Heritage Open Days 2025: Free entry into these charming Yorkshire historic sites this weekend
There are seven historic sites in Yorkshire opening their doors to the public for free this weekend for Heritage Open Days 2025.
Heritage Open Days is a community-led festival of history and culture in England, which involves thousands of local volunteers and organisations.
It was first established in 1994 and is England’s contribution to the European Heritage Days. The festival has since grown year on year.
Every September it unites people from different walks of life to celebrate their heritage, community and history.
Many attractions, historic sites and venues open their doors for free to the public where they can listen to stories, explore traditions and learn about significant moments in history.
These are the sites in Yorkshire hosting free exhibitions, events and tours this weekend.
Free entry into Yorkshire historic sites this weekend for Heritage Open Days 2025
Shibden Hall
Dates and timings: Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14 (11am to 3pm)
Location: Shibden Hall, Lister's Road, Halifax, HX3 6XG.
What’s on: Take a tour of the 500-year-old estate where a number of prominent families lived from the first identified owner, William Oates in 1420, to its most famous resident Anne Lister, through to its last resident John Lister, who lived in the Hall until it was turned into a museum in 1934.
Nidderdale Museum
Dates and timings: Saturday, September 13 (10.30am to 4.30pm)
Location: The Old Workhouse, King Street, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, HG3 5LE
What’s on: The museum is housed in a Victorian Workhouse and its history is brought to life through tours where you can sit in an old school room or pub snug, walk down the mine tunnel, see the Victorian parlour, visit a Cobbler’s shop, explore the Dairy and Blacksmith’s or follow the Children’s trail.
Calderdale Industrial Museum
Dates and timings: Saturday, September 13 (10am to 4pm)
Location: Square Road, Halifax, HX1 1QG.
What’s on: Calderdale Industrial Museum shares the story behind the industry of the past that shaped Calderdale, from the early textile industries through to the location it is today. Take a tour of the historic building and discover how the area has developed over the years.
Sunny Bank Mills
Dates and timings: Friday, September 12, Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14 (10am to 4pm)
Location: 88 Town Street, Farsley, Pudsey, LS28 5UJ.
What’s on: Explore the mills that produced cloth, visit the museum and archive, the art gallery exhibition, its artists’ Open Studios, giant sheep and family trail and the tea rooms.
Nunnington Hall
Dates and timings: Friday, September 12, Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14 (10.30am to 5pm, last entry 4pm)
Location: Nunnington, York, YO62 5UY.
What’s on: The building dates back 500 years and with expert staff and volunteers available throughout the days it’s open who can guide you through its history. There will be a range of talks, tours and interactive activities. You can also explore the organic gardens and try conservation techniques.
Ormesby Hall
Dates and timings: Friday, September 12, Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14 (10.30am to 4pm)
Location: Ormesby Hall, Ladgate Lane, Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS3 0SR.
What’s on: The event organisers will be shining a light on the topic of hobbies this year. The Pennyman family, who lived at Ormesby Hall before the National Trust took over, had a passion for photography, costume making, music, travel, art and more hobbies.
Bankfield Museum
Dates and timings: Sunday, September 14 (10am to 4pm)
Location: Bankfield Museum, Ackroyd Park, Boothtown Road, Halifax, HX3 6HG.
What’s on: Bankfield Museum was the previous home of local textile manufacturer Edward Akroyd and his wife Elizabeth and became a free museum for the people of Halifax in 1887 following Edward’s death. Visitors can explore the mansion, the Fashion Gallery exhibition, a nostalgic trip into Calderdale high street of the past, and the Animals in Art exhibition.