Heritage Open Days 2025: Celebrating Architecture and History Across England with Free Events
England’s Largest Heritage Festival Returns
Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture, will bring together thousands of volunteers and organisations this September to celebrate their heritage, community and history. During this celebration, stories will be told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life – all completely FREE to the public.
2025 Theme and Events
The 2025 festival will explore how we’ve designed and built the world around us, featuring everything from the ancient wonder of Stonehenge to the modern marvel of UEA’s Sainsbury Centre, from grand follies to garden greenhouses.
Taking place between 12 and 21 September 2025, the festival will feature walks, talks, and community celebrations that bring historic stories and places to life, with hundreds of venues to visit and thousands of free activities to enjoy.
National Participation and Access
As the country’s largest festival of its kind, bringing together over 2,500 organizations, Heritage Open Days provides unique access to historical monuments and buildings that are usually closed to the public.
Visitors can enjoy free access to a wide variety of historical sites, museums, and cultural venues, along with special events and activities designed to engage and educate. Many sites offer guided tours and special events during the festival period.
European Connection and Support
The festival represents England’s contribution to European Heritage Days, which takes place across 50 countries. Similar events are held throughout the UK, including Open Doors Days in Wales, European Heritage Open Days in Northern Ireland, and Doors Open Days in Scotland.
The event is managed by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery, continuing to be a highlight of the cultural calendar while offering unique opportunities to discover and celebrate England’s history and heritage.
