Every September, Heritage Open Days encourages families to try new experiences and discover hidden gems on their doorstep by bringing free events, tours and activities to Gloucestershire.
To help you join in with England's biggest free celebration of local history and culture from Friday 6 to Sunday 15 September 2024, we've handpicked the best Heritage Open Days in Gloucestershire — with more events being confirmed all the time at heritageopendays.org.uk.
Best Heritage Open Days in Cheltenham 2024
Discover the other side of Regency Cheltenham with talks from local historian Neela Mann, covering the history of the lower High Street — booze, balloons, burials and all — on Thursday 10 September, as well as the story of the Leckhampton Rioters on Saturday 14 September.
For kids, Cheltenham Ladies' College is bringing back its Murder Most Unladylike tours on Saturday 7 September, where readers of Robin Stevens' books can see the places that inspired her to create Deepdean School; while on the same day, The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum is hosting a performance workshop to give theatre-lovers the opportunity to act out 'The History of Cheltenham in 7 People'.
There's also the chance to tour sites that aren't usually open to the public, including the stunning Grade II* Listed Cheltenham Synagogue on Sunday 8 September and Cheltenham Masonic Hall on Saturday 14 September.
Best Heritage Open Days in the Cotswolds 2024
Explore some of the Cotswolds' best heritage sites and historic landmarks, including Tetbury Market House — where the Feofee meeting room, normally closed to the public, will be open — on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, and Cirencester's 150-year-old Open Air Swimming Pool on Saturday 14 September.
There's also free entry to Hidcote Manor Gardens on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 September, and you can hear all about the history of policing in Gloucestershire by visiting the Old Courthouse and cells at Tetbury Police Museum on Saturday 7 September, too.
For an outdoorsy adventure, head to the Sherbourne Allotments after dark to learn all about the local bat population and even spot them in flight on Friday 6 September.
Best Heritage Open Days in the Forest of Dean 2024
Discover the history of the forest at Dean Heritage Centre, offering free admission on Wednesday 11 September (don't miss the replica Victorian classroom and free mine!) and go behind the scenes at Dean Forest Railway, with guided tours on Saturday 7 and Wednesday 11 September.
There's also the chance to celebrate 135 years of music with the Pillowell Silver Band on Friday 6 September, who are still going strong after being formed by a group of brass players in the late 1800s; and visit the Lydney Skiff team to learn about traditional boat building and their work to construct a 22-foot rowing boat to take on the Severn on Thursday 12 September.
Plus, take a sensory walk through the forest with Wilde Earth Journeys, using special microphones to reveal a hidden symphony of whispers, creaks and insect activity for a special immersive experience on Friday 13 September.
Best Heritage Open Days in Gloucester 2024
One of Gloucestershire's most iconic landmarks, Gloucester Cathedral, is opening its doors later than usual between Thursday 12 and Saturday 14 September, for a rare chance to explore the cloisters after dark — and special experiences lined-up for visitors, too.
There's also chance to climb aboard the SULA Lightship, hosting multiple tours between Friday 13 and Sunday 15 September; take a free trip to Nature in Art on Friday 13 September; and enjoy free activities at the Museum of Gloucester on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September.
Fans of Beatrix Potter won't want to miss the Gloucester Civic Trust's guided walks on Friday 13 and Sunday 15 September, exploring locations around the city that are closely connected to the author; while it's also hosting a tour of Gloucester's historic pubs and inns on Sunday 15 September.
Best Heritage Open Days in Tewkesbury 2024
Journey back through the centuries, discovering Tewkesbury's historic routes to the rest of Gloucestershire and beyond on a special riverside walking tour, taking place on Saturday 7 and Saturday 14 September.
Plus, take a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Tewkesbury Abbey on Wednesday 11 September, gaining access to areas and artifacts that aren't usually available to the public.
Best Heritage Open Days in Stroud 2024
The famously unfinished Gothic Revival house, Woodchester Mansion, is hosting both guided and self-guided tours on Friday 13 September — children will love searching high and low for stone-carved creatures and learning more about the building's colony of rare bats!
Newark Park in Wotton-under-Edge is also offering free entry on Saturday 14 September, with local artists exhibiting sculptures in the garden, children's trails and the historic house to explore.
And if you're feeling brave, there's a ghost hunt happening down Stroudwater Canal, as live performers bring the waterways to life with characters from its archives — with regular tours throughout the day on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September.
