Discover Northamptonshire - Heritage Open Days 2025

Posted 6 hours ago in West Northamptonshire Council

Heritage Open Days is an annual celebration across England that gives visitors free access to historic buildings and sites that are normally closed or charge an entry fee. This year, the festival runs from Friday 12 September to Sunday 21 September 2025.

Northamptonshire marks its 31st Heritage Open Days festival with this year’s theme, “Architecture and Design.” Locally, the event is managed by Discover Northamptonshire, part of the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), which recently received accreditation from Visit England.

What’s On in Northamptonshire

The festival offers a wide variety of events and activities to explore:

• Guided Tours: Take a walk through Northampton’s historic centre and uncover its medieval heritage, including the town’s reconstruction following the 1675 Great Fire.

• Special Events: Step back in time at the Guildhall on Saturday 13 September, where actors bring the story of the Great Fire—when 750 of the town’s 800 buildings were destroyed—to life.

• Architectural Highlights: Discover the wonders of All Saints Church in Brixworth on 20 September, one of Northamptonshire’s oldest architectural gems, with a history spanning over 1,300 years.

• Heritage Trails: Explore the rich histories of towns such as Daventry and Brackley via self-guided trails available throughout the festival.

• Family Activities: Enjoy family-friendly heritage trails at the Guildhall and interactive displays at various sites, perfect for all ages.

Most events are free to attend, though some may need advance booking, so it’s worth checking specific details before you go. See the full list via the button below:

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS EVENTS

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