Heritage Open Days is a European-wide festival of history and culture. Though co-ordinated nationally by the National Trust, the events in Cheltenham – held over ten days in September each year – are organised by Cheltenham Civic Society.
Visit, explore and learn
These events range from open buildings – which you can explore on your own or on an organised tour – a guided walk, a talk, an exhibition or even a visit to a hidden gem that usually isn’t open to the public.
The events are all run by volunteers, who meet regularly to plan the programme and produce a brochure, which features all the activities and open buildings.
Look out for information locally from July each year and put a date in your diary to see behind the front door of a building that fascinates you, or book a ticket for one of the walks or talks – and remember it’s all free to explore and on your doorstep!
To read more about this national festival, visit the National Trust’s Heritage Open Days website.
Looking ahead to September 2021
Empty the larder, preheat the oven, and set the table – our national theme for 2021 is ‘Edible England’. From woodland foraging to factory floor, forgotten recipes to regional delicacies, we’ll be encouraging you to explore the past, present, and future of our culinary heritage and culture. Find out more here.
HODs participants
Remember, the theme is there to help not hinder. Hopefully it will inspire lots of you to serve up a feast of new heritage delights for the festival and encourage new guests to the table. If it doesn’t work for you though, then not to worry, the theme is just one course in the festive meal!
