September brings the return of Heritage Open Days, offering a rare chance to step inside some of Gloucestershire's most fascinating historic buildings, uncover hidden corners of the county and discover the stories behind them – all for free.
With everything from behind-the-scenes tours and guided walks to historic houses, churches, gardens and special events to discover, SoGlos has handpicked just some of the highlights from this year's Heritage Open Days programme, running from Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September 2026.
Heritage Open Days 2026 in Cheltenham
Regency Cheltenham really comes to life during Heritage Open Days, with visitors able to set foot inside and take tours of a swathe of historic buildings, including Cheltenham Playhouse, Cheltenham Lido, Cheltenham Town Hall, The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, and the new Everyman Education Centre at Grove Street.
Independent schools opening their doors to the public include Cheltenham College, Dean Close, Pate's Grammar School, and Cheltenham Ladies’ College – which is once again offering children a chance to catch its charming Murder Most Unladylike tour on Saturday 19 September 2026, where audiences can witness the places that inspired author Robyn Stevens' Deepdean School for Girls.
Witness an authentic Mummers play inspired by the King’s coronation by the Cheltenham Promenaders in spots across Cheltenham, including Montpellier Gardens, The Minster Churchyard, Sandford Park Ale House, and Imperial Gardens on Saturday 13 September 2026.
And admire the colourful works of Cheltenham Paint Festival on a tour with director Andy 'Dice' Davies on Saturday 13 September 2026, too.
Heritage Open Days 2026 in the Cotswolds
There are a diverse variety of Heritage Open Days events taking place across the Cotswolds in 2026, with something to suit every history lover's interests.
Chedworth Roman Villa invites visitors to Meet the Romans on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, with costumed characters bringing this villa to life.
In Cirencester across the weekend of Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, visitors can make their own Biblical-inspired illuminated initial at Corinium Museum, soak up the panoramic views from the roof terrace at St. James's Place, go on a brewery tour at Corinium Ales or take a guided walk around Cirencester Amphitheatre.
Go on a guided tour of the stunning Grade I-listed Westonbirt Gardens at Westonbirt School in Tetbury, taking in the unique architecture and blooming borders originally created by Robert Stayner Holford, on Wednesday 16 September 2026.
And take a look around England's only surviving 17th century deer course and grandstand, with an all-day exhibition at Lodge Park in Sherborne, near Bourton-on-the-Water, on Sunday 20 September 2026.
Heritage Open Days 2026 in the Forest of Dean
Take a free guided tour of the workshops at Norchard Station on the Dean Forest Railway, available on Saturday 12, Sunday 13, Wednesday 16, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026 – with train rides also available for an additional charge.
Catch the Lydney Skiff as it takes to the canal on Friday 18 September 2026, and even have a go at rowing.
Or spend two hours exploring fascinating history of Lydney's Country Dock with maritime historian Paul Barnett on Sunday 20 September 2026.
Heritage Open Days 2026 in Gloucester
The Folk of Gloucester acts as one of the city's Heritage Open Days hubs, with talks, tours, live music and video taking place within its historic Tudor buildings across Friday 11 and Saturday 12 September 2026,
See master stonemasons at work at Gloucester Cathedral on Saturday 12 September 2026, and explore the abbeys, priories, and medieval churches of Gloucester, including Llanthony Secunda Priory and St Oswald's Priory, on a variety of tours throughout the festival.
Take part in a special castles and dragons-themed Lego building event at The Museum of Gloucester on Friday 11 September 2026.
Head underground to explore the King's Bastion on Friday 11, or the Eastgate Chamber on Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, to see the remains of the city's Roman walls.
Pay a visit to the places that inspired beloved children's author Beatrix Potter, and newspaper publisher and Sunday School Movement founder Robert Raikes, on guided walking tours.
And listen to live music at St Nicholas's and St Mary de Crypt churches, with performances including secular music from the Middle Ages, Indian classical performing arts, a Baroque vocal and instrumental group, and even a 'feral' folk choir!
Heritage Open Days 2026 in Stroud
On Saturday 12 September 2026, heritage hunters in and around Stroud can step inside some fascinating properties which are usually off limits to the public, including the Grade II-listed Quaker Meeting House, and the Queen Anne house, Stokescroft, both in Nailsworth, and the 17th century merchants house – now a Masonic Lodge – at the hidden location of The Hill in Stroud.
While prehistory enthusiasts won't want to miss a walking tour of three earthworks in Randwick Woods – a Neolithic long barrow, Bronze Age round barrows, and an Iron Age cross dyke – with tour guide and author Tim Previtt.
Heritage Open Days 2026 in Tewkesbury
Discover the lives of 17th century farmers in the parish of Ripple, seeing how they lived, worked and worshipped through tours and displays – including the famous 15th century Misericords of the Grade I-listed St Mary’s Church.
The Grade II-listed Royal Hop Pole Hotel – which is mentioned in Charles Dickens's Pickwick Papers – is opening its doors for guided tours on Saturday 12 and Sunday 20 September 2026.
While Tewkesbury Abbey hosts a variety of tours on Saturday 19 September 2026 – from exploring the ancient tombs and trees in its grounds, seeking out the apotropaic marks throughout the abbey, to learning all about the lives of Tewkesbury's Benedictine monks.
To see the full list of all events taking place across Gloucestershire, visit the Heritage Open Days website.
