Heritage Open Days
The Civic Trust co-ordinates Heritage Open Days in partnership with English Heritage. Buildings are so much more than structures.
They play a large role in our lives, from the buildings where we learn and live, to those which provide space for worship and sport. Heritage is the combination of people and places, and the stories that become their history.
Heritage Open Days celebrate England’s architecture, history and culture during a long weekend in September. Bbuildings which are normally closed to the public, or which charge for entry, are open, free of charge to the public. From castles to factories, town halls to barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples, buildings of all sizes and functions are open for tours and events.
With over 35,000 volunteers who share their memories and knowledge with up to 1 million visitors, Heritage Open Days is England’s largest voluntary cultural event.
Heritage Open Days was established in 1994 as England’s contribution to European Heritage Days, taking place across 48 countries.
Other events in the UK are:
Doors Open Days in Scotland (www.doorsopendays.org.uk);
Open Doors Days in Wales (www.civictrustwales.org);
European Heritage Days in Northern Ireland (www.ehsni.gov.uk);
London Open House (www.londonopenhouse.org)
Heritage Open Days 2008 takes place from 11th – 14th September 2008.
For further details, please visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk