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/
21. I Spy Northampton Market Square architecture trail
7 Market Square, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 2DL. An architectural heritage trail around Northampton's historic and re-purposed Market Square. Visit the Central Library in Abington Street or the Museum & Art Gallery in Guildhall Road to collect a Northampton architectural heritage trail map. Friday 12 September: 1000-1700, Saturday 13 September: 1000-1700, Monday 15 September: 0900-1800, Tuesday 16 September: 0900-1800, Wednesday 17 September: 0900-1800, Thursday 18 September: 0900-1800, Friday 19 September: 1000-1700, Saturday 20 September: 1000-1700. Photo: Heritage Open Days
22. 78 Derngate - The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House
78-82 Derngate, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1UH. Join a group for a half hour guided tour of the iconic Mackintosh House, here in the heart of Northampton. With galleries, gardens, shop and onsite restaurant, it's a fabulous way to spend some time. Friday 19 September: 1130-1600. Pre-booking required, call 01604 603407 Photo: Heritage Open Days
23. St Peter's Church Northampton
St Peters Church, Marefair, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1SR. The most outstanding Romanesque church St Peter's stands in a pretty grass churchyard in Northampton town centre, beside the buried remains of a Saxon palace. This 900-year-old Norman church is filled with glorious carved treasures. Saturday 13 September: 1000-1600, Sunday 14 September: 1400-1700, Saturday 20 September: 1400-1700, Sunday 21 September: 1400-1700. Pre-booking not required Photo: Heritage Open Days
24. Grave Concerns - The Making of Billing Road Cemetery
Billing Road Cemetery (main entrance), Billing Road, Abington, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 5DE. A closer look at the laying out of the historic Victorian cemetery on Billing Road, Northampton; its architectural features and memorials, their styles and some of the materials used, and their setting within the designed garden landscape. Saturday 20 September: 10am, 11.30am, 2pm, Sunday 21 September: 11.30am, 2pm. Pre-booking not required Photo: Heritage Open Days