Preview: All you need to know about Harrogate Heritage Open Days 2026

Harrogate is gearing up for its role in England’s largest annual festival of history and culture when the town will be festooned in pink bunting for Heritage Open Days 2026.

Coordinated by the Harrogate Civic Society and presented by the National Trust, this year’s feast of free access to hidden places and historic sites and special community events will run from Friday, September 11 to Saturday, September 20.

Established in 1994, Heritage Open Days is England's contribution to the European Heritage Days and has since grown into the country's largest community heritage festival.

The Harrogate district is particularly rich in history and will be throwing itself into Heritage Open Days whole-heartedly.

It's everyone's chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free to explore.

In total, there will be 29 venues and events in the Harrogate area over the ten-day festival.

Harrogate Heritage Open Days 2026: Highlights to look forwardRare openings

The Harrogate Club is opening the doors to its Victorian splendour and offering a guided tour exploring its historic significance in the area.

Visit the Harrogate Masonic Hall to view the building, meet local Freemasons and learn about a tradition rich in history and philanthropy.

At Pateley Bridge Playhouse, learn more about the history of both the building and the Society with ‘turn up’ back-stage tours.

Inside tours

Come and celebrate the 90th anniversary of the magnificent Harrogate Odeon, view the exhibition and join a behind-the-scenes tour of the projection rooms.

Pull on your wellies, switch on your torch and explore How Stean Gorge, including its caves and tunnels, looking out for bats, trout and other wildlife.

Talks

Join Sir Thomas Ingilby at All Saints’ Ripley to hear about his swashbuckling relative Rear-Admiral Sir Robert Barrie, who is buried at the church.

Visit Harrogate Library for talks on the story of Milestones, and on the history of the Mail.

West Park Centre is marking the launch of a book on Harrogate Schools and Schooldays with an exhibition and talk by the author.

Exhibitions

Exhibitions at Harrogate’s Old Magnesia Well Pump Room and New Park Heritage Centre will show how buildings and communities evolved.

Bilton Historical Society is presenting an exhibition on the often-overlooked history of the Bilton Grange Estate.

Harrogate Theatre is hosting an exhibition on “Life on Stage”.

The Nidderdale Museum in Pateley Bridge, showcasing Dales life, is waiving the entry fee.

Guided walks

The Commonwealth War Graves Tour at Stonefall tells of some of those who fought and died in the wars.

Find out more about Valley Gardens with the Valley Gardens Walk.

Explore some of the Heritage Plaques Of Harrogate.

Learn the history of New Park with the New Park Heritage Walk.

At Harlow Hill Cemetery Walk, see the graves of notable people, including actor Michael Rennie.

Hear the history of two fascinating villages at the Pannal Heritage Walk and Ripley Village Historic Walkabout.

Washburn Heritage Centre is hosting Fewston Can’t Bury Its Dead tours of Fewston Cemetery.

Church visits

View the grave of Blind Jack of Knaresborough at All Saints’ Spofforth with the opportunity to climb the 15th century tower and see the 200-year-old clock in the bell ringing chamber.

Enjoy a week-long flower festival at St Wilfrid’s Church at South Stainley.