Heritage Open Days 2026

Heritage Open Days is an annual event celebrating the history of Leicester and Leicestershire and gives you the chance to explore hidden gems and historic landmarks around the city and county for free!

Running from 11-20 September we’ve summarised some of the top events taking place throughout the two weeks, making it easy for you to plan your heritage adventure this autumn.

Georgian Leicester Walking Tour (10.30am-12-30pm)

Explore the city’s Georgian architecture with local expert Michael Taylor, starting at the Richard III Centre.

Foxton Locks & Incline Plane Tours at Foxton Canal Museum (Fri 11, Sat 12, Sun 13 & Tue 15 Sep from 11am to 4pm)

Explore Britain’s longest staircase of Locks and the Thomas Boat Lift at Foxton Locks. Running on

Cotesbach Educational Trust Lutterworth (Fri 11 & Sat 12 Sep 10.30am-3.30pm)

Discover the stories, people and traditions that have shaped Cotesbach through the centuries. Explore heritage displays, family history activities, guided walks and traditional crafts.

City Hall Tour (10am)

Learn about the home of Leicester City Council, the building’s 1930s features and modern refurbishment.

Leicester Cathedral: Richard III Tours (11.30am & 1.30pm)

See the tomb, stained glass, and funeral pall of Richard III.

Town Hall Guided Tour (12noon & 2.30pm)

Discover Victorian architecture and WWII stories.

St Peter’s Highfields: Everyday History and Art Exhibition (10am–4pm)

Explore the church’s history and community stories.

Loughborough Old Rectory (Sat 12 & Sat 19 Sept 11am-3pm)

Explore Loughborough’s Old Rectory with an exhibition and extra events just for the Heritage Weekend.

Make Your Mark on Bradgate Park’s Heritage (12noon-4pm)

Local artist Mary Yaffie is leading a free creative workshop, inviting a small group of people to tap into their unconscious and respond emotionally to Bradgate Park’s heritage.

Thornton: History and local bird life (Sat 12 & Sun 13 Sep 10am-5pm)

The history of the village will be displayed in St Peter’s Church, alongside information about local bird life.

Clarendon Park Congregational Church (11.30am-2.30pm)

Visit this Victorian church, a local architectural landmark.

Greyfriars Legal Quarter Walking Tour (11am, 1pm, 3pm)

Walk through Leicester’s legal history from 1750–2021. Also on 20 September.

Magazine Gateway Guided Tours (11am, 12pm, 1pm)

Tour this rarely open 15th-century gateway to Leicester’s historic Newarke area with fascinating medieval graffiti inside

Abbey Pumping Station: Beam Engine & Transport Shed Tours (11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm)

See heritage vehicles and learn about Leicester’s industrial past.

Clarence House Tour (2pm)

Discover the building’s educational history and war memorials.

Architects of Loughborough (Mon 14 2-3.30pm and Tue 15 10.30am-12noon)

A guided walk around Loughborough town centre through some of the town’s interesting buildings..

Magna Park Lutterworth – Guided Heritage Walks (Monday 14 & Tuesday 15 September

10-11.30am & 12.30-2pm)

Join Park Rangers on a guided walk around Bittesby Country Park,

Wonders Unseen: 100 Objects from the Museum Stored Collection (11am–3pm)

View rarely seen museum objects and meet the volunteers.

Leicester Cathedral: David Vaughan Talk (2pm)

Learn about the 19th-century social reformer’s legacy.

Unwritten. Unseen. Unforgotten: Black Leicester and the Living Archive (1pm-4pm)

Discover Leicester’s Black history and contribute to the archive at Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage.

Western Park Open Air School Lecture (2-3pm)

Hear about the unique school’s history and restoration.

Wharf Street Walking Tour (11am-1pm)

Explore the social and building history of Wharf Street.

Braunstone Stables Museum (10am-4pm)

See artefacts and learn about the last family of Braunstone Hall.

St Margaret’s Church Organ Recital (12noon-2.30pm)

Enjoy music in this medieval church.

High Street & Leicester Lanes Walking Tour (11am.1pm)

Discover the stories behind Leicester’s bustling streets.

Tell Tall Tales: An Immersive Musical Experience (11.30am-3.30pm)

Enjoy live performances of classic stories at Pedestrian.

Guided tours of Kibworth Harcourt Post Mill (Sat 19 & Sun 20 hourly tours from 10am-3pm)

Enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the last surviving post mill in Leicestershire with knowledgeable volunteer guides.

On the Buses at Stoneygate Tram Depot (10am-4pm)

Celebrate Leicester’s public transport history and enjoy a heritage bus ride.

Leicestershire Archaeological & Historical Society: Special Library Event (2-4pm)

Explore rare books and maps in the Guildhall’s Jury Room.

Meet the Master Bellfounder (10am-5pm)

Loughborough’s Bellfoundry Museum will be open to the public with bookable slots to tour the Foundry’s Casting Hall, led by Taylor’s Foundry Foreman and experienced Tour Guides.

Loughborough Central Station Tours (Sat & Sun 9am-4pm)

Explore the lovingly restored Great Central Railway Loughborough Station for free over the weekend. Train tickets can be purchased on the day.

Loughborough Heritage Open Weekend Apple Pressing (12noon-2pm)

Bring your surplus apples to Fearon Hall in Loughborough and they will press them for juice using traditional methods.

531 years of Loughborough Grammar School (Sat 19 & Sun 20 Sep 10am-4pm)

The 1852 Building will be open including the tower, which is accessed by 59 steps up a spiral staircase, giving a great view of Loughborough and surrounding districts

Loughborough Art Deco Walks (Sat 19 at 10am & Sun 20 at 2pm)

Explore Loughborough’s Art Deco architecture in these guided walks.

All Saints with Holy Trinity Loughborough (Sat 19 10am-4pm Sun 20 1-4pm)

Visit Loughborough’s only Grade 1 listed building and learn more about the history of the church building and its significance to Loughborough.

There is also the chance to explore some of the city’s most iconic historical buildings such as The Guildhall, The City Rooms, St Margaret’s Church, Winstanley House, The Y Theatre, The Military Museum in Loughborough’s Carillion tower and many others throughout the festival.

Check out the full details and booking information on our dedicated page

With so many events, Leicester’s Heritage Open Days 2026 promises something for everyone—whether you love architecture, local stories, or hands-on history. You can also pick up a Heritage trail from the Visit Leicester Information Centre and explore over 420 heritage panels across the city at your own pace. Mark your calendar and enjoy the city’s rich heritage!