Heritage Open Days (HODs): England's Celebration of History and Culture

Heritage Open Days (HODs) is England's largest annual festival of history and culture, offering free access to thousands of heritage sites, tours, and community events across the country. Established in 1994 as England's contribution to the wider European Heritage Days initiative, HODs now involves over 2,500 organisations and 40,000 volunteers. Held over two weekends in September, the festival showcases sites that are normally closed to the public or would typically charge an entrance fee, providing unique opportunities to explore England's rich past.

Attracting approximately 800,000 visitors annually with over 5,000 events, HODs plays a vital role in raising awareness for preserving England's historic environment and fostering national pride. For instance, the 2018 festival notably celebrated 'Extraordinary Women,' profiling underrepresented figures and demonstrating its commitment to diverse historical narratives. This volunteer-led initiative stands as a significant cultural event, inspiring people to engage with their local heritage.