About Us
Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.
Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Heritage Open Days also includes tours, events and activities that focus on local architecture and culture. The festival brings together over 2,000 local people and organisations, and thousands of volunteers.
There are now over 5,500 events for Heritage Open Days each year, reflecting the rich and diverse cultural heritage of England and its communities. Spanning the public, private and voluntary sectors, the festival is a unique and powerful partnership. Working with organisations and individuals across England, Heritage Open Days is our national local festival. There are always new stories to tell and new places to open. It’s a chance for communities nationwide to come together to learn, explore and have fun by sharing the treasures on their doorstep.
Here in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley we have a rich heritage of which we are very proud and the Open Days festival allows locals and visitors alike to explore unique locations, see behind closed doors, get access to properties usually closed and speak to people who have a fascinating connection to and insight into our historic locations.
There are tours of Lydney Docks, tastings at Severn Cider and there's even an event by Forest Deli's Simon aka Mr Cheese on the history of cheese! There's a film about freemining, a Really Fishy Evening at the Severn & Wye Smokery, a Foresters' Forest Celebration at the Dean Heritage Centre, there are photography exhibitions and church tours, Roman temples and memorials to see, an Ancient Trees of the Forest tour and much much more.
Booking is required for most events although they are all free.
See here for all Heritage Open Days events in the Forest of Dean.
Read about the history and heritage of the Forest of Dean here.
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Facilities
Booking & Payment Details
- Free Entry
Children
- Children welcome