This year’s Heritage Open Days run from September 11-20
An entrance to the grotto(Image: The Friends of William Champions Garden)
September brings a wealth of local attractions opening free of charge, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at some of the region’s most celebrated, cherished and historic venues.
Heritage Open Days brings together thousands of organisations, events and volunteers from across the country each September, giving people the opportunity to explore local heritage, discover stories and celebrate the places that shape their communities.
The scheme provides free access to heritage sites and events, giving residents and visitors the chance to discover hidden treasures and enjoy unique experiences that form the history of Bristol and South Gloucestershire, including its people and places.
This year’s theme is ‘Everyday Histories’ and explores local stories of working life, from learning skilled trades to the daily routines, traditions and ways of working that shaped people’s lives, offering a wide range of activities and attractions.
This year’s Heritage Open Days run from September 11-20 and feature an array of guided tours, open access, complimentary admission and additional benefits to appreciate.
Acorss Bristol and South Gloucestershire over 30 locations feature on the list of participating venues this year. From secret crystal-encrusted grottos to much-loved museums, theatre and archaeology, to guided tours back in time, there are many hidden gems alongside some much-loved favourites.
Here is a round-up of some of the things to see and do in the region this month.
Winterbourne Medieval Barn
When: September 13, 2026
Where: Winterbourne Court Farm Barn, Church Lane, Bristol, BS36 1SE
Tickets: You can pre-book here
Visit the magnificent Winterbourne Medieval Barn and marvel at the cutting edge architectural techniques used in 1342 to create the beautiful raised-cruck roof, ‘a magnificent example of the builders’ craft’. Explore and talk with friendly tour guides.
Signal Box and Community Garden, Warmley
When: September 19, 2026
Where: Warmley Signal Box, High Street, Bristol, BS15 4ND
Tickets: Pre-booking isn’t required but you can find out more here
This Grade II-listed Midland Railway Signal Box along the Bristol and Bath Cycle Path will be open for visitors. It has recently been restored to mirror how it would have looked in the early 1960s when it was still a fully operating signal box.
Ashton Gatehouse, gateway to Ashton Court Estate
When: Multiple dates available
Where: Blackmoors Lane, Bristol, BS3 2JJ
Tickets: Pre-booking isn’t required but you can find out more here
The Ashton Gatehouse was the original entrance to the Smyth family home in the 1500’s. On one side you can see the grand Ashton Court Estate, while on the other you can see views of South Bristol. And this month you’ll be able to explore it.
Hidden Histories at Durley Hill Cemetery
When: September 19, 2026
Where: Keynsham Cemetery, Durley Hill, Bristol, BS31 2AJ
Tickets: Pre-booking isn’t needed but you can find out more here
Keynsham Durley Hill Cemetery is both a peaceful Victorian burial ground and the location of a major Roman archaeological site. It will be open for a display of photographs and artefacts, and for self-guided walks.
Frenchay Unitarian Chapel
When: September 12, 2026
Where: Unitarian Chapel, Beckspool Road, Bristol, BS16 1ND
Tickets: You don’t need to pre-book – but you can find out more here
Frenchay Unitarian Chapel is one of the oldest purpose-built ‘dissident’ chapels in the country, built 1691. Set in a beautiful garden with 1720 4-stage tower and “Halley’s comet wind-vane representing personal search for deeper truths of all kinds”.
Tyntesfield
When: Multiple dates available
Where: Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1NX
Tickets: You don’t need to pre-book but you can find out more here
Join in celebrating Heritage Open Days on 11 – 20 September with free entry to Tyntesfield, an ornate Victorian Gothic Revival house with extensive garden and parkland, run by the National Trust.
William Champion’s Garden and Grotto
When: Multiple dates available
Where: Warmley House – Carpark, Tower Road North, Bristol, BS30 8XN
Tickets: Pre-booking isn’t needed – find out more here
Discover the world’s only grotto with a microclimate pool ringed by six Grotesque Faces carved into the walls, built from recycled waste from one of the first large-scale industrial brassworks – an important milestone in the Industrial Revolution.
Spike Island Behind the Scenes
When: September 19, 2026
Where: 133 Cumberland Road, Bristol, BS1 6UX
Tickets: Book your tickets here
As part of Heritage Open Days, you can embark on a special behind the scenes tour of Spike Island where two artists will open their studio doors to the public. This is a chance to explore the building’s unique architectural features.
Kings Weston House Open Day
When: September 12, 2026
Where: Kings Weston House, Kings Weston Lane, Bristol, BS11 0UR
Tickets: You don’t need to pre-book – find out more here
Visit Bristol’s Grade I Listed Baroque mansion and explore the Georgian interiors of the magnificent home of the Lords de Clifford. Enjoy the Sir John Vanbrugh designed house and garden buildings and take in the 300 acres of landscaped parkland.
The Chapel of the Three Kings
When: September 13, 2026
Where: Foster’s Almshouses, Colston Street, Bristol, Bristol, BS1 5AY
Tickets: You don’t need to pre-book, but find out more here
The Almshouses and Chapel are Grade II listed buildings on Colston Street. They were founded by John Foster, a wealthy 15th-century merchant, to provide accommodation for Bristol’s poor and elderly.
Knights, Blitz and Leaning Towers: Inside Temple Church
When: Multiple dates available
Where: Temple Church, Victoria Street, Bristol, Bristol, BS1
Tickets: Book your tickets here
Explore one of Bristol’s most iconic but misunderstood landmarks. This free 1-hour tour takes you inside the ruins of Temple Church to discover its 900-year history.
Brislington church and tower tours
When: Multiple dates available
Where: St Luke the Evangelist, Church Parade, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 4LS
Tickets: You don’t need to book – find out more here
Come and see this 15th century Grade II listed church set in the centre of the Brislington Conservation Area. Visit the tower and see the bells in action too.
Glenside Hospital Museum
When: September 19, 2026
Where: Glenside Campus, Blackberry Hill, Bristol, Bristol, BS16 1DD
Tickets: Pre-booking is preferred – find out more here
Glenside Hospital Museum, housed in a former 1881 asylum church, explores the history and evolving treatment of mental illness through powerful collections and stories, encouraging conversation about mental health today.
Arnos Vale Cemetery
When: Multiple dates available
Where: West Lodge, Bath Road, Bristol, BS4 3EW
Tickets: Book your tickets here
Explore historic chapels, lodges, and the crypt, all open to the public as part of Heritage Open Days. There will be a free sculpture tour plus a short film preview of Mortal Remains on September 14.
Explore inside Jacobs Wells Baths
When: Multiple dates available
Where: Jacobs Wells Baths, Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol, BS8 1DX
Tickets: Book your tickets here
Explore Jacobs Wells Baths during Heritage Open Days. Experience ‘Night Moves’ (2026) by Melanie Manchot, join guided tours, discover the building’s history and learn about its future.Whitfield Tabernacle Open Day.
