The UK’s largest festival of history and culture has returned, and there’s thousands of free events on the lineup.
Always proving to be a smash-hit success, both here in Greater Manchester and nationwide, over the last 30 years, the National Trust‘s Heritage Open Days are back by popular demand for the next couple of weeks.
This means loads of the UK’s top attractions will be open to visit for free from this autumn.
Heritage Open Days are run by thousands of local organisations and volunteers, and they’re all about bringing people together to celebrate their culture, community, and history.
From historic houses, factories, and museums, to music halls, formal gardens, and graveyards, countless of places and spaces across the country will be open to the public again this month, all without having to spend a penny.
ADVERTISEMENT
Heritage Open Days’ is back by popular demand this autumn / Credit: Paul Harris (via HODs)
This year sees the biggest programme yet in the festival’s 31-year history, with more than 5,800 events – including some at a wide range of places that usually charge entry fees, and access to many locations that aren’t usually open to the public.
You can expect workshops, talks, hidden spaces, walks, family-friendly activities, and so much more, so no matter whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone.
ADVERTISEMENT
This year’s theme is architecture, and that means there’s plenty of chances to nosy around beautiful buildings and places not usually open to the public.
Loads of the UK’s best culture and heritage sites will be open to visit for free / Credit: Paul Harris (via HODs)
Visitors can explore the hidden chapels of Canterbury Cathedral, climb the striking Tower of Spite in Halifax, get lost in the hard-to-reach spaces of Forester Hall with a VR headset in Liskeard, or even step inside the grand Banqueting House at Gibside.
Up here in Greater Manchester, whether it be the glamour of the Stockport Plaza Super Cinema, or the serene surroundings of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Oldham, the festival offers a rare opportunity to uncover the stories behind England’s most fascinating spaces.
“2025 is set to offer the most ambitious and wide-reaching Heritage Open Days programme yet, and it’s brimming with great things to do,” said Liam Montgomery, HODs Marketing & Projects Manager.
“Whether it’s well-known landmarks and hidden architectural gems or community-led talks and immersive experiences, the sheer diversity of places and stories on offer is extraordinary.”
Heritage Open Days will be running from 12-21 September this year, and you can find out more about this brilliant UK-wide event here.
Featured Image – Paul Harris (via HODs)
What's On
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
You can now have dinner in the actual dressing rooms at Co-op Live
Daisy Jackson
Co-op Live has now launched exclusive backstage dining experiences – which means you could be having dinner inside the very dressing rooms that have hosted music megastars.
These new groundbreaking new Backstage Private Dining experiences feature menus curated by Simon Rimmer.
This will be the first time that the arena’s most exclusive artist areas have been open to guests.
There’ll be 10 selected dates from May 2026, where ticket-holders can eat dinner in dressing rooms that were previously occupied by the likes of Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen.
Guests will be able to choose from several packages, from intimate receptions and private three-course dinners inside the dressing rooms, to lavish extras like a Bentley chauffeur-driven arrival, live entertainment, and extended backstage access.
The most premium package will also offer access to Co-op Live’s adidas Originals recording studio.
Proceeds from the Backstage Private Dining will go towards supporting Co-op Live’s official charity partner, the Co-op Foundation, which tackles inequality and supports communities across the UK.
Chef Simon Rimmer commented: “Having worked with Co-op Live for some time, it’s incredibly exciting to now be involved with this unique series of Backstage Private Dining.
“It’s a rare opportunity to further combine the world-class music venue with exceptional food, and I can’t wait to showcase how these experiences can come to life together, creating truly unforgettable evenings for our guests.”
Becci Thomson, Chief Commercial Officer at Co-op Live, said: “From day one, our ambition has been to challenge expectations of what an arena can deliver, and we’re now delighted to introduce a new dimension of premium hospitality at Co-op Live.
“This collaboration unlocks new creative potential within the venue, offering experiences that have not previously been possible. It reflects our commitment to innovation and meaningful impact within the communities we support.”
Designed and delivered in partnership with Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), Founder and CEO Liz Taylor said: “Opportunities like this are rare. Co-op Live is a venue built for scale, spectacle and ambition — and that’s exactly how we are approaching these events.
“Whether it’s an intimate milestone celebration or a brand hosting at the highest level, these will be immersive, one-night-only experiences designed to deliver real impact. We are proud to have been chosen to help shape this next chapter, bringing creativity, precision and bold thinking to a space that demands nothing less.”
Emily Sergeant -
12th September 2025 
