Heritage Open Days

6-15 September 2024

Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, bringing together thousands of volunteers and organisations every September to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.

Theme for 2024: Routes Networks & Connections

This year England will be celebrating how people and ideas have moved around and come together throughout history. The transport routes, communication networks, trade unions and social clubs. The travellers who have spread ideas and the hosts who welcome them. There are so many stories on our doorsteps just waiting to be uncovered.

Last year there were over 5,250 events to explore from medieval mills to modern energy centres - what will you discover this time? 

Coordination

Partnership work is at the core of the programme's delivery allowing it to flourish as a unique joint-venture spanning the public, private and voluntary sectors. The festival is brought to you by the National Trust, 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 enthusiastic volunteers)