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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

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

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

A museum exhibit with lots of old artefacts with a person tending to them in the right hand corner.From Dig to Display: Get Behind the Scenes at the Museum of Archaeology - Heritage Open DaysExplore the newly reopened upstairs gallery and discover the work that goes on behind the scenes of an archaeology museum. Meet project partners, join a curator tour, and get hands-on to find out how collections are studied, cared for and displayed.
more info

Sunday, 20th September 2026 - Sunday, 20th September 2026

Heritage open days logo of a pink letter 'H' in the shape of a castle.Mickleton Village Hall and the Community Over the Years - Heritage Open DaysCome and see on the cinema screen how the village hall was built and what actually goes on in the hall. Displays and presentations by user groups and see how people use the site from family get togethers to country weddings. Tea and cake by MiCE! Everyone welcome, you could join in with some paper…
more info

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

Images of two medieval heraldic crests.St Andrews Church - Heritage Open DaysSt Andrews Church has some unique features dating back to Anglo-Saxon origins. It is situated in an ancient village which has a diverse history starting with a reference by the Venerable Bede.
more info

Friday, 18th September 2026 - Sunday, 20th September 2026

Birds eye view of an ornate church with an altar and pews.St Cuthbert's Catholic Church - Heritage Open DaysVisit this simple, peaceful church to rest a while or to see the stunning window by the world-famous Irish stained glass artist Harry Clarke or works by the late renowned local sculptor Fenwick Lawson.
more info

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

Exterior view of an ornate church in the sun.St Ives' Church - Heritage Open DaysDiscover St Ives' Church Leadgate, one of the North East's little-known architectural gems with a fascinating heritage and unique story to tell. Coffee Concert, History Displays, Guided Tours and Talks. Explore Everyday Histories of Leadgate!
more info

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

An arched stone church doorway, surrounded by purple flowers in the sunlight.St Laurence's Church - Heritage Open DaysVisit St Laurence Church. Refreshments available. Discover a Grade I listed, 12th & 13th century church. North Arcade is described as 'one of the most exciting pieces of architecture in the county' by Pevsner.
more info

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

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

Ornate floral wood carvings in a church.St Mary the Virgin - Heritage Open DaysA 12th century Parish Church, with evidence of Saxon origins. The building contains Medieval pieces including a beautiful example of a Frosterly Marble tomb effigy. There are beautiful stained glass windows and oak pews dating back to 1660.
more info

Sunday, 13th September 2026 - Sunday, 13th September 2026

A group of eight people wearing red and blue in the ringing chamber of a church.St Mary's Parish Church - Heritage Open DaysThe church tower will be open with access to the ringing chamber and the clock chamber. Local bell ringers will help visitors understand how church bells are rung and also give access to the 'clock chamber'.
more info

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

St Cuthbert's Church, with stained glass windows, commonwealth war graves and exterior view of the church.St. Cuthbert’s Church - Heritage Open DaysChurch is open from 9.30 - 15.30 on Saturday, September 19th. Church guide. Christian artwork on display. Saints trail for children. Nature trail for children. Refreshments available. 
more info

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

Landscape view of the countryside with a wooden bench in the foregroundStanhope and Tyne Railway Walk - Heritage Open DaysLet our guides take you on a walk through history using the former railway lines of the Stanhope and Tyne Railway
more info

Sunday, 13th September 2026 - Sunday, 13th September 2026

Historical stone building with a grass lawn in front.The Story - Heritage Open DaysBehind the scenes access, site tours, and collection items to view. 
more info

Friday, 18th September 2026 - Friday, 18th September 2026

A pair of walking boots in the grass, on a blue floral background.Two Railways and Two Denes - Heritage Open DaysA walk in the countryside along former railway lines.
more info

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