Many offer unique opportunities to go behind usually closed doors, or are giving the chance to enjoy rarely seen exhibitions or archives. While others are hosting specialist talks or tours to mark the annual festival of the nation’s past.
Here, the Chronicle & Echo has put together 36 Heritage Open Days events that you can enjoy, for free, during September.
To find out more information on other open days across the county and country, visit https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
5. Performing Room at 9 Guildhall Road formerly Franklin's Hotel & Restaurant 1872
9 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP. Explore the deep hidden history of our building. Step back in time to hear our story and discover how our heritage helped to create Northampton's beautiful Culture Quarter through public exhibitions and immersive multimedia utilising VR technology. Saturday 13 September: 12pm - 5pm Sunday 14 September: 12pm - 5pm Friday 19 September: 12pm - 5pm Saturday 20 September: 12pm - 5pm Pre-booking is not essential. Photo: Heritage Open Days
6. Lamport Hall - Brewer's Yard Alive
Lamport Hall, Lamport, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN6 9HD. Explore the architecture of the old service buildings at Lamport Hall including the dairy and laundry rooms. Take part in hands-on demos and activities, bringing the buildings back to life with their original uses. Saturday 13 September: 10am to 4pm. Pre-booking not essential Photo: Heritage Open Days
7. Evening Tours by Torchlight
Church Lane, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 3NL. Experience the church in a whole new light , candlelight and torchlight to be exact. Thursday 18 September: 7.30pm-9pm, Saturday 20 September: 7.30pm-9pm. Pre-booking is essential, email [email protected] Photo: Heritage Open Days
8. Layers, Scars & Stone Memories
Church Lane, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 3NL. Over 900 years old, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is rich with physical traces of the past. Cracks, marks, changes in stone , all these “scars” tell a story of a building shaped by time, faith, and community. Saturday 20 September: 10am-4pm, Sunday 21 September: 1pm-4pm. Pre-booking not required Photo: Heritage Open Days