England’s largest festival of history and culture, Heritage Open Days, is back 6-15 September. Presented by the National Trust, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and run by thousands of local organisations and volunteers, Heritage Open Days (HODs) gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy free access to experiences and events across England.
The festival brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Each year places across the country, including many National Trusts sites, throw open their doors to give people the chance to explore, see hidden places and try new experiences for free.
The theme of the festival this year is ‘Routes, Networks and Connections’ and places cared for by the National Trust are sharing the stories of travel, transport and celebrating the ways that people connect.
Discover a day out with a difference. Here are some of the National Trust Heritage Open Day events happening in the area…
Blickling Estate
Guided Estate Walk in the Riverlands, Saturday 7 September 11am-1pm
Running almost the entire length of Blickling’s northern boundary is 9km of the River Bure, a rare and beautiful chalk stream habitat. Join us for a walk exploring this fascinating habitat and sharing what we have achieved so far as part of this ambitious national Riverlands project.
The RAF at Blickling guided walk, Monday 9 September and Sunday 15 September, 11am-12.30pm
Join us for a walk into Blickling Estate’s wartime history. Requisitioned by the War Office in 1940, Blickling provided valuable accommodation to men and women of all ranks who served at nearby RAF Oulton during the Second World War. Walk in their footsteps with one of the knowledgeable volunteers to see all the major billeting sites on the estate and learn about the work carried out here to support the war effort, some of it top secret at the time.
These events are free as part of Heritage Open Days, including parking in the main visitor car park, however booking via the website is essential. Normal admission charges apply to visit the house and gardens.
Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate
Monday 9 September, Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate Open Day
Enjoy a full day out at Felbrigg, where the 17th Century hall contains a mixture of opulence and homeliness, the decorative and productive walled garden is a sensory delight and the extensive estate with a lake, woods and waymarked trails is a great place to explore nature and spot wildlife.
Booking not needed. Free entry and parking. Opening times: Hall 12pm-4pm (last entry 3pm), Gardens 10am-4.30pm (last entry 4pm), Estate Dawn-Dusk
Thursday 12 and Friday 13 September, Felbrigg Hall Attics and Cellars Tours
These popular tours provide small groups with access to the Jacobean attics and Tudor cellars, led by knowledgeable volunteer guides. Involving steep climbs, visitors can access spaces and items from the collection rarely seen by the public.
These free tours take place at 10am, 12pm and 2pm on each day. Booking essential by the website.
Horsey Windpump
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, 10am-4pm
Delve into the history of the Norfolk Broads with free admission to Horsey Windpump. Climb the 61 steps to the balcony for sweeping views across Horsey Mere and the surrounding Broads landscape.
There has been a drainage mill at Horsey since the early 1700s and over the past 300 years the mill has been rebuilt several times. Built in 1912, the current structure is the youngest windpump, and one of the largest, on the Broads. It has survived floods, a lightning strike, a collapse, storms and gale force winds.
A major restoration project was completed in 2019, which saw the windpump brought back to life with an independently winding cap and the sails turning again for the first time in over 75 years.
Admission into Horsey Windpump is free on these dates; car park charges apply for non-National Trust members. Balcony opening is subject to weather conditions. Visit the website.
Oxburgh Estate
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September, 9:30am to 5pm
This year Oxburgh is taking part in Heritage Open Days. This means free entry to Oxburgh Estate for everyone!
Home to the Bedingfeld family for over 500 years, Oxburgh reveals one family’s unshakable Catholic faith and story of endurance. Explore Victorian Gothic interiors, fascinating collections, peaceful woodland walks, and colourful gardens. Inside, peel back the layers of history as you wander through a house filled with portraits and treasured objects.
Cabinets & Curiosities
Find out more about some of Oxburgh’s curious collections not usually on display as you get up close to some intriguing objects and see inside cabinets normally closed shut.
A view from the roof
The roof of the gatehouse is being opened for visitors to enjoy the view. Access will be via timed ticket only, available to book on arrival at visitor welcome.
West Runton & Beeston Regis Heath
Sunday 8 and Tuesday 10 September, Earthwork archaeology tour of West Runton
Discover the earthwork archaeology of West Runton on this new 3-hour walking tour, led by Assistant Ranger Rupert Eris. Take in the history of this unique site, from the Anglo-Saxon period up to World War II, including the unearthing of iron working sites.
These free tours take place at 1pm on each day. Booking essential through the Sheringham Park website.
