England’s largest history festival, the event is set to take place from 8th – 17th September, with some venues choosing only one of those weekends.
Experience Worcestershire’s charming culture, all FREE of charge throughout the festival.
1. Forge Mill Needle Museum
A day to celebrate our local heritage at Forge Mill Needle Museum! A variety of displays and activities are on offer to celebrate Heritage Open Days.
• Bikes displayed by Royal Enfield Owners Club.
• Little Radford Model Boat Club.
• Live music from Indigo Arts
• Artwork from Arts in Redditch
• A display by the Redditch History Society
• A display of costumes from the RSC.
• Tours by experienced volunteer guides of the Needle Museum and the Bordesley Abbey Ruins.
Sunday 17th September – 10am – 4pm
2. Avoncroft Museum
Free entry to one of Worcestershire’s famous heritage sites on Saturday 9th September. A sensory experience is on offer where visitors can get hands-on with history. A renowned re-enactment group is making an appearance at the museum displaying interactive elements from the English Civil War.
Saturday 9th September – 10am – 4pm
3. Droitwich Spa Heritage & Information Centre - Behind the Scenes Tour
A fully guided behind-the-scenes tour is available at Droitwich Spa Heritage & Information Centre. Attendees with receive a detailed insight into the areas associated with brine baths and view areas of the museum’s collection that aren’t on display to the general public. Pre-booking is required.
Saturday 16th September – 11am – 11:45am
4. The Art that Made Evesham at Almonry Museum
The launch of a brand-new art exhibition at the Almonry Museum celebrates Evesham’s beauty through fantastic pieces of artwork on display. Rarely seen artworks by local artist Edmund Hort New will be on display alongside new acquisitions, a print of the Almonry by Valerie Thornton.
Saturday 16th September, 10am – 5pm
5. Hartlebury Castle
Discover the history of our beautiful county at Hartlebury Castle, the castle has a fascinating story to tell and there’s no better time to visit than during Heritage Open Days. Over two days, professional works from Worcestershire artists will be on display. Visitors also have the opportunity to discover the surrounding gardens and Worcestershire County Museum.
Friday 15th September: 10am - 5pm, last entry is 4pm
Saturday 16th September: 11am - 5pm, last entry is 4pm
6. ‘Demolishing Greyfriars’ - Greyfriars House and Garden
A property with over 500 years of history, Greyfriars House and Garden is an iconic sight in the heart of Worcester. The house will be open to visitors to explore hidden history from events such as the Battle of Worcester to mid-twentieth-century demolition order.
Saturday 9th September: 10am – 4pm
Saturday 16th September: 10am – 4pm
7. Croome Court – National Trust
A story of devastating loss and incredible innovation. All in one place!
Owned by the Coventry family since the 16th century, the National Trust property will be open to visitors to explore. The ‘Capability Brown’ landscape gardens are truly beautiful, with stunning views towards the Malvern Hills. Learn the story of how the site was used during the Second World War.
Monday 11th September: Open 10am – 5pm
Tuesday 12th September: Open 10am – 5pm
Wednesday 13th September: Open 10am – 5pm
Thursday 14th September: Open 10am – 5pm
Friday 15th September: Open 10am – 5pm
8. Worcester Cathedral
Regarded as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the UK, guided tours over Heritage Open Days are available. Learn the story of how Worcester is home to the resting place of King John and Prince Arthur.
Open Saturday 9 September, 10am-5pm (Partial closure 1pm-5pm)
Guided Tours at 11.30am. Shop and Café 10am-4.30pm
Sunday 10th September, 12.30pm-3pm (Shop and Café closed)
9. Film Screening: Looking Back at Bromsgrove
An entertaining journey through time, where the film explores the origin of the town, a thriving medieval market centre, an important stage coaching town, the nail-making capital of Britain, to the bustling residential town of today.
Sunday 10th September: 5pm - 6.30pm
10. Behind the Scenes Tour - Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service
Letters from the Titanic, Shakespeare’s marriage bond and much more are part of 12 miles of collections at Worcestershire Archives! Go behind the scenes to discover fascinating and inspiring items.
Part of the History in the Making project – creative workshops drawing inspiration from the past. Free one-hour tours but booking is required.
Saturday 9th September - 1-2pm and 3-4pm
11. Worcester Heritage Weekend
Download the Worcester Heritage Weekend leaflet, with events happening at various venues across the city from 9th - 10th September.
