Gloucestershire
Properties and events in Gloucestershire
Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.
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.
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.
The Land between Two Rivers
An overall look at the area in which the Forest of Dean's part in the festival will take place. Today's talk will begin with the mystery and magic from Geoffrey of Monmouth concerning the two rivers that form the boundary on east and west.
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.
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.
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.
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
Dean Forest Railway - Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tour
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.
Forest of Dean Writers Collection
Exhibition showing new collection being established by University of Gloucestershire's Reading the Forest project and Dean Heritage Centre
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nailsworth Quaker Meeting House
Historic Quaker Meeting House In Nailsworth, Gloucestershire open to visitors
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
Tramroads of the Forest of Dean
Power-point presentation and talk on the development of the tramroads of the Forest of Dean
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.
Guided Tour of Westonbirt House Grade 1 Listed Gardens
A guided tour of the Grade 1 Listed Gardens of Westonbirt House.
Dean Forest Railway: Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tour
Take a behind-the-scenes guided tour of Dean Forest Railway at Norchard Railway Station in Lydney.
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.
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.
Prestbury Village Walk with Roger Beacham
A walk through time in the village of Prestbury
Bream Heritage Walk
Explore the area around Bream, taking in its industrial past
Dean Heritage Centre Special Heritage Open Day Event
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.
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.
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.
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.
Llanthony Secunda Priory Guided Walk
Step inside the restored remains of an Augustinian Priory.
That's Entertainment
Sites of former cinemas and theatres
Talk: The History of Wallsworth Hall, Nature in Art
Wallsworth Hall is a Georgian mansion which is now the home of Nature in Art
Eastgate Chamber
Discover the remains of Gloucester's Eastgate.
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,
Talk: Origins and History of Mariners Chapel
Historic Mariners Church in Gloucester Docks
Royal Gloucester
Gloucester's Royal connections
Gloucester's Rich Heritage of Music and Poetry
Discover Gloucester’s Rich Heritage of Music and Poetry.
NEW 2024 Immersive Soundscape
Visit the Medieval Library at the Cathedral
Hillfield Gardens
A guided walk around these beautiful gardens.
Talk: Bishop John Hooper
The story of Bishop Hooper.
Historic Docks
Walk around Gloucester Docks
Rhymes and Reasons
Famous poets brought to life.
"If Only Walls Could Talk" Guided Character Tours of The Folk of Gloucester
Historic building, guided tours and other activities.
Gloucester Cathedral Precincts Tour
Walking tour of Gloucester Cathedral precincts.
Talk: People & Places of Hempsted & Llanthony
All talks by local historian Debbie Hotchkins
Llanthony Secunda Priory
Step inside the restored remains of an Augustinian Priory.
St Nicholas's Church
A beautiful, medieval church to surprise you.
Talk: Dr Francis T Bond First Medical Officer of Health for Gloucestershire
A forgotten worthy of Gloucester.
Gloucester City Tour
Guided walk around the city
The Siege of Gloucester 1643
Hear the story of the siege in 1643.
Talk: Charles Wheatstone
Locally born inventor.
Westgate Street and Cathedral Quarter Heritage Walk
Learn about Westgate Street and its history.
Talk: 2,000 Years of Gloucester Voices
Two millennia of local history.
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.
Black & White Buildings of Gloucester
Walking tour
Nature in Art, Wallsworth Hall.
Wallsworth Hall has a curiously obscure history.
Mariners' Church
Historic Mariners Church in Gloucester Docks
River Twyver Walk
Gloucester's River Twyver
Roman Times
Learn about the Romans in Gloucester
Holy Trinity Church
Historic building
Lonsdale Road Methodist Church
Special Event at the Methodist Church relating to the Yoiuth Club in the 1970s.
Talk: This is your life - LV14 SULA Lightship
Captain Colin tells you of the life of a lightship.
Discovering Gloucester’s Famous Rainbow Streets
Walk around the Rainbow Streets of Gloucester- High Street Tredworth.
Robert Raikes Guided Walk
Learn more about Robert Raikes.
St Mary Magdalene Chapel
Remains of 12th Century leper chapel
Beatrix Potter Guided Walk
A guided walk around Gloucester to places associated with Beatrix Potter.
SULA Lightship
Visit to a lightship
St Mary de Crypt Church and the Old Crypt School Rooms
Discover de Crypt
Saxon Gloucester
Discover Gloucester's Saxon history.
St. Swithun’s Church
A church in Hempsted built and dedicated to St Swithun.
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.
Jet Age Museum
See jet planes of the past
St Mary’s Congregational Church
Congregational church with George Whitefield connection
Cinderford Memorabilia Day
An excellent display showcasing the history and heritage of Cinderford and its surrounding area.
The New Antiques Centre
Believed to be Britain's finest example of a timber framed town house.
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.
Museum of Gloucester
Various activities in the museum
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.
Talk: Sailing for a Living
Boats, owners and sailors.
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.
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.
Talk: How Invaders Changed Britain
Effects of invasion on Gloucester & Britain.
Talk: The Carriage Building (Roberts Limbricks Architects)
See inside the building and hear about its refurbishment.
Bones and Bells
Explore the history of St Mary de Crypt church.
Heritage Hub (Archives)
Behind the scenes at the Hub
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!
Historic Characters
Overview of the many famous people who were born and lived in Gloucester.
Gloucester's Docklands Railway History
Discover the railway system within the docks.
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.
Talk: Gloucester Trams
Local history of trams.
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.
Children's Walk
Walk for children
The Stonemasons’ Workshop
Workshop of St Peter, Pitt Street GL1 2BH
NEW 2024 Roberts Limbricks Architects
A Carriage Building in the centre of Gloucester.
St Margaret’s Church Whaddon
St Margaret’s is a 13th century Grade II* listed church.
Parliament Rooms
A unique chance to visit these three historic rooms in Church House, which was the old Deanery for Gloucester Cathedral.
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.
National Waterways Museum
The National Waterways Museum
St Mary de Lode Church
Gloucester's oldest parish church
Gloucester's Medieval Churches
A walk round Gloucester viewing sites of Medieval Churches
Friends Meeting House
The Quakers Meeting House is a Grade II listed building built in 1834 and designed by Samuel Daukes.
Brockworth Court
Brockworth Court was initially the residence for the Priors of Llanthony Priory.
Newark Park, National Trust
Newark Park will be offering free entry on 14 September as part of Heritage Open Days 2024.
Mercers’ Hall (Masonic Lodge)
Historic building
St Margaret's Chapel
Former almshouse chapel.
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.
Gloucester’s Christian Heritage
A walk round the City looking at places where people and events shaped Gloucester's Christian Heritage
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
The Story of Gloucester’s Pubs and Inns
A walk around Gloucester's historic pubs and inns.
Monks, Canons and Friars
Abbeys and Priories of Gloucester.
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.
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.