Heritage Open Days

21/08/2026

Just three weeks until the bunting goes up and the doors open, for a massive celebration of history, heritage and community - all across England 🩷

How many free events will you be squeezing in from 11-20 September?

https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/search-2026-events.html

20/08/2026

🌳 Question of the Week | How far back have you managed to trace your family tree?

Perhaps you’ve uncovered generations of names, places and stories, or maybe there’s one branch that has you stumped?

If you’re inspired to keep digging, our partner Findmypast can help you search billions of family history records, explore census records and historical newspapers, and understand even more about your family story.

Tell us in the comments: how far back have you got?

19/08/2026

Bristol has plenty of history to get stuck into this September 🚢

Explore remarkable buildings, discover unexpected stories and see local heritage brought to life, at free events across the city for Heritage Open Days

These are just a few of the events on offer - browse the full programme and plan your visit at https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/search-2026-events.html

Arnos Vale Cemetery Clifton Suspension Bridge Glenside Hospital Museum John Wesley's New Room

18/08/2026

The critics have spoken 🐾

If you're planning to bring your own canine reviewer along to this year's Heritage Open Days, use the 'Dogs Welcome' filter on our website to discover hundreds of free, dog-friendly events!

https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/search-2026-events.html

(You can find the 'Dogs Welcome' filter within the Onsite Facilities dropdown)

14/08/2026

In just four weeks, England’s largest festival of history and culture returns! From 11-20 September, you can see hidden places and try out new experiences across England, all completely free 🩷

What's on your 'must-do' list for this year?

13/08/2026

"He was given a name, but no family. What happened next might surprise you ❤️

What became of the children raised at Quebec House in Kent? Findmypast research reveals the story of Felix St George, one of the many foundling children whose lives are hidden in the records. Baptised in 1753, Felix was given his name on arrival, like so many children who entered the Foundling system without family or identity.

As he grew, he was sent into the Kent countryside and apprenticed to a local farmer, where he learned to work and earn his place in the world.

And then, Felix married. He had a child. He built a life. His story is a powerful reminder that these children did not disappear from history. They became part of communities, trades and families across the country.

We are proud that Findmypast is partnering with Heritage Open Days this year, helping bring stories like Felix’s to light and showing how ordinary records can reveal extraordinary lives.

This Heritage Open Days, there's a treasure trove of free events at Quebec House NT including talks, guided walks and family history research opportunities with Findmypast.

Explore what's in store this September: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/quebec-house/heritage-open-days-at-quebec-house

13/08/2026

Crafts and carnivals and police boxes and printing - oh my!

Our friends at Kids in Museums have picked a selection of unique experiences and exciting HODs events, for some September days-out inspiration 🤩

Check out their picks: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/resource/kids-in-museums-10-fantastic-family-friendly-events.html

The Garage Norwich Acorn Bank Watermill National Emergency Services Museum Moor Pool Heritage Trust National Justice Museum Liskeard and District Museum Oxford Preservation Trust

12/08/2026

From hangars to horses and stone circles to ancient bedrock, when it comes to history, Cheshire really is a treasure trove 🗝️

Here's just a small taste of the dozens of FREE history events you can look forward to across the county this September

Visit our website to start planning your Heritage Open Days adventures across Cheshire and beyond: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/search-2026-events.html

Little Moreton Hall (NT) Chester Racecourse Hooton Park Trust

08/08/2026

On 16th August 1819, William Cheatham stood among thousands at St Peter’s Field in Manchester - a weaver calling for a voice.

The meeting was peaceful, but then the cavalry arrived. Cheatham was struck with a sabre, cutting into his neck and slicing through his hat. He survived.

What followed took years. His case was dismissed. A petition carried his story to Parliament. It was heard, printed and nothing changed, but he kept telling his story.

Today it survives in fragments: in newspapers, court records and debates. Together they reveal not just one man’s experience, but the long struggle for representation and reform.

This year, you can explore these stories for yourself at the People's History Museum as part of Heritage Open Days - and on the 19th September Jen Baldwin from Findmypast will be talking.

https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/findmypast-x-people-s-history-museum.html

Everyday Histories is brought to you in partnership with Findmypast to bring these voices back into focus, showing how the records of ordinary people still shape the bigger story of change.

Join Findmypast’s team of genealogy experts in the historic Engine Hall at People’s History Museum (PHM) to uncover the stories of your family – from feats of activism to journeys of migration, moments of social change, and more.

06/08/2026

Over 4800 events have already been registered for this year’s Heritage Open Days!

If you’re organising an event and haven’t registered it yet, head to the website today - registration closes on Thursday 13 August ⌛

https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/get-involved/get-started.html