Discover West Northamptonshire's history with over 60 free Heritage Open Days activities
27 August 2026
Residents and visitors are invited to explore the stories, places and people that have shaped West Northamptonshire as Heritage Open Days returns from 11 to 20 September 2026.
Organised nationally by the National Trust, the event is England's largest festival of history and culture, offering free access to fascinating attractions, hidden gems, historic buildings and community-led events across the area.
This year's festival theme celebrates the everyday lives of working people, bringing local history to life through a diverse programme of walks, talks, exhibitions, open days and guided tours.
More than 60 attractions and organisations across West Northamptonshire have registered events for this year's festival, including Delapré Abbey, Lamport Hall, Old Black Lion, Sulgrave Manor, 78 Derngate, the Guildhall, Weedon Depot, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Phipps Brewery, Towcester Museum and many more.
Highlights of this year's festival include:
- A celebration of Northamptonshire's world-famous shoe heritage, with heritage bus tours funded with £4,500 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund by West Northamptonshire Council, free audio tours of Northampton's historic boot and shoe quarter from Auda Tours, and additional shoe heritage walking tours.
- A brand-new Amazing Northampton Walk, allowing participants to explore the town centre using the same innovative technology that has made the Amazing Northampton Run so popular.
- An exhibition exploring the history of British Timken in Duston, reflecting this year's focus on the everyday lives and achievements of working people.
- Behind-the-scenes tours at the historic Phipps Brewery in Northampton.
- An event in Middleton Cheney examining Anglo-German relations through local history.
- An open day at the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation in Towcester showcasing the legacy of one of Britain's greatest engineers.
- An exhibition exploring the story of the famous Ashby Cars at Towcester Library.
- Open access to the NN Arts Collective, now based in the former county council building on Guildhall Road.
- A series of heritage-themed activities in Brackley, including a guided 1760 pub crawl exploring the town's historic hostelries.
- The chance to discover the fascinating Rushton Triangular Lodge, the remarkable 16th-century folly built by Sir Thomas Tresham.
- Free heritage bus services operating from Northampton and Daventry during the festival, helping visitors access attractions across the area.
Cllr Kamala Guliyeva, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, said: "Heritage Open Days is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to discover the rich history, culture and stories that make West Northamptonshire such a special place to live and visit.
"This year's programme celebrates the everyday lives of the people who helped shape our communities, while opening the doors to some of our most treasured buildings, attractions and heritage sites. Whether you're revisiting familiar landmarks or discovering somewhere new, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
"I would encourage residents and visitors to take advantage of these fantastic free events and explore the remarkable heritage that surrounds us here in West Northants, plus Discover Northamptonshire all year round and the many attractions to see time and time again."
All registered events are available on the Heritage Open Days and Discover Northamptonshire websites.