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) |
|---|
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
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
Saturday, 12th September 2026 - Saturday, 12th September 2026
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 - 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
Stanhope 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
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
Two Railways and Two Denes - Heritage Open DaysA walk in the countryside along former railway lines.- 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.
.png )







