Between 13-22 September each year 40,000 volunteers organise events up and down the country at National Trust sites, museums, places of natural beauty and other cultural sites. All of these events are FREE and a great chance to check out our country’s culture and history.

Founded in 1994, Heritage Open Days began working with European Heritage to throw the doors open to places normally closed to the general public. Heritage Open Days are a great way to explore hidden gems as well as have a great day out!

On the website you can find out the type of events going on in your local area and on which dates. You can ‘design your day’ on the website using all the filters shown in the image below:

A reminder though, that not all National Trust sites take part in Heritage Open Days, so it’s definitely best to check before you set out for the day! We've picked a small selection of places that are taking part in Heritage Open Days 2019 to give you an idea of what’s available… which will you explore first?

‘House Detectives’ – Children’s Tours, London, Sunday 15^th September and Sunday 22^nd September

575 Wandsworth Road is opening up the house for special children’s tours. Poet and author, Khadambi Asalache decorated his extraordinary home with carved birds, animals and figures, forming a trail throughout the house and children are invited to become 'House Detectives' on these special days, searching for elephants, flamingos, ballerinas, angels and stars.

Newcastle Castle, Friday 13^th September and Saturday 14^th September

All day the castle’s re-enactment group will be bringing the medieval walls to life. From weaponry to cookery, the castle will take you back in time.  The castle was mainly built in the 12^thand 13^thcentury and you will be able to visit the tower at the centre of its walls that gives Newcastle its name.

Souter Lighthouse, Sunderland, Saturday 21^st and Sunday 22^nd September

This National Trust Sight was the first lighthouse in the world built to be powered by electricity. Opened in 1871 and decommissioned in 1998, the trip will show visitors the day-to-day life of the lighthouse keeper and his family and give the chance learn about Britain’s industrial revolution.

Zetland Passive House Project, Manchester, Friday 13^th September – Sunday 15^th September

One for our eco-friendly swappers! Visit the UK's greenest Victorian home… This house is the first Passivhaus EnerPHit Plus retrofit in Europe. Take a self-guided tour and learn how to create a completely environmentally sustainable home from building design to interior decor.

Brighton Old Police Cells, Brighton & Hove, open most days across Open heritage Days week

Step beneath Brighton Town hall and discover the basement filled with the history of Sussex policing. In an hour and fifteen minute tour you can learn about the gruesome murder of Chief Constable Henry Solomon in 1844, as well as see police equipment and memorabilia from the Victorian era right up to the present day. You’ll also be shown the graffiti left over from the infamous Mods and Rockers of the 60s.

These are only a few of the 5,000+ events which are gong on across the UK for Heritage Open Days. Learn more about the experiences happening in your local area and hidden cultural gems that will be accessible here.

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