Heritage Open Days takes place from 11 to 20 September 2026, England’s largest festival of history and culture. Thousands of volunteers open historic sites, museums and hidden places for free, all across the country.
When is Heritage Open Days?
Heritage Open Days is marked every September (September 11-20). It is one of the many UK awareness days that bring people together around a shared cause — see the full calendar.
Why Heritage Open Days matters
Every open door, guided tour and special talk during the festival happens because a volunteer made it possible. Heritage Open Days shows how a little time can bring shared history to life for everyone. Explore arts & culture volunteering.
How to get involved in Heritage Open Days
There are three simple ways to make Heritage Open Days count:
- Volunteer — volunteer to help host, guide or steward events at a local historic site or museum. Browse opportunities.
- Fundraise — support a heritage charity’s fundraising to keep sites open and free for everyone.
- Raise awareness — share your favourite hidden gem or event to help more people discover local heritage.
Heritage Open Days volunteering opportunities
Mark Heritage Open Days by doing something real. Find volunteering opportunities and start today.
Get involved with Heritage Open Days
Browse live opportunities, log your hours, and earn verified badges you can add to your CV and LinkedIn. Find volunteering roles or see more awareness days.
Other September Dates
Blood Cancer Awareness Month
1-30
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
1-30
Great British Beach Clean
September 18-27
ICON Week
September 25-29
International Day of Charity
September 5
International Day of Peace
September 21
International Day of Sign Languages
September 23
International Literacy Day
September 8
International Week of Deaf People
September 21-27
Jeans for Genes Day
September 14-20
Know Your Numbers Week
September 7-13
Migraine Awareness Week
September 21-27
National Eye Health Week
September 21-27
National Fitness Day
September 16
Organ Donation Week
September 21-27
Pension Awareness Week
September
Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month
September
Recycle Week
September 14-20
Second Hand September
1-30
UK National Inclusion Week
September 14-20
Urology Awareness Month
1-30
World Alzheimer's Day
September 21
World Cleanup Day
September 20
World First Aid Day
September 12
World Heart Day
September 29
World Patient Safety Day
September 17
World's Biggest Coffee Morning
September 25
World Sepsis Day
September 13
World Suicide Prevention Day
September 10
Youth Mental Health Day
September 18
Get involved with Heritage Open Days
Browse opportunities and start making a verified impact today.