About Heritage Open Days
What is Heritage Open Days?
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest cultural festival, taking place every September. Across the country, thousands of organisers and volunteers open the doors to historic buildings, cultural venues and community spaces, offering free events and activities for everyone to enjoy. The festival is brought to you by the National Trust, supported by Postcode Lottery players, and delivered locally by a large range of organisations (including civic societies, heritage organisations and local councils, community champions and thousands of enthusiastic volunteers).
In Leeds, the festival is delivered by Leeds Civic Trust. Leeds Civic Trust has coordinated Heritage Open Days in Leeds for almost 30 years, working in partnership with the fantastic national Heritage Open Days team based in London. Together, we help connect organisers, promote events and celebrate the city's heritage as part of this nationwide festival.
We support local organisers, produce city-wide publicity, share events through our website and social media, distribute promotional materials and encourage people to discover everything the festival has to offer. Our dedicated Heritage Open Days volunteer committee has built strong relationships across the city and has a wealth of experience in helping organisers make the most of the festival.
Each year, Leeds Civic Trust produces a festival guide. In 2026, we will publish a leaflet introducing the festival and directing visitors to our online listings guide, which goes live on 10 July 2026. If you are organising an event, please register it on the national Heritage Open Days website by 13 August, we will be updating the Leeds online listing until the end of registration.
Heritage Open Days offers something for everyone, whether you're visiting with family, friends or exploring on your own.
In Leeds, previous festivals have featured dance workshops, spoken word performances, exhibitions, family activities, sing-alongs, walks, talks, tours and opportunities to discover places that are rarely open to the public.
Here is some useful information, please click the links below:
If you are an organiser visit:
If you are a visitor:
About the National Heritage Open Days Team
The national Heritage Open Days team provides the framework for the festival across England, supporting organisers with registrations, event listings, promotional resources, webinars, practical guidance and marketing. They also promote Heritage Open Days nationally, helping events in Leeds reach an even wider audience.
