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You are here > Home > What's On > Heritage Open Days 2026

Heritage Open Days 2026

Various Locations
County Durham

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  • Heritage Open Days Logo
  • family walking towards Durham Cathedral
  • blurry image of heritage open day flags and a family in the background.
  • family admiring the lifeboat at East Durham Heritage & Lifeboat Centre, Seaham Harbour.
  • view of Durham City showing cathedral, castle, Elvet Bridge and surrounding buildings.
  • group of people listening to a tour guide outside of Durham Castle gates.

About

Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,000 local people and organisations, and thousands of volunteers. Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.

 

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Opening Times

2026 (11 Sept 2026 - 20 Sept 2026)

Map & Directions

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Highlights...

Saturday, 19th September 2026 - Saturday, 19th September 2026

The mighty wurlitzer, an ornate piano- like instrument with a burgundy curtain in the backgroundHeritage Open Days - "Mighty" Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe OrganSee & hear the North East's only 'Mighty Wurlitzer' theatre pipe organ (one of UK's largest). The theatre organ was part of the 'Everyday History' of our society last century - find how it was used & look inside the workings of this amazing machine!
more info

Saturday, 19th September 2026 - Saturday, 19th September 2026

The interior of a church with pews and stained glass windowsHeritage Open Days - All Saints Church and ChurchyardA chance to explore the church, find out what's happening in the churchyard, and discover the history of the village contained there.
more info

Saturday, 12th September 2026 - Sunday, 13th September 2026

A red vintage bus parked between two othersHeritage Open Days - Aycliffe Bus MuseumStep aboard at Aycliffe Bus Museum for a journey through North East transport history. Explore vintage buses, fascinating memorabilia, enjoy free heritage bus rides, and meet our friendly volunteers. Free admission and fun for all ages!
more info

Friday, 11th September 2026 - Saturday, 12th September 2026

Friday, 18th September 2026 - Saturday, 19th September 2026

An ornate marble statue of a hooded figure connected to a churchHeritage Open Days - Church of Our Lady of Mercy and St. GodricBetween the train and the bus stations, a landmark in the Durham City Conservation Area, St. Godric's Grade II listed church was designed by Edward Pugin. Opened in 1864 it has beautiful examples of Victorian stained glass and a fine high altar.
more info

Saturday, 12th September 2026 - Saturday, 12th September 2026

Saturday, 19th September 2026 - Saturday, 19th September 2026

An old fashioned school photograph of children sat in lines in front of a school building Heritage Open Days - Cotherstone Old Chapel ProjectFormer Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, also village school until 1965. Now community owned/run shop, café and heritage centre. Special display of material showing the history and refurbishment of the building. Village guided walk leaflet. Refreshments
more info

Wednesday, 16th September 2026 - Wednesday, 16th September 2026

External view of a small building with a yellow sign reading SevenhillsHeritage Open Days - County Durham Libraries Book Collection TourA talk and tour of County Durham Libraries book collection.
more info

Wednesday, 16th September 2026 - Wednesday, 16th September 2026

Saturday, 19th September 2026 - Saturday, 19th September 2026

Lush greenery and gardens surrounding a stone buildingHeritage Open Days - Crook Hall GardensFree entry to enjoy the beautiful gardens and Medieval Hall
more info

Friday, 11th September 2026 - Sunday, 13th September 2026

Blue cartoon of the letter 'H' in the shape of a castle on a white backgroundHeritage Open Days - Durham CrematoriumA rare chance to see behind the scenes, learn about cremation and view this rich and beautifully detailed building and its grounds.
more info

Saturday, 12th September 2026 - Sunday, 13th September 2026

The interior of an Anglo Saxon church, with white stone walls and hanging round lights.Heritage Open Days - Escomb Saxon ChurchThe church was built in the 7th century. Have a free guided tour of this ancient, Anglo-Saxon Church, where you can learn about its history and heritage. Tours will run every half hour.
more info

Tuesday, 15th September 2026 - Wednesday, 16th September 2026

The interior of an extravagant chapel, with stained glass windows surrounding it Heritage Open Days - Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & GardensUshaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens is tucked away in beautiful open countryside near Durham City. An arts, heritage and events venue, waiting for you to escape the everyday, stop the world for a while and be surprised.
more info

Saturday, 12th September 2026 - Sunday, 13th September 2026

A large stone train shed surrounded by treesHeritage Open Days - Life in the World's First Railway Town - LocomotionThe town of Shildon has had an exciting story to tell since the earliest days of the rail industry. Learn more about the working lives of ordinary people of Shildon, and how Locomotion is keeping heritage skills alive today and for the future.
more info

Tuesday, 11th August 2026 - Saturday, 15th August 2026

The outside view of historic stone building in the villageHeritage Open Days - The Fitzhugh LibraryVisit the hidden gem of the Fitzhugh Library and its collection of photographs, books and documents re the County Palatine of Durham and the parish of Romaldkirk. It contains over 70,000 items. Special Exhibition for Hannah Hauxwell Centenary.
more info

Saturday, 19th September 2026 - Saturday, 19th September 2026

A small green steam train moving through nature Heritage Open Days - Thorpe Light RailwayAn opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of Thorpe Light Railway, and hear about ongoing projects and future plans.
more info

Thursday, 17th September 2026 - Saturday, 19th September 2026

A historic parish hall lit by low lighting in the darkHeritage Open Days - Wheatley Hill Heritage CentreWe will be showcasing our display of 1950s Olympic and Commonwealth Games diver, Charmian Welsh, a colliery manager's daughter from nearby Thornley. Charmian has donated her entire sporting collection to Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre and it will be on display over Heritage Open Days.
more info

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    Find out what’s happening this week across the Culture County. From festivals and exhibitions, to sport and theatre, you’re certain to have an eventful time in Durham.
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