Tower of Spite, Beverley Beck and Sheffield Castle: 11 free ideas to do in Yorkshire during Heritage Open Days 2024

Embark on a journey of liquorice as you explore 1300 years of Pontefract, climb the Tower of Spite for a bird’s eye view of Halifax or locomotive fans can immerse themselves in artefacts at North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

From barges on Beverley Beck to walled gardens and Augustinian monasteries in East Yorkshire, you can see the latest on the refurbishment of Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, witness the iconic moving Wurlitzer Organ up close at Victoria Hall in Saltaire which often appears on TV.

There’s also a chance to see the newly revealed remains of Sheffield Castle which have been buried for around 400 years.

For a sneak peak of one of the open days, watch our reporter Sophie Mei Lan take a ride on Scarborough’s Central Tramway on the cliff railway.

During the Heritage Open Days you can book a place to take a look inside the Engine Room and a free return ride on the funicular.

For a look at a ride in the past, find out more about the Humber Hovercrafts which existed prior to the Humber Bridge being built.

Ever since its inception in 1994, Heritage Open Days has had a theme each year, this year's theme is “creativity unwrapped,” celebrating the region’s artistic and historical heritage.

Coun Barbara Jefferson, East Riding of Yorkshire Council's portfolio holder for Heritage and Coastal, said: "Heritage Open Days provides a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to discover the rich history and creativity of the East Riding of Yorkshire. We are proud to support this celebration of our heritage."

There’s a range of free events happening across the region from local churches offering free tower tours to discovering the history inside this York’s City Walls’ watch tower with the spiral staircase, Tudor toilet and timber roof.

To find out a Heritage Open Day near you, go to: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk