A young independent researcher found Heritage Open Days a valuable platform to share her work ahead of an important centenary next year. Exploring the sensitive story of Princess Irene Duleep Singh — a woman history has often overlooked — she worked collaboratively to navigate complex themes of identity, mental health, and heritage, and overcome challenges of access and copyright. The wonderful response to her in-person and online talks demonstrates how successful her efforts were and bodes well for future plans.
Discover the talented dancers who have worked on stages across the globe, on films such as Indianna Jones, and with iconic pop stars like Madonna. The history of Black dancers in British ballet is rich and inspiring, but not well known. A project run by Oxygen Arts is seeking to change that, they gave a wonderful talk over our festival but as we couldn’t all attend, we’ve invited them to share their work here. Be inspired by some of their stories and find out more about their important work.
This Italianate Palace in the heart of Suffolk, with over 1,800 acres of parkland and gardens, is quite the showstopper of a day out. Over the past few years the team have tried out various audience focused events and often had those visitors asking to be invited back next time something ‘bigger’ was on. So for 2025 they went bigger, MUCH bigger – offering a 10 day extravaganza of activities showcasing ‘behind the scenes’ of the estate.
Navigable waterways are an important part of our island story. A dedicated group of volunteers in Nottinghamshire helped bring some of it to life this year with three fabulous, fun events as they participated for the first time. Seeing the festival as an opportunity to promote their work to the wider community, they also found working on it helped them develop new skills, resources and, best of all, brought the team closer together.
Ten days, so… many… miles! By bike, train and car the team criss-crossed the country to visit as many places as possible over the festival. Alongside managing the media channels and taking turns with 'helpdesk duty' it's really important for us to see events in action, to take photographs (LOTs of photographs!) and support the amazing volunteers and staff working so hard on the ground. From ancient African games and local folklore to industrial mines and pink treasure trails, here's a quick taste of where we went and what we discovered this September.
The good, the bad... and the bunting! Our amazing festival is over for another year, but we couldn't visit all the thousands of events, so we need you to tell us - how did it go?
Can’t travel to that great event? Fancy catching something quick whilst waiting at a bus stop? Whether you want to explore behind the scenes of classical buildings or re-discover a lost canal, we have an event for you. Try one of these great online options – from daily social media posts to live webinars, you just need to click to connect to more!
Have you heard of the pioneering roadbuilder who was blind? The South Asian women who joined the army in WWII? What about the late Victorian queer poet who earned a state pension? Here are some great events shining a light on important, but lesser known histories over the festival.
From the ancient wonder of henge monuments to the modern marvel of submarines, grand plaster ceilings to tiny bird nests. There are so many stories to tell of the structures that surround us – the makers, the menders, the materials and more! Here are just some of the amazing events exploring our official festival theme this September.
From sensory art events to finding quiet spaces in glorious gardens; sign language tours of historic buildings, and audio descriptions of international science collections. There is something for everyone to explore this September.
Whether you want to search the stars, get tangled in woolly stories or explore acres of castles across the continent, this September you are spoilt for choice! Yes, European Heritage Days are back. We’ve been highlighting all the free joyful events here in England but there's even more to explore beyond our borders - here’s a taste of what’s happening elsewhere in the UK… and beyond!
Help! A 17th century ship is disintegrating, the Tudor tapestry is unravelling, and your precious ancient manuscript is torn and faded! Who are you gonna call?! The Conservators! Are you ready to meet some of these stars, and find out just how they work their magic on our heritage treasures? Well, here are 10 great opportunities for you – picked out by the Institute of Conservation no less, but be quick, they book up fast!
Get ready for the biggest festival yet - more events, more stories, and more opportunities than ever to discover the places, spaces, and vibrant communities that make England unique.
What links vampire bunnies, a painted room, a forgotten princess and a slave trade trail? They are all part of the amazing rainbow of our heritage waiting to be explored this September. From thrilling and fun to inspiring and thought-provoking - we challenged the Kids in Museums Youth Panel to choose a favourite event from our listings and this is their incredible selection.
From casting big, booming bells to mixing delicate paint colours - discover some of the amazing crafts that have been passed down the generations. Meet the experts practicing them today and maybe even have a go yourself!
Ever wondered about those mysterious lumps and bumps in the landscape? Or the curious bits of pot turning up in the garden? Archaeology is everywhere, and this September you can meet some experts to answer your questions. Learn how archaeologists read the landscape, peel back its layers and research the stories of our past – then maybe have a go yourself!
Do you have a budding architect in your family? Someone that loves a puzzle, or maybe just wants to dance, dance, dance?! Then check out these events chosen by the brilliant team at Kids in Museums to inspire your search for things to do this September.
From tidal waters and shimmering sands, to rushing rivers and an extensive canal network - we are a watery nation! Explore our coastal and waterways heritage this September with shipwreck tales, lighthouse maps, boats and barges to board, plus experts to quiz.
What inspired the writers of our most beloved books? Perhaps a visit to the places they knew well holds the answers and might spark some creative ideas of our own?! In Jane Austen's 250th anniversary year we invite you to discover some of the lesser known places associated with her, and explore the homes of other famous writers.
