Date published: 2025-08-22 | Category: Heritage
This September, sites across Bath & North East Somerset will once again throw open their doors for Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture. Running from 12–21 September, the festival offers a rare opportunity to explore the area’s most fascinating buildings, landscapes, and stories — all completely free.
The 10-day celebration features over 20 venues offering guided tours, exhibitions, talks, and family-friendly activities. From ancient burial sites to Victorian chapels, and from art galleries to working mills, the programme invites everyone to discover the rich and often surprising heritage on their doorstep.
Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic & Cultural Sustainable Development, said:
“Heritage Open Days are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the stories, spaces and people that make our area so special. I encourage everyone to take part — whether you’re discovering a hidden chapel, exploring a museum, or joining a guided walk, there’s something for all ages and interests.”
Highlights Include:
- Albert Mill, Keynsham – Step inside this 1700s mill to see original machinery, take a children’s quiz, and enjoy refreshments in the gardens (13–14 Sept).
- The Roman Baths Clore Learning Centre – Join archaeology sessions, handle real Roman artefacts, and discover how the learning space is used by schools and community groups (12, 15–16 Sept).
- Victoria Art Gallery – Go behind the scenes to explore the gallery’s art stores and hidden collections (18 Sept, booking required).
- Bath Abbey Cemetery – Take a guided tour through this historic cemetery and uncover the stories of Bath’s past residents (13 Sept).
- American Museum & Gardens – Enjoy free access to the gardens and café with sweeping valley views (14 Sept).
- Museum of Bath at Work – Discover exhibitions on tennis and fizzy drinks in Bath, plus archive tours and children’s activities (13 Sept).
- Saltford Brass Mill – Explore interactive models, brass rubbing, and nature trails for children at this riverside industrial site (13, 14, 20, 21 Sept).
- Stoney Littleton Long Barrow – Join exclusive English Heritage tours of this Neolithic burial site nestled in the countryside (15–16 Sept).
- Locksbrook Campus, Bath Spa University – Tour this award-winning creative campus, home to art, design, and media students (21 Sept).
- Mayor’s Parlour, Guildhall – View Bath’s Royal Charters, ceremonial regalia, and 800 years of civic history (15–19 Sept).
There are many more places to explore across Bath & North East Somerset during the festival. For the full programme, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk or download the local leaflet.
Please note: Some events require advance booking — check the website or leaflet for details to avoid disappointment.