but some high-demand tours require pre-booking.
- Booking Opens: Pre-booking for specific events typically opens on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
- Admission Type: 100% Free from entrance to exit.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Not applicable, though some venues offer enhanced accessibility tours or small-group “behind-the-scenes” slots.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to book your tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: info@heritageopendays.org.uk
- Phone: +44 20 7824 7180
- Website: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/heritageopendays/
- https://www.instagram.com/heritageopendays/
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbJyC-DqfQBJyZ5RlEWl0EQ
Getting There
- Public Transport: National Rail and local bus networks connect almost all participating towns and cities.
- Regional Hubs: Major hubs for the 2026 festival include Norwich, Durham, Lancaster, and Guildford, all with high densities of free events.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Use local firms or apps like Uber and Bolt for reaching more remote rural properties.
- Parking: Check individual event listings; many urban sites have no parking, while rural manor houses often provide free on-site festival parking.
- Other Access: Many local walking and cycling groups organize special “HODs” routes to connect multiple sites in a single day.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: The Castle Hotel (4-star, Windsor, near many Royal Berkshire sites, ~$220-350/night); Hotel Du Vin (4-star, various locations in historic cities like Winchester or York, ~$180-300/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Premier Inn (3-star, nationwide coverage, consistently reliable for families, ~$70-120/night); Mercure Hotels (4-star, often located in converted historic buildings ~$110-180/night).
- Budget Stays: Youth Hostels Association (YHA) (Budget, often based in castles or historic lodges, ~$30-60/night); Travelodge (3-star, budget-friendly town center locations ~$60-100/night).
Reviews
- I’ve lived in this town for 20 years and never knew there was a medieval wine cellar under the bank—thank you, Heritage Open Days!
- Such a wonderful day for the kids; they got to try Victorian quill writing and see a working steam engine for free.
- The volunteers are the real stars; their passion for their local history is infectious and made the tour so memorable.
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FAQ's
When will the full 2026 event directory go live?
The national online event directory is scheduled to launch on 1 June 2026, allowing you to start planning your itinerary. New events are added throughout the summer, with a final registration deadline for organizers in mid-August. You can use the directory's filter tools to search for events that are "new this year," "family-friendly," or "accessible."
How do I know if I need to book an event in advance?
Every listing in the online directory will clearly state whether an event is "Drop-in" or "Pre-booking required." Events that involve small spaces, guided tours, or limited-capacity talks almost always require a pre-reserved ticket. Booking typically opens in late August; you can usually book directly through the Heritage Open Days website or a linked ticketing platform like Eventbrite.
Is Heritage Open Days the same as Open House London?
No, Heritage Open Days covers all of England except London, which has its own independent festival called Open House Festival. Open House Festival typically takes place on a separate weekend (usually later in September) and focuses specifically on London’s architecture. However, both festivals share the same core principle of providing free access to hidden or private spaces for the general public.
Are these events suitable for people with limited mobility?
The festival is committed to inclusion, and many sites provide full or partial disabled access; this is clearly marked on each listing with a wheelchair icon. Because some venues are ancient monuments or private historic homes, some areas (like towers or basements) may have physical limitations. If you have specific access needs, you are encouraged to use the contact details provided in the listing to speak with the local organizer before your visit.
Can I volunteer to help out with the festival in 2026?
Absolutely! The festival is powered by volunteers who act as stewards, tour guides, and event organizers. If you are interested in volunteering, you can contact the national team or reach out to a specific local venue that interests you. Many local "Civic Trusts" or "History Societies" begin recruiting volunteers in the spring to help with the planning of their September programs.
