Between 11 and 20 September, everyone is welcome to discover hidden histories and local stories with a packed programme of free things to do during Heritage Open Days 2026. Find out where you can visit.
Heritage Open Days invites everyone to explore and connect with their local area. This free festival is brought to you by the National Trust, supported by players of Postcode Lottery, and powered by thousands of local organisations and volunteers.
Every September, thousands of places put up strings of pink bunting and bring history to life through a packed programme with 10 days of free things to do. Its all about doorstep discovery whether youre stepping into a Cold War bunker or a crematorium, a museum or a mandir, a lido or a lighthouse, a canal boat or a colliery, a signal box or a submarine. The festival offers thousands of free, community-led events all over England, with endless opportunity for discovering something new.
Many of the places we care for will be taking part along with hundreds of organisations across the country. You can find the full list of events on the Heritage Open Days website from June, with new events added daily until the festival in September.
Spotlight on Everyday Histories
From working lives to cherished rituals, many events will focus in on this years festival theme, Everyday Histories presented by leading family history website Findmypast. Lots of events will explore the varied and often overlooked stories of ordinary working people and their daily lives. From factory floors, workhouses and high streets to kitchens, schools, and community centres, this theme shines a light on working-class voices, local superheroes and the part-of-the-furniture places that have quietly shaped Englands heritage.
About Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days is Englands largest festival of history and culture. The festival launched in 1994, came into the care of the Trust in 2011 and has been supported by players of Postcode Lottery since 2015. Its an important part of how we inspire millions to care about local history.
The festival is Englands 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.
