September is an exciting time for history buffs and curious explorers in the UK. Why? Because you can enjoy FREE access to over 5,000 historic sites across the country! 🏛️ Whether you’re into castles, famous filming locations, or simply want to explore beautiful gardens, this is your chance to see places that are either typically closed to the public or charge an entry fee during other times of the year. 🌿✨
England – Heritage Open Days: 6-15 September 🇬🇧
Heritage Open Days in England will give you the opportunity to visit some of the most iconic sites in the country. From Stourhead House 🏠 in Wiltshire, famously featured in Pride and Prejudice, to the fascinating Ickworth Estate in Suffolk, you won’t want to miss out! 👀 Make sure to pre-book for some sites to secure your spot.
🔗 Heritage Open Days
🔗 Stourhead House
🔗 Ickworth Estate
Other highlights include:
- Powderham Castle 🏰 in Exeter – Normally £15, but FREE during the open days! 🌟
- Halton House 🏡 in Buckinghamshire – Featured in Bridgerton, The King’s Speech, and more! 🎬
🔗 Powderham Castle
🔗 Halton House
London – Open House Festival: 14-22 September 🏙️
If you’re in London, take advantage of the Open House Festival. Explore gems like the Florence Nightingale Museum and the Leighton House Museum, each offering a rich dive into the city’s cultural heritage. 🎨
🔗 Open House Festival
🔗 Florence Nightingale Museum
🔗 Leighton House Museum
Northern Ireland – European Heritage Open Days: 14-15 September ☘️
Explore Castle Ward 🏰 in Downpatrick, an 18th-century mansion with stunning architecture. And don’t miss the McConnell’s Distillery 🍻 in Belfast, where you can learn the art of whisky distillation and enjoy some tastings along the way.
🔗 European Heritage Open Days
🔗 Castle Ward
🔗 McConnell’s Distillery
Scotland – Doors Open Days: Weekends in September 🏴
From historic court buildings like Dumbarton Sheriff Court to interactive exhibits at the Aberdeen Science Centre, Scotland’s Doors Open Days offer a unique look at hidden cultural gems. ⚖️⚗️
🔗 Doors Open Days
🔗 Dumbarton Sheriff Court
🔗 Aberdeen Science Centre
Also, don’t miss HMS Unicorn 🛳️ in Dundee, one of the world’s oldest ships still afloat, or take a guided tour of the stately Alloa Tower. 🏯
Wales – Open Doors: Throughout September 🐉
Welsh heritage is rich and storied, and Open Doors gives you the chance to dive into it! From the magnificent Powis Castle & Gardens 🏰 in Powys to the Tredegar Town Clock, you’ll be able to explore some of Wales’ most famous sites for free. 🌼
🔗 Open Doors Wales
🔗 Powis Castle
🔗 Tredegar Town Clock
Other must-see Welsh gems include:
- Bodnant Garden 🌸 in Conwy, a botanical paradise filled with historic plant collections.
- Manorbier Castle 🏰 in Tenby, with a sweeping view of the coast and tales of Norman history.
- Denbigh Castle 🏯 in Denbighshire, an important fortress in Edward I’s ‘ring of castles’.
🔗 Bodnant Garden
🔗 Manorbier Castle
🔗 Denbigh Castle
How to Book Your Free Visits 📝
For many of these attractions, pre-booking is recommended, especially for the more popular sites. Make sure to check the specific venue’s website to confirm if pre-booking is needed. Some places will allow you to just show up, but it’s always worth verifying before heading out. 😊
Why Do These Places Open for Free? 🤔
The aim of these open days is to showcase the hidden history and cultural wealth of the UK. While some properties are required to open for a few days due to tax agreements, most are simply sharing their historical significance for the love of it! ❤️
