Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.
Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s Everyday Histories
The country’s largest festival of history and culture runs 11-20 September 2026 find out what’s going on in Pontefract by visiting www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Heritage Open Days returns this September with thousands of free events and
experiences taking place across England. Each year, millions of people take part in a
nationwide celebration of their heritage, community and history.
The festival is brought to you by the National Trust and supported by Postcode Lottery players, with an exciting programme of events delivered locally by thousands of organisations and volunteers.
It’s all about doorstep discovery – whether you’re stepping into a cold war bunker or a
crematorium, a museum or a mandir, a lido or a lighthouse, a canal boat or a colliery, a
signal box or a submarine.
The festival offers thousands of free, community-led events all over England, with endless opportunity for discovering something new. From working lives to cherished rituals, many events will focus in on this year’s festival theme, ‘Everyday Histories’ presented by leading family history website Findmypast.
Organisers are invited to explore the varied and often overlooked stories of ordinary
working people and their daily lives. From factory floors, workhouses and high streets to
kitchens, schools, and community centres, this theme shines a light on working-class
voices, local superheroes and the part-of-the-furniture places that have quietly shaped
England’s heritage.
Thanks to Findmypast’s support, organisers can delve deeper than ever into these hidden
histories – One hundred participating organisers will receive free access to Findmypast’s
extensive archive of historical records and newspapers to help research and shape their
events, while eight flagship activations will benefit from specialist research and support at
locations including Killerton (National Trust), The People’s History Museum and Grainger
Market.