Along with the last of the summer sun, September brings with it the Gloucestershire tradition of the Heritage Open Days, which encourages families to try new experiences and discover heritage sites across the county with free events, tours and activities.
We've picked out some of the best Heritage Open Days coming up from Friday 12 to Sunday 21 September to help you decide how to join in with the biggest local history and culture festival in the country.
Best Heritage Open Days in Cheltenham 2025
Immerse yourself in Ancient Rome and discover how people
lived 2000 years ago with this living history celebration in the beautiful site
of Chedworth Roman Villa, no admission charge required.
On Friday 12 September, local historian Neela Mann is offering a
tour around Cheltenham Minster and the tales behind some of the memorials there,
including some that belong to Brewers, Bankers and Barons.
Witness an authentic Mummers play inspired by the King’s coronation by the Cheltenham Promenaders in spots across Cheltenham, including Montpellier Gardens at 3.45pm and Sandford Park Ale House at 6pm.
Cheltenham Ladies’ College is once again offering children a chance to catch its Murder Most Unladylike tour on Saturday 13 September, where audiences can witness the various places that inspired author Robyn Stevens to create Deepdean School for Girls, such as the Library Corridor and the original Tunnel.
Best Heritage Open Days in the Cotswolds 2025
Best Heritage Open Days in the Forest of Dean 2025
On Wednesday 17 September take in some nature on a guided
walk through the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail and learn about the
history of the sculptures, some of which have lived among the trees for almost forty
years.
Visitors can jump further back in time on Saturday 13 September with an opportunity to look through what was making the headlines in Forest of Dean newspapers from the 19th century, alongside a display of Cinderford Memorabilia at the Belle Vue Centre in the town.
Get active during one of your Heritage Open Days and go
rowing on Saturday 13, Thursday 18 or Saturday 20 September in the historic Lydney Harbour after seeing the
wooden skiff recently built by volunteers.
And running from Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 September, Kingshill House in Dursley presents an exhibition celebrating the lives of the women who worked at Cam Mills in Gloucestershire. Incorporating an oral history with photography and wool art, artists Abi Nicol and Deb Brooks along with students from Rednock School guide you through the history of the textiles industry, its relationship to the area and the generations of women who worked there.
Best Heritage Open Days in Gloucester 2025
Reopening this year on Friday 12 September, the King’s
Bastion is found underneath a trap door in the King’s Walk Shopping Centre and contains the remains of a Roman city wall and defensive tower
that was likely constructed during the reign of Henry III.
Children and adults alike can enjoy a guided walk
inspired by Beatrix Potter and her beloved story, The Tailor of
Gloucester. Taking place on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 September, this guided walk will take
you through the city of Gloucester, allowing you to discover the places the author connected with
during her time spent in the area.
See the stunning Gloucester Cathedral in a different light on Saturday 13 September, too, with a special late-night opening, where the evening light provides a magical atmosphere as you explore the ceilings and architecture of this iconic Gloucestershire landmark.
Best Heritage Open Days in Tewkesbury 2025
Take a tour of St Mary’s Church in Ripple on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September. Featuring a rare misprinted Bible from 1613
and early Victorian tiles and stained glass, this Grade I building is also home
to the UK’s oldest Civil War re-enactment society, the Sealed Knot Society,
who will be on hand to speak to visitors during the tours.
Tours of two Grade II buildings are also on offer in Tewkesbury, with tours of the Royal Hop Pole Hotel happening on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September and Graham Court happening on Wednesday 17 September.
The Royal Hop Pole Hotel includes a restored Medieval Banqueting Hall, which has connections to historical figures such as Charles Dickens and Queen Mary of Teck.
While Graham Court features a gorgeous stained-glass window added as a memorial to First Medical Officer, Dr Daniel Deveraux, and was first used by Tewkesbury Rural Hospital in 1872.
Best Heritage Open Days in Stroud 2025
The British Blacksmiths Association will be gathering in Stratford Park over the weekend commencing Friday 12 to Sunday 14 September for their Annual General Meeting.
There they will be working on projects inspired by the walled garden and visitors are invited to view their works and ask them questions about life as a blacksmith.
This Heritage Open Days Tour on Saturday 13 September offers tours of
a Masonic Lodge that is usually closed off to the public. Located in the hidden
location of The Hill, you can enjoy a tour of the main house and gardens and
take in the beautiful views that the high vantage gardens have to offer.
