I have received a press release from the National Trust.

Celebrate culture and history with free entry for Heritage Open Days  

• Enjoy a free day out at participating National Trust places as part of Heritage Open Days 2026The Heritage Open
• Days Festival returns from 11 – 20 September 2026
• Heritage Open Days provides everyone with free access to a whole host of experiences and events across England 

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:

Norfolk

Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate 

This September explore the history of Felbrigg as part of Heritage Open Days. On Thursday 17 and Friday 18 September book onto a free Attics & Cellars tour to uncover the hidden stories of Felbrigg and learn the history of the families who have called the estate home.

Love Felbrigg’s gardens? On Tuesday 15 and Thursday 17 September join the garden team for a tour of the West Gardens, stroll past the Orangery and into the Walled Gardens. Uncover the everyday histories of how the gardens have changed and evolved.

Free parking with proof of booking. Tour spaces are limited and can be pre-booked for free at: Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate | Norfolk | National Trust

Please note that the main House is closed Thursdays and Fridays.

50 Years of the National Trust Textile Conservation Studio

The Loft, Blickling Estate

From Monday 14 September until Sunday 20 September, 11am to 3pm the National Trust’s Textile Conservation Studio is marking five decades of preserving some of the Trust’s most treasured textile collection with a free exhibition in The Loft, Blickling Estate.

The exhibition traces the Studio’s journey from a small volunteer-led initiative to today’s internationally recognised centre of conservation excellence, caring for historic textiles from National Trust properties across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Visitors can explore how conservation techniques and technologies have evolved, gain insight into the specialist skills required to safeguard these collections and meet the conservators whose work helps ensure they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

No booking is required, and the exhibition forms part of Heritage Open Days: 50 Years of the National Trust Textile Conservation Studio | National Trust

Cambridgeshire

 Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill 

Between 14 and 20 September Anglesey Abbey will be opening its doors as part of Heritage Open Days 2026. Visitors can pre-book entry tickets to enjoy a special exhibition celebrating 100 years since Lord Fairhaven purchased the estate, plus the famous dahlia garden which features 60 varieties of the bloom, displayed in a sweeping rainbow. Limited tickets are available for entry times between 9:30am and 3:30pm. Advance booking is essential.

For full details and to book, see the website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey

Ramsey Abbey Gatehouse

On Sunday 13 September visitors can take a rare opportunity to see inside the remains of England’s oldest Benedictine Abbey as Ramsey Abbey Gatehouse opens for Heritage Open Days. Once an island in the fens, the gatehouse is all that remains of a great abbey. Visitors will be able to see the ornately carved exterior, beautiful oriel window, which reveal how wealthy the abbey was in its heyday, and a 13th century Purbeck marble effigy believed to be the Abbey’s founder Ailwyn.

Open 11am to 4pm, no booking necessary.

For full details, see the website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ramsey-abbey-gatehouse

Bedfordshire

 Willington Dovecote and Stables

On Sunday 20 September, visitors can take a rare opportunity to peek inside the outstanding 16th century dovecote and stables at Willington near Bedford. The dovecote and stables form part of Sir John Gostwick’s manorial complex, built in the 1530s. Willington Dovecote is one of the largest and best-preserved examples of a 16th century dovecote in England, while the stable building is believed to have once hosted King Henry VIII. Visitors are invited to step inside and be surrounded by imposing walls featuring 1,500 nesting boxes, built to house around 3,000 pigeons. A real Tudor status symbol! Open 2pm to 5pm, no booking necessary.

Find out more and plan a visit at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/willington-dovecote-and-stables