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Heritage Open Days 2025 – Where you can visit in and around York for free

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Enjoy the beautiful Goddards garden this summer. Photograph: National Trust / James Beck

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Heritage Open Days is back for 2025 – and here’s a guide to which York attractions you can visit for free.

England’s largest festival of history and culture is taking place from Friday 12 to Sunday 21 September.

The festival aims to bring people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history, and offers the chance to explore hidden places – all for free.

There are over 40 historical locations in and around York taking part this year. Take a look at our guide below!

For more information about Heritage Open Days visit their website here.

Heritage Open Days in York

32 Stonegate – Behind the Scenes Tour

Fabrication Crafts is a Social Enterprise with a shop in Stonegate in York. See the historic fabric of the building behind the shop front. Join me for a walk through 32 Stonegate and I’ll show you the architectural details that reveal more about its past and its inhabitants. Limited to 10 people per tour.

  • 32 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AS
  • Tue 16 Sep
  • 10:30am & 1:30pm
  • Pre-booking preferred
  • No wheelchair access
  • More info

37 Tanner Row: Behind the Scenes with Historic England at a Victorian Railway Hotel

37 Tanner Row, home to Historic England and English Heritage, will open its doors for an exclusive behind-the-scenes of our work. Drop in for a cuppa and chat with our friendly teams or join a talk exploring the history of this former railway hotel.

  • 37 Tanner Row, York, YO1 6WP
  • Wed 17 Sep
  • 11am – 5:30pm
  • Pre-booking preferred (for timed talks)
  • Full wheelchair access
  • More info

All Saints Church, Helmsley

All Saints stands on the market square in picturesque Helmsley. According to the 19th century wall-paintings in the north aisle, a church has been on this site since AD 200. The present building, built on Norman foundations, was dedicated in 1838.

  • Church Street, Helmsley, York YO62 5AD
  • Fri 6 – Sun 15 Sep
  • 9am – 5pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Full wheelchair access
  • More info

Ampleforth Abbey and Ampleforth College

Explore the extraordinary legacies of Robert Thompson and Sir Giles Gilbert Scott at Ampleforth Abbey and Ampleforth College and discover more about the history of this remarkable site, a living place of worship, faith and learning since 1802.

  • Ampleforth Abbey, Ampleforth, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 4EN
  • Sat 20 Sep
  • 10am – 4pm
  • Book on day
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

Apple Picking

A special opportunity to pick your own apples from Ampleforth Abbey’s 200-year-old heritage orchard, home to an astonishing 1,500 apple trees and more than 60 varieties of apple.

  • Ampleforth Abbey Orchard & Cider Mill, Aumit Lane, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 4HA
  • Sat 13 & Sat 20 Sep
  • 11am – 2:30pm
  • Pre-booking preferred
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

Beningbrough

Explore the evolving gardens full of late colour and watch the harvest grow in the walled garden. Discover the story of the estate in the historic rooms on the ground floor and see the latest art exhibition in the first floor galleries.

  • Beningbrough Hall, Beningbrough, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 1DD
  • Fri 12 – Sat 13 Sep
  • 10am – 5pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

Catacomb tours, guided walks and craft fair @ York Cemetery

Join us underground for a peek into the rarely opened Catacombs under the Chapel at York Cemetery. You can also enjoy a short talk and fascinating walk around the Cemetery with an expert guide, refreshments and a craft fair.

  • The Gatehouse, Cemetery Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO10 5AJ
  • Sun 14 Sep
  • 10am – 3pm
  • Pre-booking required
  • No wheelchair access
  • More info

Church of All Saints, Old Byland

All Saints is an ancient church lying just off the picturesque village green of Old Byland. The church dates back to Saxon/Norman times, late 11th and early 12th century. Old Byland is about one mile above Rievaulx Abbey in the North York Moors.

  • Church of All Saints, Village Green, Old Byland, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5LG
  • Fri 12 – Sun 14 Sep
  • 9am – 5pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Full wheelchair access
  • More info

A Place to Connect – Church of the Holy Redeemer, York

Our Grade II listed church, will be open for guided tours, self-led trails and children’s activities, relating to our rich heritage. On Wednesday a Community Cafe in the church hall will provide lunches and light refreshments.

  • 108 Boroughbridge Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 6AB
  • Sun 14, Wed 17 & Sun 21 Sep
  • 11am – 3pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Full wheelchair access
  • More info

Church of Saint Chad, Sproxton

This little church, allegedly the smallest in Yorkshire, has nine pews. Built in the 1640s in a field a mile away, in 1879 was moved and rebuilt stone by stone by George Gilbert Scott Jnr and Temple Moore, keeping its original unusual square shape.

  • Low Street, Sproxton, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5EE
  • Fri 12 – Sun 14 Sep
  • 9am – 5pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • No wheelchair access
  • More info

Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, East Moors

A hidden gem of a church -near a red telephone box, along a grassy track and behind a copse of trees! Built in 1882 by Temple Moore. Sir John Betjeman wrote a poem about it – the only church in the Diocese of York to receive this distinction.

  • Cowhouse Bank, East Moors, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5HJ
  • Fri 12 – Sun 14 Sep
  • 9am – 5pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Rievaulx

This church, formed from the ruins of the Abbey’s slipper chapel, serves those who live in the hamlet of Rievaulx, next to the world-famous Rievaulx Abbey. It was rebuilt by Temple Moore in 1906-07 with his trademark painted wagon roof and tower.

  • Rievaulx Bank, Rievaulx, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5LB
  • Fri 12 – Sun 14 Sep
  • 9am – 5pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • No wheelchair access
  • More info

Church of St John the Evangelist, Bilsdale

St John’s Church lies in the heart of panoramic Bilsdale – the most westerly of the steep sided dales of the North York Moors. It is a listed building designed by the well-known 19th century architect Temple Moore and was consecrated in 1896.

  • Church of St John the Evangelist, B1257, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5LG
  • Fri 12 – Sun 14 Sep
  • 9am – 5pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Full wheelchair access
  • More info

Church of St Mary, Scawton

The church was built in 1146 by the cistercian monks who later built Byland Abbey, and is structurally unchanged. It lies in the attractive hamlet of Scawton in idyllic Upper Ryedale. St Mary’s is Grade I listed, and has many historical features.

  • Church of St Mary, Main Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5LG
  • Fri 12 – Sun 14 Sep
  • 10am – 3pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Full wheelchair access
  • More info

CWGC Tours 2025 – Fulford Cemetery

Join the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for a free tour of Fulford Cemetery.

  • Fordlands Road, Fulford, York, North Yorkshire, YO19 4QG
  • Sat 13 Sep
  • 11am
  • Pre-booking required
  • No wheelchair access
  • More info

Ellerton Priory church, churchyard and landscape

Beautiful ancient and C19 church and lovely churchyard on a mediaeval monastic site, surrounded by a landscape of major ecological importance. Significant stained glass, modern craftsmanship, fascinating talks and truly great cakes!

  • Priory Church of St Mary and St Lawrence, Main Street, Ellerton, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO42 4PD
  • Sun 14 Sep
  • 10am – 5pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

Exhibition: Architectural Inspirations from The Quilt Collection

Architectural Inspirations explores a selection of quilts and textile art from The Quilt Collection, that feature design elements and inspirations from architecture across Britain.

  • St. Anthonys Hall, Peasholme Green, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7PW
  • Mon 15 – Sat 20 Sep
  • 10am – 4pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Full wheelchair access
  • More info

From Dig to Display: Unearthing York’s Past

Step behind-the-scenes at Barley Hall and explore York’s past through Archaeology. Celebrate 50 years of the Friends of York Archaeological Trust with expert-led tours, hands-on activities, and a closer look at historic artefacts.

  • 2 Coffee Yard, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8AR
  • Sun 21 Sep
  • 10am – 5pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

From the Irish Famine to the City Walls of York (Fishergate Postern Tower)

To the accompaniment of traditional Irish folk music, see a display of historic maps and census records showing the arrival of Irish immigrants fleeing the Great Hunger in the 1840s and coming to settle by the walls of York in Walmgate.

  • Fishergate Postern Tower, Piccadilly, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9AF
  • Sat 13 & Sat 20 Sep
  • 10am – 4pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • No wheelchair access
  • More info

Gallipoli Campaign Talk with John Wilson

Join us for an engaging discussion with John Wilson as he delves into the intricacies of the Gallipoli Campaign. Discover the untold stories and historical insights behind this pivotal moment in history.

  • Regimental Museum, 3 Tower Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9SB
  • Sat 13 Sep
  • 4-5pm
  • Pre-booking required
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

Goddards

Explore this secret garden on the outskirts of York overlooking the racecourse, once home to the Terry family, of Chocolate Orange fame.

  • Goddards, 27 Tadcaster Road, Dringhouses, York, North Yorkshire, YO24 1GG
  • Sat 13 – Sun 14 & Sat 20 – Sun 21 Sep
  • 11am – 4pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

Helmsley Methodist Church

The exact origins of Helmsley Methodism are not recorded. However, there existed a Helmsley Primitive Chapel, a former Quaker Friends Meeting on Bridge Street, for members in 1844. The current grand building’s cornerstone was laid on 1 January 1901.

  • Ashdale Road, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5DD
  • Fri 12 – Sun 14 Sep
  • 9am – 5pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

Howsham Mill

Discover the hidden gem that is Howsham Mill. Situated on a small island in the Yorkshire River Derwent, is the restored 18th century watermill. 

  • Howsham Mill, Howsham, Howsham Hall Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO60 7PA
  • Sun 21 Sep
  • 10:30am – 5pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

Little Ouseburn Church and Mausoleum

Explore this beautiful church and mausoleum with guided tours and information explaining the history and architecture since Anglo Saxon times.

  • Holy Trinity Church, Church Lane, Little Ouseburn, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 9SH
  • Sun 21 Sep
  • 11:30am – 5pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

Making sense(s): Sensory Tour of Holy Trinity Goodramgate York

Join a tour designed to appeal to the senses and experience Holy Trinity Goodramgate York in a whole new way.

  • Holy Trinity Church, 70 Goodramgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LF
  • Fri 19 – Sat 20 Sep
  • 11:30am & 2pm
  • Pre-booking required
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

Nunnington Hall

Discover 500 years of history at Nunnington Hall across three free entry days. With a range of talks, tours and have-a-go activities, you can get a glimpse behind the curtain at how the National Trust continues to care for historic homes and gardens.

  • Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5UY
  • Fri 12 – Sun 14 Sep
  • 10:30am – 5pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

Poppleton Community Railway Nursery

Heritage tours of vintage greenhouses and buildings, tea, coffee and homemade cakes, demonstration narrow gauge railway running (weather permitting), model railway, railway relics, bric-a-brac, book and craft stalls.

  • The Nursery, Station Road, Upper Poppleton, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 6QA
  • Sat 13 Sep
  • 10am – 4pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

Rievaulx Methodist Church

Rievaulx Methodist Church lies in a beautiful valley landscape in the pretty village of Rievaulx on the banks of the River Rye. The building was opened on Whit Monday 21 May 1877. It serves the villages of Upper Ryedale and the surrounding farms.

  • Rievaulx Bank, Rievaulx, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5LB
  • Sat 13 Sep
  • 9am – 5pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Full wheelchair access
  • More info

Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail – a 3 or 4 day architectural adventure

This 41-mile architectural trail runs through the hills and dales of the North York Moors connecting the architectural, cultural, and religious treasures that are the listed historical churches in Helmsley and Upper Ryedale and Rievaulx Abbey.

  • All Saints Church, Church Street, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5AD
  • Available anytime
  • Available anytime
  • Pre-booking not required
  • No wheelchair access
  • More info

Scrayingham Church architecture

Exploration of the long architectural history of Scrayingham church. Scrayingham church will be taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Day Festival to share with visitors the story of its Saxon origins, its development in Medieval times and its extensive refurbishment during the nineteenth century, when York’s famous railway architect, George Townsend Andrews, designed a new south extension to the nave. 

  • Scrayingham Church, Main Street, Scrayingham, York, North Yorkshire, YO41 1JD
  • Sat 20 Sep
  • 10:30am – 4pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Full wheelchair access
  • More info

Skipwith Church

St. Helen’s church has national significance for the historical, aesthetic, archaeological and evidential value of this Grade I listed building, the main features being the Anglo-Saxon tower with Recess and Ragnarok stone and Medieval Cross.

  • St Helen’s Church, Main Street, Skipwith, Selby, North Yorkshire, YO8 5SQ
  • Sat 13 Sep
  • 10am – 4pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

St Andrew’s Church, Aldborough, Nr. Boroughbridge

As part of the Yorkshire Historic Churches Open Day, St Andrew’s is opening its doors to visitors. Set in the Roman Forum of Isurium Brigantum, the church has a fascinating history. Let our guides show you around, then enjoy some refreshments.

  • Low Road, Aldborough, Boroughbridge, York, North Yorkshire, YO51 9ER
  • Thu 18 Sep
  • 10:30am – 4pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • More info

St Columba’s York URC

Visit this magnificent church, built to hold 700 people in the late 1800s. The three stained glass windows overlooking the balcony and the 1908 Lewis Organ are only two of its notable features. There is a short “treasure hunt” for children.

  • Priory Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6EX
  • Sat 13 Sep
  • 10am – 4pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Full wheelchair access
  • More info

St Mary’s Tadcaster Bellringing Open Day

The Ringers at St Mary’s Tadcaster will be holding a bell tower open day. Everyone is welcome to come up the bell tower, see the bells in action and have a go.

  • St Mary’s Church, Kirkgate, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, LS24 9BL
  • Sat 20 Sep
  • 10am – 12pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • No wheelchair access
  • More info

Stone and Story: The Architecture of Bedern Hall

Discover how the walls of this 14th-century hall tell the story of York’s history. During Heritage Open Days, enjoy additional interpretation highlighting the building’s medieval architecture and how it has changed over time.

  • Bedern Hall, Bartle Garth, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7AL
  • Wed 17 – Thu 18 Sep
  • 11am – 3pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • Full wheelchair access
  • More info

Stonegate Behind The Shop Fronts

See the hidden parts of some of the shops on Stonegate and hear their stories. Come and look as we explore Stonegate in York, how it got its name and how it developed into the street we know today. Fabrication Crafts has recently received funding to set up a Trade Association on Stonegate and a number of shops on the street are taking part in this event, researching their building history and building timelines. The event will be a visual walking trail with documentation around the street, running throughout the festival.

  • Stonegate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8AS
  • Available anytime
  • Available anytime
  • Pre-booking not required
  • No wheelchair access
  • More info

Was Guy Fawkes Really Born on Stonegate York?

Was Guy fawkes Really Born on Stonegate? Join Fabrication Crafts as they research the previous residents of their building. Helping them to try and find out once and for all if York’s most infamous resident was really born in a house on the site of 32 Stonegate.

  • 32 Stonegate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8AS
  • Sat 20 Sep
  • All day
  • Pre-booking not required
  • No wheelchair access
  • More info

Yorkshire Churches Day Ride and Stride Gathering Architectural Trail on the Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail

The SAPT’s Gathering Architectural Trail takes place on Saturday 13 September 2025 starting at 0830 at the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, East Moors and passes through picturesque countryside to finish at 1600 in the Church of All Saints, Helmsley.

  • Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, East Moors, Cowhouse Bank, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5HJ
  • Sat 13 Sep
  • 8:30am – 5pm
  • Pre-booking not required
  • No wheelchair access
  • More info

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