Gloucestershire
Properties and events in Gloucestershire
Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.
'Dissenters' boxes' - Nonconformist Chapels of Early 19th Century Cheltenham
Dr Steven Blake presents a talk on some of the early 19th century nonconformist churches of Cheltenham.
"If Only Walls Could Talk" Guided Character Tours of The Folk of Gloucester
Historic building, guided tours and other activities.
135 years of Music in the Forest of Dean
Pillowell Silver Band celebrates 135 years on brass band music from the village of Pillowell in the Forest of Dean. Formed by a group of brass players in the village in 1889 the band is still very much alive and entertaining in the local area.
All Saints' Church, Viney Hill, Present and Future
All Saints' Church described by F.W. Harvey as a "lantern on the hill" and built of Forest sandstone sits on the edge of Forest woodland over looking the Severn Valley. Enjoy exhibitions on church history, Gypsy Petulengro and future plans.
An Exhibition on The History of South Cheltenham
An exhibition on the history of south Cheltenham.
Beatrix Potter Guided Walk
A guided walk around Gloucester to places associated with Beatrix Potter.
Bethesda Methodist Church
An opportunity to visit this historic church building.
Black & White Buildings of Gloucester
Walking tour
Bones and Bells
Explore the history of St Mary de Crypt church.
Bream Heritage Walk
Explore the area around Bream, taking in its industrial past
Bristol Central Library tour
Join us for a tour of the library and learn more about its architect, Charles Holden. You’ll also hear about the history of Bristol Central Library both past and present and have the opportunity to take a peak behind the scenes.
Brockworth Court
Brockworth Court was initially the residence for the Priors of Llanthony Priory.
Bygonz Wandering Minstrels
Wandering Minstrels
Cambray Baptist Church, Cheltenham
Cambray Baptist Church is a listed building which was built in 1855. It has been updated and extended over the years, but retains original features. The building is home to a large active church and there will be displays on our history.
Children's Walk
Walk for children
Cinderford Memorabilia Day
An excellent display showcasing the history and heritage of Cinderford and its surrounding area.
Come along to Naas Court Farm and Barns
Visit a site sympathetically brought back into use as a property which now also houses a modern wedding and performance venue.
Dance: Nethra Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA)
Indian dance and music.
Dean Close School Historic Tours
A day and boarding school established in 1886 and set in 50 acres of parkland in the centre of Cheltenham.
Dean Forest Railway - Guided Site Tour including behind the scenes.
Dean Forest Railway at Norchard have been preserving the heritage of the local railways of the Forest of Dean.They offer many activities throughout the year, and for Heritage Open Days Denis Martin will be giving a behind-the-scenes guided tour.
Dean Heritage Centre
Dean Heritage Centre, set in a tranquil valley, holds many records of the social and industrial history of the Forest of Dean. There is normally a charge for admission to meet running costs but for Heritage Open Days 2024 this is waived for one day.
Discovering Gloucester’s Famous Rainbow Streets
Walk around the Rainbow Streets of Gloucester- High Street Tredworth.
Dyrham Park
At Dyrham Park you can walk through 270 acres of ancient deerpark with wide-reaching views, explore the garden, visit the newly-revitalised 17th-century mansion and stop for refreshments from the tea-room or cafe in the parkland. Shop open.
Eastgate Chamber
Discover the remains of Gloucester's Eastgate.
Fleece Hotel and Undercroft
A 16th century Inn with a 12th century tunnel vaulted undercroft. A unique opportunity to visit.
Following the Iron Queen
Following the Iron Queen- sailing to Argentina (or nearly so) A talk sharing Eric's voyage from Cardiff, South Wales to Rosario, Argentina 130 years after his Great Grandfather sailed the Iron Queen there, delivering Railway lines and sleepers.
Forest Brass Band, Yorkley
Forest Brass is local band operating in an original tin hut at Yorkley, the only one of its kind still in existence. There will be an exhibition and followed by a concert.
Forest of Dean Writers Collection
Exhibition showing new collection being established by University of Gloucestershire's Reading the Forest project and Dean Heritage Centre
Forest Writers: Networks and connections
An evening with the Forest of Dean Writers Collection team in Coleford Library. Findings are emerging from the new collelction.
Friends Meeting House
The Quakers Meeting House is a Grade II listed building built in 1834 and designed by Samuel Daukes.
Ghosthunters 2024
Join us on a walk along the Stroudwater Canal where you will discover some ghosts from the canal's past. All of the stories are acted out by local actors and come from the Stroudwater Canal archives.
Gloucester Cathedral Precincts Tour
Walking tour of Gloucester Cathedral precincts.
Gloucester City Tour
Guided walk around the city
Gloucester Folk Choir
Gloucester's own folk choir perform.
Gloucester's Docklands Railway History
Discover the railway system within the docks.
Gloucester's Medieval Churches
A walk round Gloucester viewing sites of Medieval Churches
Gloucester's Rich Heritage of Music and Poetry
Discover Gloucester’s Rich Heritage of Music and Poetry.
Gloucester’s Christian Heritage
A walk round the City looking at places where people and events shaped Gloucester's Christian Heritage
Great Western Railway Museum, Coleford
Visit a privately owned museum lovingly created from the GWR Goods Shed that marked the site of Coleford's two railways: the Great Western and Severn and Wye Railways that once served the area.
Guided Tour of Westonbirt House Grade 1 Listed Gardens
A guided tour of the Grade 1 Listed Gardens of Westonbirt House.
Gunns Mill Open Day, Nr. Mitcheldean, Glos
Beneath the weather-saving covering lies a building from times long passed. The building has one of the most complete surviving seventeenth century blast furnaces.
Heritage Hub (Archives)
Behind the scenes at the Hub
Hidcote
Join us at Hidcote to celebrate Heritage Open Days on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th September, and enjoy free entry to the garden. Join one of our introductory talks to find out all about Hidcote from one of our knowledgeable garden guides.
Hillfield Gardens
A guided walk around these beautiful gardens.
Historic bee keeping and candle making in the Forest of Dean
Hear why bee keeping became popular in monasteries and try your hand at hand making a candle.
Historic Characters
Overview of the many famous people who were born and lived in Gloucester.
Historic Docks
Walk around Gloucester Docks
Holy Trinity Church
Historic building
Jet Age Museum
See jet planes of the past
Littledean Hall Grounds: Celts and Romans were here
More excavations at the site have uncovered yet more evidence of the area being occupied before the Romans arrived in Britain.
Llanthony Secunda Priory
Step inside the restored remains of an Augustinian Priory.
Llanthony Secunda Priory Guided Walk
Step inside the restored remains of an Augustinian Priory.
Lonsdale Road Methodist Church
Special Event at the Methodist Church relating to the Yoiuth Club in the 1970s.
Lydney Masonic Centre Open Day
The Masonic Centre is housed in a former GPO telephone exchange which was converted for masonic use on the 1990s
Lydney Skiff Project
Explore the work of a community based group building a skiff to row on the Severn. Learn about traditional boat building in the Forest of Dean.
Mariners' Church
Historic Mariners Church in Gloucester Docks
Mercers’ Hall (Masonic Lodge)
Historic building
Mitcheldean Town Hall, its history and its interesting contents
Visit this historic building in a village which became know around the world for at least one of its industries. Originally, the hall would have provided shelter for market stalls when orchards abounded in the area.
Monks, Canons and Friars
Abbeys and Priories of Gloucester.
Museum of Gloucester
Various activities in the museum
Music: Bistro Blue
Easy listening from Bistro Blue.
Music: Bygonz Perform
Musicians playing old English instruments
Music: Jennie Longvill
Jennie Longvill performs at St Nicholas.
Music: Northwick Baroque
Music from the Baroque period
Music: Robin Burton
Join us for traditional English songs this Heritage Open Days.
Music: Severn Sirens
Heritage Open Day inspired event.
Music: Waites of Gloucester
A band of musicians playing 16th and 17th century music.
Music: Ypotryll
Secular music from the Middle Ages.
Nailsworth Quaker Meeting House
Historic Quaker Meeting House In Nailsworth, Gloucestershire open to visitors
National Waterways Museum
The National Waterways Museum
Nature in Art, Wallsworth Hall.
Wallsworth Hall has a curiously obscure history.
Naunton Lane Evangelical Presbyterian Church
We're celebrating the 110th anniversary of the church here at Naunton Lane. We will be opening up the church from 3-5pm on Saturday 14th September. Do come and see us and join us for a cream tea and talk about the church's history in the local area.
NEW 2024 Immersive Soundscape
Visit the Medieval Library at the Cathedral
NEW 2024 Roberts Limbricks Architects
A Carriage Building in the centre of Gloucester.
Newark Park, National Trust
Newark Park will be offering free entry on 14 September as part of Heritage Open Days 2024.
Newent Market House Museum Special Opening Days
Built in 1668, Newent’s black and white Market House has been the centre of the town for over 300 years. It houses a display of local history and a large collection of local artefacts plus music history featuring locals Joe Meek and Rutland Boughton.
Oh yes it is... Seventy years of panto fun
Celebration of the connections and networks between the Wesley Players Pantomime and the local community over the past seventy years, featuring displays and performances.
Parliament Rooms
A unique chance to visit these three historic rooms in Church House, which was the old Deanery for Gloucester Cathedral.
Prestbury Village Walk with Roger Beacham
A walk through time in the village of Prestbury
Ram Hill Colliery
An opportunity to tour the remains of this 19th century coal mine. Visit the woodland area and the remains of the Dramway, engine house and horse gin. Donations welcome.
Rhymes and Reasons
Famous poets brought to life.
Richard III
This tour tells of Richard III's important three day visit to Gloucester in 1483, as part of his Royal Progress. It explains the granting of the significant Charter to the city.
River Twyver Walk
Gloucester's River Twyver
Riverside walks in Tewkesbury
Join our Riverside Walk to learn more about Tewkesbury's historical routes to the rest of Gloucestershire and beyond.
Robert Raikes Guided Walk
Learn more about Robert Raikes.
Roman Times
Learn about the Romans in Gloucester
Royal Agricultural University
Founded in 1845, the Royal Agricultural University has been part of Cirencester for almost two centuries. The University’s main building includes a historic Dining Hall, a beautiful Quad and clocktower, a historic Tithe Barn (now the University bar!)
Royal Gloucester
Gloucester's Royal connections
Royal Hop Pole Hotel
Guided Tours are on offer for this Grade II* building, originally three properties. Gaining Royal status after a visit from Queen Mary of Teck the Hotel is also mentioned by Charles Dickens in his novel ‘Pickwick Papers'.
Saxon Gloucester
Discover Gloucester's Saxon history.
Signal Box and Community Garden, Warmley
This Grade II-listed Midland Railway Signal Box will be open for visitors. It has recently been restored to mirror how it would have looked in the early 1960s when it was still a fully operating Signal Box.
Silver Singers
A performance by a local choir.
Special Collections Sunday : Picturesque Bristol
A display of books from Bristol Libraries Special Collections depicting Bristol and its surroundings from years gone by. Visit us in our historic Bristol Room for a chance to look through some lovely old and rare books from the collections.
St Christopher’s Church, Warden Hill
A wonderful mix of stained glass and etched windows, regular talks and self-guided tours. Bell-ringing. Tea and cake.
St Margaret's Chapel
Former almshouse chapel.
St Margaret’s Church Whaddon
St Margaret’s is a 13th century Grade II* listed church.
St Mary de Crypt Church and the Old Crypt School Rooms
Discover de Crypt
St Mary de Lode Church
Gloucester's oldest parish church
St Mary Magdalene Chapel
Remains of 12th Century leper chapel
St Mary’s Congregational Church
Congregational church with George Whitefield connection
St Nicholas's Church
A beautiful, medieval church to surprise you.
St. Swithun’s Church
A church in Hempsted built and dedicated to St Swithun.
Staple Hill Methodist Church
Explore the history of our Church and area, as we celebrate 150 years in Staple Hill - our exhibition will take you on a journey from the mid 19th century to the present day. Refreshments will be served everyday.
Strongroom tours at Bristol Archives
On the 30th anniversary of Heritage Open Days, come and explore Bristol Archives and celebrate our 100th birthday as we open for our annual peak behind the scenes.
SULA Lightship
Visit to a lightship
Tales from the river bank
The threat to the future life of the River Severn and the loss of historic privileges to the whole of the longest river in Britain.
Talk given by two people about free-mining
Paul Baverstock and Ian Jamieson will talk of their experiences in working a Forest of Dean gale owned by a local freeminer on a part time basis. There will be a power point presentation and some examples of equipment used on show.
Talk: 2,000 Years of Gloucester Voices
Two millennia of local history.
Talk: Bishop John Hooper
The story of Bishop Hooper.
Talk: Cathedral Quarter High Street Heritage Action Zone
Learn more about the project which ran from 2020-2024.
Talk: Charles Wheatstone
Locally born inventor.
Talk: Dr Francis T Bond First Medical Officer of Health for Gloucestershire
A forgotten worthy of Gloucester.
Talk: Gloucester Trams
Local history of trams.
Talk: How Invaders Changed Britain
Effects of invasion on Gloucester & Britain.
Talk: Origins and History of Mariners Chapel
Historic Mariners Church in Gloucester Docks
Talk: People & Places of Hempsted & Llanthony
All talks by local historian Debbie Hotchkins
Talk: Sailing for a Living
Boats, owners and sailors.
Talk: The Carriage Building (Roberts Limbricks Architects)
See inside the building and hear about its refurbishment.
Talk: The History of Wallsworth Hall, Nature in Art
Wallsworth Hall is a Georgian mansion which is now the home of Nature in Art
Talk: This is your life - LV14 SULA Lightship
Captain Colin tells you of the life of a lightship.
Tewkesbury, Toll Routes, Two Rivers Connecting History
Tewkesbury is a historic hub of trade on two rivers Avon and Severn. Ancient Toll routes meet here, creating communication and community. Our museum now has a new roof, access to new displays and artefacts telling the stories of Tewkesbury.
That's Entertainment
Sites of former cinemas and theatres
The hidden routes of the Forest
The Hidden Routes of the Forest uncovers the hidden symphony in nature shared with you by Wilde Earth Journeys,
The Land between two Rivers
Land of Myths and Legends? An introduction to the ten days of Heritage Open Days 2024 in the Forest of Dean
The New Antiques Centre
Believed to be Britain's finest example of a timber framed town house.
The Siege of Gloucester 1643
Hear the story of the siege in 1643.
The Stonemasons’ Workshop
Workshop of St Peter, Pitt Street GL1 2BH
The Story of Gloucester’s Pubs and Inns
A walk around Gloucester's historic pubs and inns.
Thornbury Town Hall
Guided tours are available of the building, parts of which are not usually open to the public. Your guide will take you through its previous uses, from a tavern, to a courtroom, to a police station!
Tour: The New Antiques Centre
Believed to be Britain's finest example of a timber framed town house.
Tramroads of the Forest of Dean
Power-point presentation and talk on the development of the tramroads of the Forest of Dean
Two Westbury Churches and their history in the Dean
The Church of St Peter, Paul and Mary occupies the same site as the Bell Tower, previously a church in its own right. The site has a history going back to the Crusades and then the English Civil War. Enjoy the present use of this amazing combination.
Visit St Anne's Church at Oxenhall, near Newent
Visit a church built in the 14th century, rebuilt in the 17th century following a design by Provincial Architect, John MIddleton.
Visit the Deputy Gaveller in his office
The Office of Deputy Gaveller is unique to the Forest of Dean, currently held by Daniel Howell He is the Monarch's representative who deals with many issues in connection with the gales and mines within the Forest.
Westgate Street and Cathedral Quarter Heritage Walk
Learn about Westgate Street and its history.
WILLIAM CHAMPION'S GARDEN & GROTTO
The remarkable surviving Grade II 18th century garden of brassworker William Champion with a giant statue of Neptune and astonishing hidden grotto with a central pool surrounded by 6 grotesque faces with gaping jaws opening into subterranean tunnels.
Winterbourne Medieval Barn
Visit the magnificent Winterbourne Medieval Barn as we celebrate our 20th year of Heritage Open Days. Explore the site, view original medieval timbers and speak to our tour guides about its history: from medieval to modern.
Winterbourne Parish Church
The late twelfth century Grade I listed Parish Church of St Michael, surrounded by its historic churchyard, sits in a rural Conservation Zone. It has significant remains from the 14th century to the present day, evidence of its continuing use.
Woodchester Mansion
Visitors can see this unique unfinished Grade I listed Gothic Revival house, built 1857-67, and understand how it was constructed. Take a self-guided tour or join guided tours at 1145 and 1430.
Wotton House
Join us for a journey into the past at Wotton House. The Grade II listed building dating from the early 18th century was built for Thomas Horton.
Wotton House Talk: The History and Archaeology of Wotton House
Wotton House has been part of the Wotton Landscape since 1707 and educating students for the past 100 years.