If you love discovering new places, diving into local history, or just enjoying a beautiful garden, then you're in for a treat this September. Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture, is back! This incredible event happens every year and offers a rare opportunity to visit some of the country's most fascinating sites—many of which are either closed to the public or usually charge for entry.
From historic buildings and museums to gardens and cultural landmarks, Heritage Open Days opens the doors to hidden gems across the country. It's a fantastic chance to learn about local heritage, uncover community stories, and experience some of the most remarkable locations in the Midlands—all for free!
What to Expect from Heritage Open Days:
Heritage Open Days isn’t just about admiring beautiful buildings or strolling through stunning gardens. The festival includes a wide range of activities, such as:
Guided Tours: Dive deeper into history with guided tours that tell the stories behind the sites.
Special Exhibitions: Enjoy unique exhibitions that bring the past to life.
Interactive Experiences: Participate in workshops, interactive displays, and family-friendly activities.
Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, there’s something for everyone!
Local Highlights: Free Entry at Midlands Museums and Gardens
There are plenty of fantastic sites opening their doors for free in the Midlands. Here are some of the highlights:
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Commandery Museum
Dudley Castle
Aston Hall
Blakesley Hall
Hartlebury Castle
Haden Old Hall
Benthall Hall
Roman Alcester Museum
Avoncroft Museum
Shugborough Estate
Dudmaston Hall
Wightwick Manor and Gardens
Coughton Court
Birmingham Back to Backs
Baddesley Clinton
Packwood House
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
A must-see for nature lovers, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers a serene escape into lush greenery and beautiful landscapes. Visitors can explore a wide variety of plants, including rare species from around the world. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or an educational visit.
Date: 14th September
Address: Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TR
Pre-booking: Required. Click here to pre-book.
The Commandery Museum
Explore the rich history of Worcester at The Commandery Museum, a building that played a significant role during the English Civil War. This fascinating site offers a deep dive into the past, with exhibitions that bring history to life.
Date: 15th September
Address: Sidbury, Worcester WR1 2HU
Pre-booking: Not required
Dudley Castle
Experience Dudley Castle with free access to the courtyard, keep, undercroft, and visitor centre (Castle Creatures). Please note that the zoo will be closed during these hours, and pre-booking is required for this evening event.
Dates: 12th & 13th September, 5 pm-7:30 pm
Address: Castle Hill, Dudley DY1 4QF. Car parking is available in the main zoo car park (for a SATNAV please use postcode DY1 4AL). Car parking costs £3.50. Please purchase a token at the car park machine to exit the barrier system.
Pre-booking: Required. Click here to pre-book.
Aston Hall
Aston Hall is a magnificent Jacobean mansion in Birmingham, known for its stunning architecture and beautifully preserved interiors. It's a great opportunity to step back in time and explore the history of this grand estate.
Date: 8th September
Address: Trinity Road, Aston, Birmingham B6 6JD
Pre-booking: Required. Click here to pre-book.
Blakesley Hall
Another gem in Birmingham, Blakesley Hall is a stunning Tudor house with beautifully restored interiors and picturesque gardens.
Date: 13th September
Address: Blakesley Road, Yardley, Birmingham B25 8RN
Pre-booking: Advised. Click here to book.
Hartlebury Castle
Explore the beautiful grounds of Hartlebury Castle, a historic site with a rich heritage. The castle offers a glimpse into the life of the Bishops of Worcester who once resided here.
Dates: 13th & 14th September
Address: Hartlebury, Kidderminster DY11 7XZ
Pre-booking: Required. Click here to book.
Haden Old Hall Open Day
Discover the charm of Haden Old Hall, a lesser-known historic site that offers a glimpse into the past. This hidden gem can be explored without the need for pre-booking.
Dates: 15th September
Address: Halesowen Road, Cradley Heath B64 7JU
Pre-booking: Not required.
Benthall Hall
Benthall Hall, a National Trust property, invites visitors to explore its historic house and beautiful gardens. The hall is a perfect example of 16th-century architecture, surrounded by serene countryside.
Dates: 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th September
Address: Benthall, Broseley, Shropshire TF12 5RX
Pre-booking: Pre-booking is only required for the guided tour on Wednesday 11th September at 12pm. To book please email benthall@nationaltrust.org.uk Pre-booking is NOT required to visit the Hall & gardens.
Roman Alcester Museum
Step back in time at the Roman Alcester Museum, where you can learn about the area's Roman history through fascinating exhibits and artefacts. This museum is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts.
Dates: 14th & 15th September
Address: Priory Road, Alcester B49 5DZ
Pre-booking: Not required.
Avoncroft Museum
Avoncroft Museum offers a unique open-air experience, where visitors can explore historic buildings that have been rescued and preserved. The museum provides a journey through time, showcasing architectural history.
Dates: 7th & 8th September
Address: Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove B60 4JR
Pre-booking: Not required
Shugborough Estate
Shugborough Estate is a stunning historic site with beautiful gardens and parkland. Visitors can explore the estate's grand mansion, which offers insights into the lives of the Anson family, including its most famous member, Admiral George Anson.
Dates: 13th & 14th September
Address: Milford, Great Haywood, Stafford ST17 0UP
Pre-booking: Not required
Dudmaston Hall
Dudmaston Hall offers a delightful experience for visitors, with its rich history, art collection, and stunning gardens.
Dates: 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 15th September
Address: Quatt, Bridgnorth WV15 6QN
Pre-booking: Not required
Wightwick Manor and Gardens
Wightwick Manor and Gardens offers visitors a glimpse into the aesthetic movement of the late 19th century. The house is filled with fine examples of Pre-Raphaelite art and William Morris designs.
Dates: 14th & 15th September
Address: Wightwick Bank, Wolverhampton WV6 8EE
Pre-booking: Not required
Coughton Court
Coughton Court is a stunning historic house with beautiful gardens, steeped in history and filled with fascinating stories, especially connected to the Gunpowder Plot.
Dates: 7th September
Address: Alcester B49 5JA
Pre-booking: Not required
Open Evening at the Back to Backs in Birmingham
Experience a unique glimpse into Birmingham’s past at the Back to Backs, a restored set of 19th-century workers' houses. This special evening opening offers an intimate look at life in these historic homes.
Dates: 7th September, 5 pm
Address: 50-54 Inge Street / 55-63 Hurst Street, Birmingham B5 4TE
Pre-booking: Recommended. Click here to book.
Baddesley Clinton
Baddesley Clinton is a medieval moated manor house that offers visitors a journey back in time. The house is filled with history, including stories of the Catholic priests who once hid here during the Reformation.
Dates: 14th September
Address: Rising Lane, Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire B93 0DQ
Pre-booking: Not required
Packwood House
Packwood House is known for its stunning gardens, particularly the famous Yew Garden. The house itself is beautifully preserved, offering insights into its history and the people who lived there.
Dates: 14th September
Address: Packwood Lane, Lapworth, Solihull B94 6AT
Pre-booking: Not required
These are just a few of the amazing locations offering FREE entry. There are many more events and sites to discover on the Heritage Open Week website.
Find Your Perfect Day Out
With so many sites to choose from, there’s sure to be something near you. To find more events, learn about specific events, or to pre-book, visit the Heritage Open Days website. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to explore the best of the Midlands and beyond, absolutely free!
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