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Several days down, but there is still more to come! Time's ticking by fast as we move into the second half of the 2024 Heritage Open Days festival. Here's a sneak preview of some amazing events we think you shouldn't miss in the final days.

Can’t travel to that great event? Fancy catching something quick whilst waiting at a bus stop? Try one of these great online options – from ancient farms to modern airports via social media posts to live webinars, there are so many ways to explore our heritage this week!

Buckle up - we couldn't have a theme of Routes-Networks-Connections and not give you a whole spotlight full of cars, buses, boats and trains now could we?! Here are just some of the hundreds upon hundreds of fab free events offering you the chance to see, step aboard, maybe even take a ride in, or on, a huge variety of vehicles. What are you waiting for, the festival has begun - all aboard the Heritage Open Days Express!

What brings us together? Are you a traveller or a host? At the heart of our festival theme this year is people - so here are 12 great events exploring the routes we've taken and connections made throughout history.

From undersea fibre-optic cables to lacework coffeepots and 'Aylesburys' around the world - our festival community have pulled out all the stops for this year's theme. For our anniversary we're 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 links on our doorsteps just waiting to connect us, near and far. What will you discover?

The country’s largest festival of history and culture showcases a packed programme of free events

Whether you want to spend an evening discussing Viking treasure, take a walk with a textile artist or just explore fascinating historic sites and stories, 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!

Get ready for more fun and fascinating events - from silent discos to scavenger hunts, and mini festivals to board game nights. New Wave returns for a fourth year, and this time we have a bigger cohort than ever before collaborating with young people to produce unique, innovative events.

From the glamour of the theatre to details of how to put people to sleep – VocalEyes have chosen an interesting mix of event highlights! We look forward to working more with this great team going forwards to encourage accessible, sensory events for all. Here are 7 of their favourites from this year.

What do beetles and trees sound like? Where have they come from? What swims in your local stream or scurries through the long grass? Ever fancied a go at scything that grass? So many questions! Prepare for a sensory adventure as you head outside to find answers this September.

Heritage Open Days is the perfect time to have a family day out – from trails and games to crafts and connecting with nature, there’s something for all the family to enjoy this September – and best of all it’s all FREE!

When I grow up I want to be a… costume designer / gardener / scientist / wheelwright?! Whatever role takes your fancy, find out what it’s really like to be one this September. Meet the experts, watch their work, ask them questions, and maybe even have a go yourself!

Take a dive into the history of sport and perhaps even have a go at some new activities. It’s set to be a bumper summer of international competition and you may think the games will all be over when autumn comes. But from a Crown Green Cup to ‘The Useless Bike’ there will be so much to explore, and play for, this September!

We all love a secret – something to uncover, discover, or solve. From exploring underground places to a sneak peek behind the scenes, it's hard to not relish discovering something new… and luckily, during Heritage Open Days, you can do just that! We’ve hand-picked some secret spaces, places and behind the scenes experiences you can enjoy this September, from cathedrals and crypts to rarely open places – what will you discover?

Where can you see beneath the soil, visit an Anglo-Saxon village, unveil hidden treasure, or explore a flying boat lifted from the water? Well, this summer, all these are on offer as part of the CBA’s Festival of Archaeology. One of their amazing team shares their story as they introduce us to this fantastic summer festival.