Heritage open days North West 2025
Each September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture as part of England’s largest annual festival of history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free to explore. I’ve chosen the best Heritage open days North West event for families. Find more Family events North West England here.
This year the festival is from 12th- 21st September 2025. There are 100s of events to choose from across England so I have been through and picked out the ones that sound the best for families. I’ll also link to the full list after each section so you can go and see if there is one you like the sound of more than the ones listed here.
Find your nearest events by searching by postcode here – Heritage Open Days
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I’ve done my best to add the details of all these events accurately and keep them up to date but I strongly advise you to click through and check on the organiser’s website to ensure the dates, locations and times are correct. Events maybe changed or cancelled and I will not necessarily be aware of this. Links are providers so you can confirm all details for yourself before travelling or booking. Some of these events require pre-booking so I’d recommend you do that as soon as you decide you want to in order to avoid disappointment.
Top Heritage open days in Cheshire for families
There are lots of events in Cheshire this year! I’ve selected 9 that sound perfect for families.
Crewe heritage fair
Where: Crewe Heritage Centre, Vernon Way, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 2DB
When: 20th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Crewe is a company town, born from the Grand Junction Railway Company. It’s layout and heritage reflects the Victorian New Town ideals. Join us for a fun packed day for all the family to discover more about Crewe!
Full details here: Crewe Heritage Fair
Stretton Watermill
Where: Stretton Watermill, Stretton, Tilston, Farndon, Cheshire, SY14 7HS
When: 14th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Marvel in the layers of architecture of Stretton Watermill dating back to 1351, in this fine example of timber-framing and over-cladding. A beautiful model can be de-constructed to show the development of the building. There aren’t many places which take you back in time while you enjoy a picnic by the pond, as the waterwheel turns. Let the miller delight and entertain the whole family on a tour, with tales of the past and demonstrations of the machinery.
Full details here: Stretton Watermill
Weaver Hall Museum
Where: Weaver Hall Museum, 162 London Road, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 8AB
When: 20th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Drop in for a fun free family trip to Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse on Saturday 20th September from 2-4.30pm.
Full details here: Weaver Hall Museum
Quarry Bank
Where: Quarry Bank Mill, Quarry Bank Road, Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 4HP
When: 20th & 21st September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Discover what it was like to work in a cotton mill. Experience heritage machinery in action and feel the floors shake beneath your feet as the spinning machines turn and the looms weave. Find out about the life and legacy of Samuel Greg, the founder of Quarry Bank. Explore the Greg family home, Quarry Bank House, and wander through the stunning picturesque gardens that rise up the banks of the river valley, offering stunning views and spectacular changes through the seasons.
Full details here: Quarry Bank
Lyme Park
Where: Lyme Park, Disley, Cheshire, SK12 2NX
When: 20th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Discover Lyme’s glorious house filled with six centuries of history. There’s plenty at Lyme for a full family day out come rain or shine. Whether you want to run, skip, or slide in Crow Wood play area or dress up in the Regency dressing room, there’s plenty to do for every young explorer.
Explore the garden and enjoy the contrast between cascading water and still reflections.
Full details here: Lyme
Find our favourite family walk at Lyme here – Lyme park circular walk to the lantern
Lion Salt Works
Where: Lion Salt Works, Ollershaw Lane, Marston, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6ES
When: 21st September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Visit the Lion Salt Works on Sunday 21st September from 11am-4.30pm for a fun free family day out!
Full details here: Lion Salt Works
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
Where: Catalyst Science Discovery Centre & Museum Trust Ltd, Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0DF
When: 20th & 21st September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Join us at the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum on Saturday 20th/Sunday 21st in the Observatory come and see who and what you recognise in our display of photos on varied subjects from our latest acquisition of thousands of ICI photos taken between 1955-2000. Meet local history societies in the Gossage Room and if you’re able, we want you to help identify the people in these photographs.
Full details here – Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
Find our review of Catalyst here – Catalyst Museum
Hare Hill, National Trust
Where: National Trust Hare Hill, Prestbury Road, Over Alderley, Macclesfield, Cheshire
When: 13th September 2025
Booking required: no
Hare Hill Gardens and Parklands offer a tranquil space to escape, explore and unwind, away from the hustle and bustle. The Walled Garden provides a picturesque backdrop for a picnic outdoors and a perfect spot for watching the clouds roll by. Get closer to nature and venture to the bird hide, an ideal spot to start any outdoor wildlife adventure.
To burn off some energy, let little legs loose in the natural woodland play area, where they can build, climb, balance and let their imaginations run wild. Take the time to meander the pathways and discover the vast array of plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees around every corner in this secluded, secret garden.
Find out more here – Hare Hill
Find our review of Hare Hill here – National Trust Hare Hill
Little Moreton Hall, National Trust
Where: National Trust, Little Moreton Hall, Newcastle Road, Moreton, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4SD
When: 13th September 2025
Summary: It’s not your eyes playing tricks on you. Seeing the tumbling architecture of Little Moreton Hall for the first time, engineers in 1990 could not believe their eyes either. This timber-framed building, curled around with a scenic moat, has defied logic for over 500 years. Step back in time inside this higgledy-piggledy house and discover what everyday Tudor life tells us about the way we live today.
Full details here – Little Moreton Hall
Find our review of Little Moreton here – Visiting Little Moreton Hall NT
Top Heritage open days in Greater Manchester for families 2025
There are loads of different events in Greater Manchester so I have found the ones that I think sound great for families.
Museum of Transport
Where: Museum of Transport, Boyle Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M8 8UW
When: 13th, 14th, 20th & 21st September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: A collection of over 80 vehicles, mainly buses, but including a fire engine, prototype Metrolink tram, lorries and ancillary vehicles, along with a substantial collection of smaller items such as signage, uniforms, ticket machines (with hands-on displays), badges and similar objects, supported by displays of photographs and documents.
Full details here: Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester
Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester: Bus Tours
Where: Museum of Transport, Boyle Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M8 8UW
When: 13th, 14th, 20th & 21st September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Tours using historic buses from the Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester, will run on the hour, every hour, calling at the Manchester Jewish Museum, Science & Industry Museum and the People’s History Museum in Manchester city centre.
Full details here: Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester: Bus Tours
Dunham Massey
Where: Dunham Massey, Woodhouse Lane, Atrincham, Manchester, Greater Manchester, WA14 WSJ
When: 16th & 20th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: After exploring the garden and park, stop to refuel at one of Dunham Massey’s food outlets, which offer a wide range of cakes, snacks and drinks. The National Trust shop has a huge choice of gifts and souvenirs, while the second-hand bookshop is the place to find a pre-loved treasure for the journey home.
Full details here: Dunham Massey
Apple hunt in Bailey’s wood
Where: Bailey’s Wood, Grange Park Road, Blackley, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M9 7AF
When: 13th September 2025
Booking required: pre-booking preferred
Summary: Join Friends of Bailey’s Wood for a woodland walk and a search for magical apples! This walk is suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Grange Park Road entrance to the woods.
This event is part of the Friends of Bailey’s Wood Harvest Day, showcasing the farming history and heritage of Blackley and Bailey’s Wood.
Full details here: Apple Hunt in Bailey’s Wood
Hollingworth Lake Heritage boat tours
Where: Hollingworth Lake Water Activity, Hollingworth Lake, Lakebank, Littleborough, Greater Manchester, OL15 0DQ
When: 16th, 17th, 19th, 21st September 2025
Booking required: yes
Summary: Discover the hidden history of Hollingworth Lake from it’s beginnings in 1794 to feed the Rochdale Canal, to becoming known as ‘The Weighvers’ Seaport’ and a favourite Victorian tourist attraction through to its role in great sporting achievements and more. This 45 minute boat tour is the ideal way to learn about the many interesting facts in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Booking essential, under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Full details here: Hollingworth Lake Heritage Boat Tour
Hands-on at Science and Industry museum, Manchester
Where: Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4FP
When: 19th, 20th & 21st September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: A series of hands-on craft activities and interactive events will see the Science and Industry Museum celebrate Manchester’s reputation as a pioneer of travel and advocate of architecture by encouraging future creatives to make, shape and create.
Full details here: Science and Industry Museum: Get hands-on with Manchester’s history
Top Heritage open days in Liverpool for families 2025
There are loads of events in Liverpool this year. Find details of the ones that I thinks sound the best for families below.
The reader
Where: The Mansion House, Calderstones Park, Liverpool, Merseyside, L18 3JB
When: 21st September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Full details here: This Heritage Open Day, we’re celebrating our Mansion House home with a day of live music, house tours, Shared Reading taster sessions, performances from local community choirs, crafts and good food.
Full details – The Reader
Classic Liverpool bus running days
Where: Street of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, L2 1AB
When: 14th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Merseyside Transport Trust will be running Classic Buses from our collection giving people the opportunity to travel on buses from Yesteryear on a variety of routes in Liverpool.
Full details here: Classic Liverpool Bus Running Day
The Secret Lives of Houses & Port Sunlight Museum Open Day
Where: 23 King Georges Drive, Wirral, Merseyside, CH62 5DX
When: 13th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Free open day to discover more about our digital architecture exhibition, lost buildings of Port Sunlight and interactive activities to discover your house history for adults and crafts for children.
Access Port Sunlight’s Digital Drawn Together exhibition to discover architectural drawings of the village. Children’s architectural activity sheets available.
Full details here: The Secret Lives of Houses & Port Sunlight Museum Open Day
Bluecoat family weekend 2025
When: School Lane, Liverpool, Merseyside, L13BX
When: 13th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Explore the open studios, meet some of the Bluecoat’s creative community and find out about their practices, which range from painting and photography to jewellery and illustration.
Full details – Heritage Family Weekend
Top Heritage open days in Lancashire for families 2025
Here are the top 12 family events in Lancashire for Heritage Open days in 2025
Fleetwood museum
Where: Fleetwood Museum, 6-7 Queens Terrace, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 6BT
When: 20th & 21st September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Fleetwood’s newly Independent Museum gives the opportunity to learn about the history of Fleetwood from the time of sand hills and rabbit warrens through the years of being an important fishing port to the present day.
Full details here: Fleetwood Museum
Rochdale Old Fire Station
Where: Fireground, Old Fire Station, Maclure Road, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL11 1DN
When: 20th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Fireground museum of firefighting , with tours of the fire station building and former ballroom
Full details here: Rochdale Old Fire Station
Burnley Mechanics Theatre
Where: Manchester Road, Burnley, Lancashire, BB11 1BH
When: 20th September 2025
Booking required: yes
Summary: Burnley Mechanics has been at the centre of local cultural activity since 1855. To mark the 170th anniversary of the building, join us for a day of history, film and family fun.
Full details here: Burnley Mechanics Theatre
Bricks, Bugs & Backstories
Where: 49 Whitby Avenue, Ingol, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 3YP
When: 13th September 2025
Booking required: preferred
Summary: Explore Dobcroft Nature Reserve, once Cottam Brickworks, where history meets nature. Spot the rare Great Crested Newt as you wander through this reclaimed industrial site, now a haven of wildlife, heritage, and hidden architectural gems.
Full details here: Bricks, Bugs & Backstories
Bank Hall, Bretherton
Where: Bank Hall, Bank Hall Drive, Bretherton, Lancashire, PR26 9AT
When: 14th September 2025
Booking required: preferred
Summary: The grounds of Bank Hall will be open for guests to explore the woodland and gardens with our tree trail and visit the craft stalls in the walled garden and see our new display! The Prospect Tower and Exhibition will be open for pre-booked tours.
Full details here: Bank Hall, Bretherton
Apple festival
Where: Christ Church, Wyresdale Road, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 3EA
When: 20th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Join us for a fun afternoon of apple juicing, music and stalls to celebrate the harvest from our church orchard.
Full details here: Apple Festival
Clitheroe Castle Museum
Where: Clitheroe Castle, Castlegate, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 1AZ
When: 20th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: The historic landmark of Clitheroe Castle, in the heart of the Ribble Valley, offers fun and exploration for all the family. The museum stands high on Castle Hill, in the shadow of the Castle Keep, an image which has dominated Clitheroe’s skyline for over 800 years.
Full details here: Clitheroe Castle Museum
Blackpool tower tour
Where: Promenade Main Entrance, Blackpool Tower, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 4BJ
When: 21st September 2025
Booking required: yes
Summary: Explore the stunning ballroom, captivating circus and uncover the history and colourful characters that have shaped the past of Blackpool’s tallest landmark.
Full details here: Blackpool Tower Tour
Gawthorpe Hall
Where: Gawthorpe Hall, Habergham Drive, Burnley, Lancashire, BB12 8UA
When: 20th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Enjoy exploring inside the stunning Gawthorpe Hall, beautiful rooms and lots of history to discover.
Full details here: Gawthorpe Hall
Lancaster Castle
Where: Lancaster Castle, Castle Hill, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1YN
When: 13th & 14th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Free guided tours of Lancaster Castle. These will visit some areas of the former prison, the historic courtrooms, the Old Cells, Hadrian’s Tower and The Drop Room.
Full details here: Lancaster Castle
Rufford Old Hall
Where: 200 Liverpool Road, Rufford, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 1SG
When: 20th September 2025
Booking required:
Summary: Enjoy free entry, as Red Rose Woodturning Club demonstrate the art and craft of using hand-held tools on a wood lathe, turning a piece of wood into an object.
Full details here: Rufford Old Hall
Bugs, bees and butterflies
Where: 24 Yorkshire Street, Bacup, Lancashire, OL13 9AE
When: 21st September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: The Victorians were absolutely bug-eyed for beetles and butterflies, turning them into art and even fashion trends! Unearth the Victorian treasure trove at Bacup Museum, brimming with bugs, bees, butterflies, and moths galore. Little adventurers can embark on thrilling microscope quests and get crafty with some buggy craft projects!
Full details here: Bugs Bees and Butterflies
Top Heritage open days in Cumbria for families 2025
I’ve found 7 events in Cumbria that sound perfect for families.
Appleby crafty ladies animal trail
Where: Moot Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, CA16 6YB
When: 12th – 21st September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: The Crafty Ladies trail is based around the riverside walk, but maps can be collected from Appleby Tourist Information Centre. There are also some crafty characters in Appleby’s shop windows – but can you spot them!
Full details – Appleby Crafty Ladies Animal Trail
Family Craft – Print your own Tullie postcard
Where: 13 Abbey Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TX
When: 20th & 21st September 2025, 1-4pm
Booking required: no
Summary: be inspired by local landmarks to design and print your own Carlisle postcard.
Full details here – Family Craft – Print your own Tullie postcard
Carlisle Gallery Free Entry
Where: 13 Abbey Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TX
When: 20th & 21st September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: To celebrate Carlisle’s architectural heritage you can get free entry to the new Carlisle Gallery, so visitors can explore the rich local history.
Full details here – Carlisle Gallery Free Entry
Acorn Bank Watermill
Where: Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SP
When: 20th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Come down and see the 19th Century Watermill in action, milling the special “Blacksmith” Black Wheat variety, bred and grown in England, and sample the delicious goodies we can make with it. You can also buy both the Blacksmith, and our normal wholemeal English wheat flour at the mill. You can even have a go at making flour yourself!
Full details here – Acorn Bank Watermill
Dalton Castle
Where: Market Place, Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA15 8AX
When: 20th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: Dalton Castle is one of the oldest properties cared for by the National Trust in the North, with over 650 years of history.
Full details here – Dalton Castle
Family Fun Day 2025
Where: Heron Corn Mill, Mill Lane, Beetham, Milnthorpe, Cumbria, LA7 7PQ
When: 20th September 2025, 11am – 4pm
Booking required: no
Summary: There will be rural crafts, tours of the historic watermill and turbine house over the bridge. Lots to see and do for all.
Full details here – Buildings, Bridges and Beehives!
Neolithic living life in Cumbria
Where: Castlerigg Stone Circle, Castle Lane, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RN
When: 13th September 2025
Booking required: no
Summary: learn more about the lives of the Neolithic people who built Castlerigg Stone Circle. The talks will explore what we know about Neolithic houses, food, farming and tools, and give an opportunity to handle items from Keswick Museum.
Full details here – Neolithic Living – Life in Neolithic Cumbria
Where to next?
Find more great family events this September here – Family events North West September
