September is here, and with it comes Heritage Open Days! Taking place between 11-20 September, it’s the UK’s biggest celebration of history and culture, when hundreds of amazing places open their doors for free. From medieval castles and stunning cathedrals to quirky workshops and hidden corners of our railways, there’s so much to explore.
If you’re travelling with us across the North of England and Scotland, this is your chance to turn an everyday train journey into a little adventure into the past.
What Is Heritage Open Days?
Every September, thousands of volunteers and organisations come together to shine a spotlight on local history, hidden stories, and cultural treasures. It’s a nationwide festival of heritage where buildings, landmarks, and collections that are usually closed to the public throw open their doors. Best of all, most events are free!
Step Back in Time
Across the country, Heritage Open Days are packed with fascinating activities. Here are just a few highlights from across the North of England and Scotland (and you can get to all of them with us!)
Railway Heritage
Discover the birthplace of the railway age at the world’s oldest continuously operating railway, where the first commercial steam locomotives ran in the early 1800s. Visitors can explore locomotives, hear about the railway pioneers, and walk through the workshops where railway history was made.
Take a visit to this recreated 1930’s industrial railway in Ripon, North Yorkshire. A unique collection which showcases the history and use of the ‘portable railways’. You’ll be able to look at memorabilia, signage, machines, engines and models all relating to Ripon’s rich industrial past.
Go behind-the-scenes at the fascinating manufacturing and production facility, Armstrong Oilers, based in Grosmont. This brilliant site was recently features in the Channel 4 show, ‘Steam Train Diaries’, and during Heritage Open Days, you can discover it for yourself. Armstrong Oilers is a vital part of the heritage rail industry and, without it, steam locomotives would pretty much grind to a halt.
Based in County Durham, Thorpe Light Railway is a fantastic minature railway and, during Heritage Open Days, visitors can take an extra special trip and delve into the history. Join a behind-the-scenes tour and, travelling on the miniature railway, you’ll visit locations where the train doesn’t normally stop. You’ll find out all about the building of the railway as well as an up-close look at the locomotives in the engine shed.
This gem of a find based in Manchester has recently been restored and will be opening its doors during Heritage Open Days. This building, in 1828, became the first home of the first Station Agent, Joseph Green and his family and became the place where so much of Loverpool Road Station was developed. In fact, most of what we familiarise with train travel was developed in this house including waiting rooms, signals, tickets and much more.
Tours and Hidden Gems in Leeds
The Leeds Library – Step into Britain’s oldest membership library, dating back to 1768, with its atmospheric book-lined rooms.
Hyde Park Picture House – One of the only gas-lit cinemas still in use in the country today, don’t miss your chance to tour this beautiful Grade II listed cinemas and there’s even some classic screenings which you’ll be able to watch!
Leeds Minster – Marvel at this grand 19th-century church, often compared to a cathedral in scale and splendour.
Leeds Cathedral – Climb the bell tower for panoramic city views. It’s a spot usually closed for visitors so take your chance to visit during Heritage Open Days!
Around the Tees Valley & Durham
Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough – Free entry to this classic Georgian mansion with beautiful gardens and stories of local families. There’s even two working model railways!
Land of Iron, Saltburn – Explore the region’s ironstone mining heritage through interactive exhibitions.
Darlington Library – Tour the historic library, including rarely seen basement areas.
Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle-upon-Tyne – Step behind the curtain of Tyne Theatre and Opera House and discover parts of the theatre rarely seen by the public.
Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens – Just 10 minutes from Durham, Ushaw blends architectural grandeur, spiritual roots, set within over 30 acres of formal gardens and parkland. One of Britain’s best places to see Gothic Revival, Georgian and Victorian architecture, much of the splendid design and craftsmanship on show at Ushaw is the work of Augustus Pugin – architect for the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
Durham Cathedral – Attend a talk on W.G. Footitt, a gifted draughtsman. The talk draws upon his personal diary and never-before-seen drawings, sketches and photographs to reveal the talents of an expert draughtsman and illuminates the intersection of art, architecture and archaeology.
Why Take the Train?
Travelling by train makes it easy to enjoy Heritage Open Days. You’ll arrive right in the heart of towns and cities, skip the stress of parking, and even have time to explore more than one event in a day. Plus, it’s a greener way to travel.
So, why not grab a ticket, pack a little curiosity, and see where history takes you this September? Sit back, relax, and let us do the driving while you enjoy the journey.
Check the Heritage Open Days website for full details of events and times. Some activities need booking in advance so be quick and don’t miss out!
