England’s largest festival of history and culture, Heritage Open Days is back for 2026, from 11 – 20 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 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.

This year’s theme is Everyday Histories, exploring daily working life through the ages. The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker – what did your ancestors do, and what was their daily life like?

Here’s a round-up of the best National Trust events happening near you for Heritage Open Days:

This Heritage Open Day, visitors can discover the secluded and intimate estate of Baddesley Clinton, nestled in the heart of the Forest of Arden and home to 500 years of fascinating and unexpected stories.

On Sunday 13 September, the doors will open free of charge, for visitors to explore this remarkable house and learn how it became a sanctuary not only for the Ferrers family, but also for persecuted Catholics who were hidden from priest hunters in its secret hiding places. Visitors can also take a stroll through the beautiful gardens, from the walled garden to the vegetable patch and beyond, with plenty to enjoy and discover.

Don’t miss the showcase in the house of a special exhibition of visitor-created artwork inspired by Lady Chatterton’s life and legacy and how she preserved this beautiful place for future generations to enjoy.

No booking required. For more information on opening times visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/baddesley-clinton

On Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September, as part of the Heritage Open Days celebration, Coventry Charterhouse opens its doors to all. Visitors can enjoy free entry and discover one of Coventry’s most historic treasures, with centuries of fascinating stories to uncover.

Step inside the beautifully restored 14th-century building, home to some of the finest examples of medieval and Renaissance art in England. Explore the peaceful walled garden and wander the surrounding grounds. From its origins as a medieval monastery to its later life as a private home, Coventry Charterhouse offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich heritage.

No booking required, just turn up and explore the Charterhouse for free.

For more information on opening times visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/coventry-charterhouse

This Heritage Open Day, visitors are invited to step inside Packwood House and discover a house where Tudor heritage meets the dreams and imagination of the 20th century.

Opening its doors for free on Saturday 12 September, Packwood brings together salvaged treasures and exotic pieces created by Graham Baron Ash, who extensively restored the 16th-century house between the First and Second World Wars.

Described by a visitor in the 1920s as “a house to dream of, a garden to dream in”, Packwood offers something for everyone, from its brightly coloured ‘mingled style’ herbaceous borders, lakeside walk and famous sculpted yews to the family-friendly Welly Walk, where children can discover hidden fairy houses, play nature-inspired musical instruments and test their balance on wooden stepping stones and interlinked beams.

No booking required. For more information on opening times visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/packwood-house

Discover Upton House, a remarkable 1930s home on the Warwickshire and Oxfordshire border, shaped by Lord and Lady Bearsted’s passion for art and gardens. Explore its impressive collection of Old Master and British paintings, including works by Bosch, El Greco and Canaletto, and wander through the distinctive terraced gardens.

As part of Heritage Open Days on 12 and 13 September, visitors can enjoy free entry, with the added highlight of Meet Rembrandt, a slow-looking experience centred on the picture Self-portrait in a Feathered Bonnet (1635). Take a moment to look closely at this extraordinary masterpiece and discover more with a free audio guide.

Outside, the National Collection of asters will be in bloom, adding vibrant seasonal colour to Upton’s historic gardens.

For more information on opening times visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/upton-house-and-gardens

On Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September, explore Charlecote Park, a Victorian home set in a deer park near Stratford-upon-Avon, for free. Legend has it that a young Shakespeare was caught poaching in the park before running away to London, where he gained fame for his plays. National Trust volunteers will be on hand to share Charlecote’s history and anecdotes with visitors, games and activities will be available for young visitors.

No booking required. For more information on opening times visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/charlecote