England’s biggest celebration of history and culture is returning this September, giving the public free access to historic places and cultural sites normally closed to visitors.

Heritage Open Days 2026 will run from 11 to 20 September, with thousands of volunteers organising events across England. The annual programme gives visitors opportunities to explore historic buildings, hidden spaces and local heritage sites. 

The festival is expected to feature a wide range of activities, including guided tours, exhibitions, community events and local-history experiences, allowing people to discover cultural stories connected to their own areas.

The event comes as communities across England prepare a busy September cultural calendar. Lambeth, for example, is hosting its own month-long Heritage Festival with more than 80 events and activities celebrating local people, places and stories.

Free access is a major attraction of Heritage Open Days, making historic and cultural experiences available to a wider audience while encouraging communities to preserve and share their local heritage.

The 2026 programme could also provide a boost for heritage tourism and local cultural organisations, as visitors travel to explore sites and events outside the UK's best-known tourist attractions.