Looking for a unique and affordable way to embrace the history and culture of England? Every year, Heritage Open Days festival offers completely FREE access to thousands of the country’s most fascinating buildings, museums, landmarks, and cultural sites.
The festival is an amazing excuse to plan a motorhome or campervan road trip. With so many locations taking part, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to turn a day out or weekend away into the perfect touring adventure.
About Heritage Open Days
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What is Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days is England’s biggest festival of history and culture! Running for over 30 years, this annual event invites visitors to discover the stories behind some of England’s most interesting historic and cultural sites. From ancient castles and woodlands to hidden historical gems that aren’t usually open or available to the public, the festival offers an exciting opportunity to explore England’s heritage through guided tours, talks, exhibitions, re-enactments, performances and more!
And best of all, all the events are free to visit, thanks to the volunteers and charitable organisations that help make this community festival possible every year!
When is the Festival?
Heritage Open Days 2026 will take place over 10 days, from 11th to 20th September.
The extended festival period provides great flexibility to plan a short break in your campervan, a motorhome weekend getaway, or UK touring adventure around the many Open Heritage Day events.
What is this Year’s Heritage Open Days Theme?
Each year, Heritage Open Days explores a different theme, encouraging visitors to discover England’s history from a new perspective.
Previous themes include Edible England, Astounding Inventions, and Architecture, exploring everything from culinary traditions to engineering achievements and iconic buildings and architectural styles throughout England.
This year’s theme is ‘Everyday Histories,’ focusing on the stories, routines, and working lives of ordinary people throughout history.
Why Heritage Open Days Festival is Ideal for Motorhome Adventures
For motorhome and campervan owners Heritage Open Days provides the perfect reason to plan a UK road trip! With over 5000 destinations across England to explore it’s the ideal chance to discover and learn about new places and enjoy a flexible touring adventure at your own pace.
Whether you’re a retired couple planning a scenic motorhome tour of the outdoors and in nature, a campervan enthusiast seeking a historical weekend getaway, or a family looking for an informative and affordable trip after the summer holidays, Heritage Open Days offers memorable and exciting activities and events for every traveller.
Heritage Open Days Destinations Worth Visiting by Motorhome
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Here is just a taste of the exciting events you can expect to see at this year’s Heritage Open Days Festival.
A Taste of History – Exciting Re-enactments
Bradwell Abbey Medieval Fayre
Experience medieval life featuring musicians, herbalists, re-enactors, and mythical creatures. Take part in activities such as swordsmanship and archery skills!
Location: Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre, Bradwell Abbey, Alston Drive, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK13 9AP
Date: 13 September 2026
Link: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/bradwell-abbey-medieval-fayre.html
Hampshire Regiment Re-enactors at the Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum
Experience what life was like for a Hampshire regiment soldier during the Second World War. The museum will also have a temporary exhibition on the everyday lives of soldiers and children’s craft activities.
Location: Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum, Serle’s House, Southgate Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9EG
Date: 19 September 2026
Link: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/hampshire-reenactors.html
Medieval Knights at the Castle
Watch Medieval Knights bring history to life with thrilling combat and battles.
Location: Castle Lodge, Castle Hill, Conisbrough, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN12 3BX
Date: 19 September 2026
Link: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/medieval-knights-at-the-castle.html
Experience English Culture, Nature & History through Guided Tours
Amsterdam Guided Walk
Join expert guides from the Shipwreck Museum to explore the remains of the Dutch East Indiaman the Amsterdam (1749), and discover the coastline, prehistoric forest, and learn about the fossils, dinosaurs, and ancient landscapes that once shaped the Hastings coastline.
Location: Bridge Way, St. Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN38 8AP
Date: Friday 11 September, 6:45PM
Link: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/amsterdam-guided-walk.html
Guided Bat Walk
A guided Bat Walk through London’s woodland and meadows with bat detectors.
Location: Cemetery Park Lodge, Southern Grove, London, Greater London, E3 4PX
Date: Sunday 13 September, 7-9PM
Link: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/guided-bat-walk-2.html
Brean Down Guided Tour
A 90 minute tour looking at the history from over 10,000 years of history from the Iron Age to the present day of Brean Down, ending on the Fort on top of Brean Down.
Location: Brean Down, Brean, Burnham-On-Sea, Somerset, TA8 2RS
Date: Sunday 20 September, 10:30AM
Link: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/brean-down-guided-tour.html
Thrilling Performances
Castle Vault with Live Music
Experience a vibrant live music festival of all different genres including folk, rock, sea shanties, afrobeats, choirs and more in one of Southhamptons oldest vaults!
Location: Castle Vault, Western Esplanade, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1QF
Date: Saturday 12 September, 11AM – 7PM
Link: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/castle-vault-with-live-music-1.html
Apple Pips Screening & Meet the Cast
Watch a play telling the story of the famous 1845 murder trial of John Tawell, accused of poisoning his former lover Sarah Hart, it was the first arrest ever made using technology. This event also includes the opportunity to meet some of the creatives and cast behind the original 2025 production.
Location: Queens Park Art Centre, Queens Park, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7RT
Date: Sunday 13 September, 6:30PM
Link: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/apple-pips-screening-meet-the-cast.html
Great Yarmouth Witch Trial
Experience what a witch trial would have been like in the 1600s, watch as two men and nine women are accused of allegedly being involved in witchcraft and what will happen to them.
Location: Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Town Hall, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2QF
Date: Friday 18 September, 7-8PM
Link: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/great-yarmouth-witch-trial.html
Scavenger & Treasure Hunts that the Whole Family can get Involved In
Bishopstoke History Treasure Hunt
Follow clues, identify different locations from pictures, and uncover fascinating stories hidden throughout the village as you complete the trail.
Location: Bishopstoke, Bishopstoke, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 6DJ
Date: Available anytime – An activity sheet can be picked up from the Bishopstoke Community Centre
Link: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/bishopstoke-history-treasure-hunt.html
Book Box Scavenger Hunt
Explore a Grade II listed Georgian building as you solve clues and follow the trail, uncovering interesting facts about the building and its history along the way as you look for hidden special wooden books.
Location: The Leeds Library, 18 Commercial Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6AL
Date: Friday 11 – Saturday 19 September, from 1PM – 3PM
Link: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/book-box-scavenger-hunt.html
Dover Transport Museum Family Treasure Hunt Day
Discover the history of Dover through a fun museum quiz, a treasure hunt, and take part in a prize draw. Explore the hundreds of exhibits celebrating Dover’s old businesses and occupations, browse vintage vehicles, and enjoy a ride on the museum’s miniature railway (ride operation dependent on weather.)
Location: Port Zone, Willingdon Road, Whitfield, Dover, Kent, CT16 2JX
Date: Saturday 19 September, 10:30 – 12:30, and 1:30PM – 3:30PM
Planning Your Heritage Open Days Road Trip
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Ready to plan your adventure? Once you’ve gotten your vehicle road trip ready, visit the Heritage Open Days website to see what’s on! Here you can search by location, browse events by date, and discover attractions taking place along your planned motorhome or campervan route.
You can also use a range of filters to tailor events to your interests and needs. Whether you’re looking for walks and tours, exhibitions, workshops, site openings, or performances you’ll find something for every type of traveller.
Events can even be filtered by event category including local history, visual arts, architecture, and nature, making it easy to find experiences that match your interests. You can also search by site type, with categories such as historic buildings, museums and galleries, outdoors and nature, archaeological, theatre and cinema, and more, making it easy for you to create a personalised itinerary for your motorhome trip.
The website also includes accessibility filters, making it easier to find venues and events that meet specific requirements if needed.
Top tip: We also recommend checking whether the events you’d like to attend require pre-booking. While many Open Heritage Events are open to visitors with no booking required, some activities, particularly smaller workshops, guided tours, and theatre performances, may have limited capacity and must be booked in advance.
Cover for Your Weekend Getaways, Staycations, and Beyond
Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend escape, an action packed staycation, or an extended touring getaway, Comfort Insurance is here to help protect your adventures. As specialists in motorhome insurance and campervan insurance with over 30 years’ experience, we offer tailored cover designed with motorhome and campervan owners in mind.
Our comprehensive policies include a range of features to help you travel with confidence, including cover for personal belongings, generator cover, and unlimited windscreen cover. So, whether you’re exploring the EU or UK you can enjoy the journey knowing your vehicle is protected by a policy that’s built around your needs.
Give us a call to get a motorhome or campervan insurance quote today on 0208 984 0666 and our professional and friendly UK customer service team will help you find the right level of cover for your vehicle and travel plans. Alternatively, you can get a quick and convenient online quote through our website and start planning your next adventure with confidence.
