Heritage Open Days 2026
Various Locations
County Durham
County Durham
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.
Book Tickets
TripAdvisor
Opening Times
| 2026 (11 Sept 2026 - 20 Sept 2026) |
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Map & Directions
Highlights...
Saturday, 19th September 2026 - Saturday, 19th September 2026
Heritage 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
Heritage 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
Heritage 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
Heritage 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
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
Heritage 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
Heritage Open Days - Crook Hall GardensFree entry to enjoy the beautiful gardens and Medieval Hall
- more info
Friday, 11th September 2026 - Sunday, 13th September 2026
Heritage 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
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
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
Heritage 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
Heritage 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
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
Heritage 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
Access Information
- 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.
- Durham is home to world-class events, discover Durham’s most unmissable for 2026.
- Sign up to find out what's on across Durham and the latest news.
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