The return of Heritage Open Days: Warwickshire's top picks

Posted on Wed 04 Sep

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, taking place every September and involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Stories are told, traditions explored and histories brought to life. The festival provides members of the general public with the chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences. And what’s more, it’s all absolutely FREE.

The event returns this year from Friday 6 to Sunday 15 September - and here are just some of the venues you can explore around the region...

Coventry Cathedral - Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5AB

Coventry Cathedral is a place where medieval history meets modern architecture. Internationally recognised as a beacon of hope, the venue embodies a spirit of peace and reconciliation in a truly breathtaking setting.

Explore the ruined cathedral, destroyed in the Coventry Blitz during World War Two, and the iconic ‘new’ cathedral, featuring works by some of the greatest artists of the 1950s and 60s. Transport yourself back to 1940s Coventry in the Blitz Museum, or climb 180 steps up the tower for 360˚ views of the city.

Mon 9 - Sun 15 Sept | Mon-Sat 10am-4pm & Sun 12pm-3pm, no pre-booking required

Coughton Court - Coughton Court, Coughton, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5JA

Coughton Court has been home to the Throckmorton family for more than 600 years. Visitors can find out all about their story - including their link to the Gunpowder Plot - and also check out the gardens, enjoy a riverside walk and admire the beautiful display of roses in the walled garden.

Coughton Court remains open despite currently being the subject of a £3.3million building conservation project. Explore its history and collections via new displays in the house, and learn more about the ongoing project in the Through The Roof exhibition.

Sat 7 Sept | 11am-5pm, no pre-booking required

Daimler Powerhouse - Sandy Lane Business Park, Coventry, CV1 4DQ

Daimler was one of the first car factories in Britain and is an important part of the history and heritage of Coventry. The Daimler site was destroyed during the Blitz - the building known as ‘the Powerhouse’ is all that remains. The site itself is now a cultural creation centre, continuing to be a place for inventiveness, excellence and creativity.

Sat 7 Sept | 10am-4pm, no pre-booking required

Lunt Roman Fort Tours - Coventry Road, Baginton, Coventry, CV8 3AJ

Join Roman soldiers Rufus and Gnaeus as they lead groups on a two-hour tour around this historic site, dating back to 60AD.

Climb up the newly renovated ramparts to enjoy the view, experience the gyrus - where it’s believed Ancient Roman soldiers trained their cavalry - explore the reconstructed granary, and learn about the Roman legions, their armour and the other items on display from Culture Coventry’s collections.

Sat 14 Sept | 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm, pre-booking required

Pop Up Vintage Patchwork Exhibition - Avondale Nursery, Russell’s Garden Centre, Baginton, Coventry, CV8 3AG

For one day only, you can check out beautiful patchwork from the Jane Cobbett Collection of Historical Textiles in a compact and self-contained garden setting. Available to view will be a selection of small and full-sized quilts, pretty fabric colours and designs, and late summer blooms. There will also be a craft sales table and tombola to raise money for charity.

Sat 14 Sept | 11am-3pm, no pre-booking required

Roman Alcester Museum - Globe House, Priory Road, Alcester, B49 5DZ

Roman Alcester Museum will open over the weekend of 14 & 15 September, where visitors will be able to view an impressive display of Roman era artefacts that have all been found in Alcester.

Artefacts include pottery, coins, jewellery, gemstones, bottles and glassware, that have been found within the town and visitors can come find out what life was like there in Roman times between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. These artefacts have been discovered from over 100 archaeological excavations, spanning the last 100+ years & include a mortarium thought to be nearly 2000 years old, plus a very impressive collection of Samian Ware.

There will be many children’s activities, as well as the opportunity to handle genuine Roman pottery and other artefacts. There will also be costumes in which adults and children can dress for a photo opportunity.

Sat 14 & Sun 15 Sept | 10.30am-3.30pm (sat) and 12-4pm (Sun), no pre-booking required

Rugby Theatre - Central Hall, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2QA

After last year’s successful open days, Rugby Theatre is once again offering members of the general public the chance to go behind the scenes at the venue. Have a go at plotting lighting and sound effects, watch sets get built, and check out all the backstage areas in action as the theatre gears up for its autumn season.

Full tours are available for people who are really interested in a particular area, and you can stay as long as you want. If you thoroughly enjoy your visit, take the opportunity to find out how you can get involved at the theatre.

Sat 7 & Sun 8 Sept | 9am-5pm, tours from 10am, pre-booking preferred

Treasures of the Archives - Herbert Art Gallery & Museum - Herbert Art Gallery, Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP

Explore the treasures of Coventry Archives via a guided behind-the-scenes tour.
As well as being provided with an overview of the collections and resources, visitors will also get the chance to see some of the more exclusive and precious items in the museum’s historic collections.

Sat 7 Sept | 11am & 1pm, pre-booking required