This post has been updated for 2024
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE or very cheap to explore.
We tend to visit as many of these events as we can over these days and we plan to do the same again this year.
Whether it's free entry to some well known attractions, behind the scenes tours or discovering a hidden gem, there is something for everyone as part of England's biggest festival of history and culture, running from 8th - 17th September.
There are hundreds of options to choose from, right here in the North East, but here is just a small selection of what we consider to be best for families.
Please note: Some events/activities require pre-booking and numbers are limited, and any of these events could be cancelled at short notice. We have not organised any of these events and are not responsible for them and have no control over visitor numbers. Please direct any queries to the venue/organiser. For more details including accessibility and any required booking details, please click the links below.
**Please note that some of these events may already be sold out and there may be a small charge so please double check before going**
To book any of the events please go HERE
Multiple dates throughout the Open days
Gibside, Near Gateshead
Free entry for all No booking required
Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend
Free entry for all No booking required.
Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough
Free entry for all No booking required
Tanfield Railway - Tours
CherryBurn - Free entry
Durham Crematorium - Learn about Cremation and go behind the scenes
George Stephensons Birthplace - Open for public viewing Wylam
Wheatley Hill heritage centre - exhibition on the memory of miners
Reduce, reuse, recycle tour - Springwell Road
Acle Saxons re enactment camp Gisborough Priory
Thorpe Light Railway public opening - Barnard Castle
Newbiggin Maritime centre Public visits
Free visits to Segedunum
Westgate hill cemetery tour
Cullercoats watch house public visits
Ryhope engines museum will be steaming
(Take some cash as they sell some lovely little trinkets)
Free entry to Souter lighthouse
Free entry to Rievaulx Terrace
National glass centre Tour and free kids crafts
Fitzhugh Library tour
Behind the scenes tour at Grosmont loco sheds
Walking tour of Ryhope village green with Glenda Young
Crook Hall Free entry
Binchester Roman fort will be open throughout
Durham town Hall Free entry
Washington Old Hall Free Entry
Heritage railway tour - Aln Valley Railway
Seaton Delaval Hall free entry
Sunderland Minister - open for the public
Woodhorn Museum - Free entry
Hexham old gaol - Free entry
Guided tour of Darlington Library
Grosmont Station tour
NYMR Guided railway trail
NYMR behind the senes at Goathland
Hexham Abbey celebrates 1350 years
Gibside Free Entry
Wallington Free Entry
Brancepath Castle Tour
Birkheads secret Garden Tours
Dated events
Tyne Theatre & Opera house tour 6th September
Jarrow Hall tour 6th September
Behind the scenes tour at Little theatre Gateshead 7th September
The Bowes Museum Free Entry 7th September
Alnwick Playhouse tour 7th September
Escomb Saxon Church 7th September
Clifton castle tour Ripon 8th September
Visit the old Durham Gardens Benthouse lane 8th September
Roker Pier tunnel & lighthouse tour 9th September
Victoria tunnel taster tour 10th September
South Shields Museum tour 11th September
The Baltic behind the scenes tour 12th September
Cragside free entry 13th September
Behind the scenes tour at The Ritz Cinema 14th September
Free entry to Bailiffgate museum - 14th September
Aysgarth School chapel & tour - 14th September
Free guided tour of Arbeia roman fort - 14th September
Stephenson steam railway tour - 15th September
This is just a small selection of the hundreds of options available during the Heritage Open Days. For even more options, check out their website, https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
Check out these other posts
Thanks for the information. Been to most places, some great ideas for other trips.