Heritage & Doors Open Days
September sees a great opportunity to explore hidden cultural gems found across the UK.
The 9th September marks the beginning of Heritage Open Days in England (running until 18th September) and the September long Doors Open Days in Scotland and Wales.
With thousands of free events taking place over the coming days and weeks made possible by volunteers and organisations wanting to celebrate both our historic past and our cultural present, there's never been a better time to stay with us as you try new experiences.
Things to do
As the largest festival of history and culture in the UK, the doors of national parks, listed buildings, museums, art galleries and more are left open for you to bring along friends and family free of charge, so that you can find out more about a nearby town or city, or even discover an entirely new region!
Our handily located hotels and resorts offer the perfect chance to understand more about the heritage and sense of community these sites provide, so why not choose an event or two and ensure you have somewhere cosy and comfortable to come back to after a day of adventure...
Doors Open Days Highlights in Aberdeenshire
Our Norwood Hall Hotel on the site of Pitfodels Castle offers an intriguing heritage stay in of itself, while a September trip also places you at the heart of numerous Doors Open Days in the area.
Aberdeen Townhouse will open on Saturday, 10th September for free visits to this magnificent building inclusive of a striking spiral staircase and lavish civic rooms.
Arts enthusiasts will be in their element when attending the Arts Centre & Theatre Aberdeen on the same weekend. The community focused arts venue will be putting on free drama workshops for young people aged 5-17 through the Saturday morning.
Doors Open Days Highlights in Edinburgh
With our Houstoun House Hotel just a 40-minute drive from the iconic Scottish capital, make the most of a series of Doors Open Days events celebrating the intriguing history of the country.
The Central Library initially opened to the public in 1890 and is undergoing an extensive building works programme. Visit the site on Saturday, September 24th for behind-the-scenes tours of the book storage area, basement and the Reference Library usually closed to the public.
Doors Open Days Highlights in Glasgow
Staying in Crutherland House Hotel a short journey from the city provides a comfortable base from which to take in Glasgow’s very own Doors Open Days Festival list of free events taking place between 12th - 18th September.
In total, over 100 historic buildings, theatres, museums, factories, studios and breweries will open across the city – including Flourish House, Arlington Baths Club, Glasgow Press and Glasgow Women’s Library.
Heritage Highlights in Cheshire
Stay in Portal Golf & Spa Resort, Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa or New Blossoms Hotel and take in one of the most picturesque and historically relevant regions in England.
Explore Cheshire’s military past on the weekend of Saturday, 10th September at Cheshire Military Museum on Chester’s Grosvenor Street on various days, detailing where soldiers from the region have served in battles across the globe, or visit the magnificent Chester Cathedral and an exhibition showcasing the unique inventions connected with the building through the ages.
Heritage Highlights in Cumbria
Journey to Leeming House or Old England Hotel & Spa on the shorelines of Ullswater and Lake Windermere respectively, where a relaxing getaway can include a variety of free heritage attractions this September.
Carlisle Castle is just a 40-minute drive from our Leeming House Hotel and will be opening its gates on Saturday, 10th September and Saturday, 17th September for volunteer-led guided tours of former military cells normally closed to the public.
Keen William Wordsworth fans will want to make the trip to Cockermouth and the Romantic-era poet’s former home and Georgian townhouse. Open Saturday, 10th September, tour the rooms and riverside garden of this fascinating dwelling.
Heritage Highlights in West Midlands
Alveston Manor and The Burlington are each perfectly situated for day trips to a wealth of heritage days concentrated on the industrial past of the city of Birmingham.
Found just outside the city centre Aston Hall is free to visit on Sunday, 11th September as a 17th century mansion situated in immaculate grounds changing with the impending autumn season.
If you’ve ever wanted to set foot in a medieval guildhall, then the weekend starting Saturday, 10th September is your chance to drive a short distance from our Alveston Manor to St. Mary’s Guildhall as one of the finest surviving examples in the country.
Heritage Highlights in Oxfordshire
Stay in our charming former 13th century coaching inn at The Bear and envelop yourself in a traditional escape to the market town of Woodstock with swift access to a variety of free attractions for 2022’s Heritage Open Days.
Visit over the weekend beginning Saturday, 10th September and venture to Wolvercote Lakes, Oxford for a Guided Sound Walk: Before the Ashes Lose Their Leaves. This beautiful corner of England can be seen from the unique perspective of audio and songs bringing the cultural heritage and natural landscape of Oxfordshire to life.
