Free Heritage Open Days Entry
History fans, this one's a cracker! Heritage Open Days 2026 is running right now until Sunday 20th September, and it's England's largest free festival of history and culture. Brought to you by the National Trust and powered by thousands of local organisations and volunteers, the festival throws open the doors of historic houses, castles, gardens, Cold War bunkers, lighthouses, canal boats and more — many of which are completely free to enter and some not normally open to the public at all.
This year's theme is 'Everyday Histories', shining a light on ordinary working-class lives and the places that shaped them — think factory floors, workhouses, schools and community centres. National Trust properties taking part include the likes of Little Moreton Hall, Avebury Manor, Dunster Castle, Lindisfarne Castle and hundreds more across England. Entry is free for everyone, no membership required. Some venues do require a free advance booking, and dates and opening times vary by property, so it's worth checking the full programme before you head out. Click our pink button below to explore all the events near you on the National Trust site. Enjoy!
Concessions: Free entry