Heritage Open Days (HODs) is back this September with thousands of free events and experiences. Brought to you by the National Trust, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and run by thousands of local organisations and volunteers, HODs brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history.
Over the three decades since Heritage Open Days began it has grown in scope and scale. What began as a weekend dedicated to revealing buildings not normally open to the general public has exploded into a ten-day festival, celebrating a myriad of different aspects of heritage and culture. With more than 100,000 events and over 39 million visits across 30 years, it has grown from just 700 events in the first year to over 5,250 in 2023. Still committed to its founding principles of free access and being community led, it’s a much-loved event that many look forward to every year.
Hundreds of activities will adopt this year’s theme, Routes – Networks - Connections, bringing together the past and present in a festival that includes workshops, talks, hidden spaces, walks and activities for all the family.
Featuring thousands of events and activities including:
- How Stean Gorge - Explore a limestone ravine that’s meant to be explored, not just admired at
- Cadbury Archives - Get a sweet fix with a treasure trove of artefacts, documents and memorabilia showcasing the history of the Cadbury business.
- Meet the Engineers - Discover Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust’s landmark project to protect the bridge's 180-year-old suspension chains.
- The Golden Hinde: Silent Disco - Hop aboard a full-size reconstruction of the first English ship to circumnavigate the globe, as it transforms into a ‘floating dance floor’ for the night with
Find out more
- Press gallery - access further images and contact information
- Case studies - Hear more from local organisers
- Impact report - Find out more about our work
- How to get involved - Feeling inspired? Why not join the community in 2025?