Preston Heritage Open Days
Preston Heritage Open Days returns to Preston for 2024, giving you the opportunity to explore Preston's historic buildings and places.
Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations.
Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences - and it's all FREE.
This year's free festival runs from Friday 6 - Sunday 15 September 2024.
Plan your Heritage Open Days Adventure
There's so much to see! Take a look at all these free events. Visit Heritage Open Days - Preston for more event information, any late changes, and details on access, facilities, and booking on tours.
SHOP Preston x New Wave 2024
7, 14 September: SHOP Preston to host open day at No. 3 Syke Street.
Jeremiah Horrocks Observatory
7, 8, 14, 15 September: Take a look inside Moor Park's historic observatory
Lancashire Conservation Studios and Museum Collections
11, 15 September: Behind the scenes at the museum - Meet the curators and conservators who look after Lancashire's heritage.
University of Central Lancashire Tunnels to Rooftops Campus Tour
10, 12 September: Join an historical tour of UCLan's Preston campus finishing with panoramic views from the rooftop terrace of the new Student Centre.
University of Central Lancashire Library and Special Collections
10, 12 September: Come and explore artefacts and records from UCLan's Special Collections.
Bleasdale - From the Past until the Present
13 September: A guided local history trail, which follows various tracks and paths in the parish of Bleasdale
Preston Markets Heritage Walk
14 September: Discover the ever-evolving history of Preston's markets - including the Market Hall and Box Market.
Preston Town Hall
14 September: Visit the council Chamber, see the splendid Civic regalia, and meet the Mayor.
County Hall talks and Christ Church chapel visits
14 September: An exclusive journey through the history and architecture of County Hall and Christ Church chapel
Dobcroft Nature Reserve
14 September: Explore the intricate routes, networks, and connections that make up our natural world during this Nature-Based Open Day.
Networks, Routes and Connections with Lancashire Archives
14 September: Join in for Heritage Open Days at Lancashire Archives and Local History.
Heritage Afternoon at Bleasdale Parish Hall
15 September: A chance to visit Bleasdale Parish Hall and its Heritage Room
Preston Cleansing Department
15 September: Discover the fascinating history of dealing with Preston's rubbish on the site of an early 'manure depot' built in the 1880's.
Find out about Quakers
14 September: Take a tour of a local Quaker meeting house built in 1829