There’s plenty around the region with a wealth of unique, historic venues to see
More than 100 free Heritage Open Days will be on offer around the East Riding next month including places that are usually closed to the public. There will be plenty to see and do at venues around the area between Friday, September 12 and Sunday, September 21.
Beverley and District Civic Society has put together a comprehensive 44-page programme featuring venues and events in Beverley, Bridlington, Cottingham, Goole, Hornsea, Howden, Swanland, and other East Riding villages such as Aike, Bishop Burton, Etton, Holme on Spalding Moor, Pocklington, Rudston, Skirlaugh, and Whitgift.
All venues and events are free of charge, with the brochure supported by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Visit East Yorkshire, Beverley Town Council, the Yorkshire Wolds Heritage Trust, the Georgian Society of East Yorkshire, and the Beverley Civic Society.
A number of familiar spots in Beverley, typically closed to the public, will be open, including Norwood House, Beverley Friary – which was a hit last year – and number 2 Highgate, the home of Mary Wollstonecraft which proved very popular in 2024. This year, the former Beverley Savings Bank, in Lairgate, and Newbegin House, in Newbegin, have been added too. For those interested in the Second World War, guided tours of the anti-aircraft battery on Butt Farm will be available.
Many events have been fully booked in the past, so it’s advised to reserve your spot ahead of time, with booking details provided in the brochure. If you need a breather from venue hopping, drop by the Secret Garden off Minster Moorgate, which will be open on both weekends.
Meanwhile, Barges on the Beck is set to offer visits to the recently-refurbished Syntan barge once again. St Mary’s Church has a host of activities lined up too, including a talk on the recent archaeological digs on the north side and a stained glass workshop.
For those keen to learn more about Beverley, a brief yet informative walk along Highgate is planned, led by Colin Bradshaw, while Ian Richardson will lead a walk highlighting some often overlooked features in the town. The two churches in Tickton, as well as those in Rudston, Holme on Spalding Moor and the Skirlaugh group of seven churches – which can be visited by cycle in one day – will be open to visitors.
Hornsea Civic Society has organised walks around the town, arranged to open Bettison’s Folly, and the Inshore Rescue station will welcome visitors and explain their activities. Walking tours and talks are planned in Goole and Howden with churches opening to visitors in Goole, Whitgift and Birkin.
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Heritage Open Days is an important programme for our area and we are delighted to have an amazing offer for residents and visitors to access. With so many unique venues across East Yorkshire, it is always a hugely popular event, and a great chance to learn about local history and culture.”
The brochure also outlines 32 events in and around Bridlington, including six hands-on activities aimed at families with children. This free brochure, providing full details of all these events, will be available from local libraries, churches, cafes and hotels from early August.
You can also find information on the upcoming heritage events by searching on the website.