Heritage Open Days Essex – During select days in September there are Heritage Open days which includes FREE entry to some amazing Essex attractions.
During 2025, the Heritage Open Days are between 12th and 21st September.
Heritage Open Days are England’s largest festival of culture and history. Discover something new with thousands of locations across England opening up their doors to visitors.
This year Essex has over 100 places to visit for FREE, for further information about each place taking part you can check out Heritage Open Days website and search for Essex.
If you like the sound of an event, type its name into the Heritage Open Days website for further details.
Essex Heritage Open Days 2025
Chelmsford Open Days
A Monumental Controversy: To Whom do the Dead Belong? Talk
Location : Paych Places, 5-6 Grayes Yard, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6QR
Dates : 12th September 2025
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Buildings of Chelmsford Walk
Location : 225-226 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0LR
Dates : 12th September 2025
Architecture Photograph Competition Exhibition
Location : High Chelmer Shopping Centre, Exchange Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1XB
Dates : 12th – 21st September 2025
After the Partition After the Partition: A Shared Cultural Heritage in Essex Exhibition
Location : The Meadows shopping centre, The High Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1XB
Dates : 12th – 21st September 2025
Springfield Lyons Bronze Age Enclosure Tours
Location : North-East of Chelmer Village Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 5AR
Dates : 12th/13th/20th & 21st September 2025
1950s Day – Tindal Square
Location : Outside Shire Hall, Tindal Square, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1EH
Dates : 13th September 2025
All Saints Church, East Hanningfield: 140th Anniversary Open Day
Location : All Saints Church, The Tye, East Hanningfield, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8XA
Dates : 13th September 2025
Chelmsford Cathedral
Location : Chelmsford Cathedral, New Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1NX
Dates : 13th September 2025
St John’s Church Open Day
Location : Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0JD
Dates : 13th September 2025
St Mary’s Parish Church Open Day
Location : Church Green, Broomfield, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 7B
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Shire Hall Tours
Location : Shire Hall, Tindal Square, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1EH
Dates : 14th September 2025
Chelmsford History Rock Snake
Location : Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9AQ
Dates : 14th & 21st September 2025
Deep History in Church Walls Talk
Location : Patch Places, 5-6 Grays Yard, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6QR
Dates : 15th September 2025
The Chelmsford Club – Staplegrove Tours
Location : 108 New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0RG
Dates : 15th September 2025
“The Chelmsford Streets that lost their character” an Illustrated talk by Alan Pamphilon
Location : The Common, Galleywood, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8TR
Dates : 16th September 2025
Galleywood Common Walk
Location : Galleywood Heritage Centre, The Common, Galleywood, Chelmsford, CM2 8TR
Dates : 16th September 2025
Prison Escapes Talk
Location : Patch Places 5-6 Grays Brewery Yard, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6QR
Dates : 16th September 2025
Essex Record Office Introduction Talk and Display
Location : Patch Places, 5-6 Grays Brewery Yard, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6QR
Dates : 17th September 2025
The sometimes secret history of Chelmsford Prison Walk
Location : 233 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6JT
Dates : 18th September 2025
Tour of Galleywood Heritage Centre and its archives
Location : The Common, Galleywood, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8TR
Dates : 18th September 2025
What does it mean to belong?
Location : Patch, 5-6 Grays Yard, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6QR
Dates : 18th September 2025
Chelmsford in the Second World War Talk
Location : Patch Places, 5-6 Grays Yard, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6QR
Dates : 19th September 2025
Chelmsford’s Dark Witch History Walk
Location : Bellmead, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1LE
Dates : 19th September 2025
Galleywood Village Walking Tour
Location : Galleywood Library, Watchouse Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8PU
Dates : 20th September 2025
Maldon Days Out
Stone Storytelling
Location : St Peter’s Tower, Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4PZ
Dates : 12th and 13th September 2025
Exhibition – From Park Keeper’s Lodge to Museum
Location : 47 Mill Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HX
Dates : 12th/13th/14th/19th/20th & 21st September 2025
Stone Storytelling
Location : St Peter’s Tower, Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4PZ
Dates : 12th/13th/16th/17th/18th/19th & 20th September 2025
Big Battlefield Walks Weekends – Battle of Maldon 991
Location : The Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JG
Dates : 13th September 2025
The Moot Hall Maldon
Location : The Moot Hall, 41 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PF
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Beeleigh Water and Steam Mill
Location : Abbey Turning, Old London Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6LL
Dates : 13th/14th & 21st September 2025
Thomas Plume’s Library presents an exhibition of books about Architecture
Location : Thomas Plume’s Library, Plume Building, Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4PZ
Dates : 13th September 2025
Women in the life of Steam Tug Brent
Location : The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN
Dates : 13th September 2025
The Moot Hall Maldon
Location : 41 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PF
Dates : 13th and 14th September 2025
Maldon & Heybridge Heritage Harbour – series of talks, raising the hoist and guided tours onboard Historic Steam Tug Brent
Location : The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Museum of Power Heritage Weekend
Location : Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QA
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Quaker Meeting Houses and architecture through the ages
Location : Butt Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HD
Dates : 13th/14th/20th & 21st September 2025
The Origins of Maldon: An archaeological talk by Maria Medlycott
Location : Maldon Library, Carmelite House, White Horse Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5FW
Dates : 18th September 2025
Colchester Days Out
Roman Circus Visitor Centre
Location : Roman Circus Walk, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7GZ
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Gresley Madan Collection: An Introduction
Location : Giffords Hall, Giffords Hall Park, Stoke By Nayland, Colchester, Essex, CO6 4SZ
Dates : 12th & 13th September 2025
St Peter’s Church
Location : St Peter’s Church, North Hill, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1DZ
Dates : 12th/13th14th/19th/20th & 21st September 2025
St Stephen’s Church, Great Wigborough
Location : St Stephen’s Church, Church Lane, Great Wigborough, Colchester, CO5 7RL
Dates : 13th September 2025
Step into History: Discover Special Collections at the University of Essex
Location : Albert Sloman Library, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ
Dates : 13th September 2025
Temple Cox Museum & Library
Location : Cuckoo Farm, Boxted Road, Mile End, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5HH
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
The Nottage, Wivenhoe
Location : The Nottage Maritime Institute, The Quay, Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO7 9BX
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Colchester Castle Museum
Location : Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ
Dates : 13th September 2025
Colchester High School
Location : Wellesley Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3HD
Dates : 13th September 2025
Earls Colne Quaker Meeting House
Location : Quaker Meeting House, 4 Burrows Road, Earls Colne, Colchester, CO6 2RZ
Dates : 13th September 2025
Hollytrees Museum
Location : Hollytrees Museum, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG
Dates : 13th September 2025
SPACE Colchester
Location : 37 Queen Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2PQ
Dates : 13th September 2025
St James the Great Church
Location : St James the Great Church, East Hill, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2QL
Dates : 13th September 2025
St James the Less and St Helen’s Church, Colchester
Location : 51 Priory Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2QB
Dates : 13th September 2025
St John’s Green Primary School
Location : St. Johns Green, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7HE
Dates : 13th September 2025
St John’s Orthodox Church (former Garrison Church)
Location : St John’s Orthodox Church, Military Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2AN
Dates : 13th September 2025
Town to Sea Trail
Location : War Memorial, Cowdray Crescent, Off High St, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ
Dates : 13th September 2025
Walking the Walls Guided Wall
Location : War Memorial, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG
Dates : 13th September 2025
St John’s Abbey Gate Open House
Location : St John’s Abbey Green, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EZ
Dates : 13th & 20th September 2025
Threads of Refuge: Peake’s House Open Days
Location : 30 East Stockwell Street, St. Augustines Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1ST
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
WWII Airfield Architecture
Location : Boxted Airfield Museum, Langham Lane, Langham, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5NW
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
7 Queen Street Colchester – One of the city’s most interesting buildings.
Location : The Queen Street Brewhouse, 7 Queen Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2PG
Dates : 13th/14th/20th & 21st September 2025
St Botolph’s Church and Priory
Location : Priory Street, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EE
Dates : 13th/14th/17th/20th & 21st September 2025
Cuckoo Farm Studios
Location : Cuckoo Farm, Boxted Road, Mile End, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5HH
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Mersea Roman Barrow
Location : Barrow Barn, 7A East Mersea Road, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8SL
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Wivenhoe Chapel Museum
Location : New Cemetery, Belle View Road, Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO7 9EH
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
St Leonard-at-the-Hythe Church
Location : Hythe Hill, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2NP
Dates : 13th & 20th September 2025
St Mary’s Church, Wivenhoe
Location : Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, High Street, Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex CO7 9BD
Dates : 13th/14th and 21st September 2025
Roman Theatre
Location : Maidenburgh Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1U
Dates : 13th/14th/20th & 21st September 2025
Cannock Mill
Location : Cannock Mill, Old Heath Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8AA
Dates : 14th September 2025
Colchester Siege Walk
Location : War Memorial, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ
Dates : 14th September 2025
Headgate Theatre
Location : 14 Chapel Street North, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7AT
Dates : 14th September 2025
Roman Walk
Location : Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PT
Dates : 14th September 2025
St Giles Masonic Centre
Location : St John’s Green, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EZ
Dates : 14th & 21st September 2025
Grey Friars (now Greyfriars Luxury Hotel and Restaurant)
Location : Greyfriars Luxury Hotel and Restaurant, High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UG
Dates : 14th & 21st September 2025
The Munnings Art Museum
Location : Castle Hill, Dedham, Colchester, Essex, CO7 6AZ
Dates : 15th September 2025
Garrison Walk
Location : Roman Circus Centre, Roman Circus Walk, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7GZ
Dates : 17th September 2025
Lost (and Found) Theatres of Colchester
Location : Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH
Dates : 17th September 2025
St Mary-at-the-Walls Church (Colchester Arts Centre)
Location : Church Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1NF
Dates : 17th September 2025
Colchester Baptist Church
Location : Eld Lane, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1LS
Dates : 19th September 2025
Mercury Theatre
Location : Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PT
Dates : 19th September 2025
Mercury Theatre Tours
Location : Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PT
Dates : 19th September 2025
Audley Chapel
Location : Berechurch Hall Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 9NU
Dates : 20th September 2025
Colchester Town Hall
Location : High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1FR
Dates : 20th September 2025
Holy Trinity Church
Location : Trinity Square, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JN
Dates : 20th September 2025
Jumbo Water Tower
Location : Balkerne Gardens, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PT
Dates : 20th September 2025
Quaker Meeting House
Location : 6 Church Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1NF
Dates : 20th September 2025
St Helen’s Chapel
Location : St Helen’s Lane, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UR
Dates : 20th & 21st September 2025
St Martin’s Church, Colchester
Location : West Stockwell Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1HN
Dates : 20th & 21st September 2025
‘Meet and Play the Moot Hall Organ’ at Colchester Town Hall
Location : Town Hall, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PJ
Dates : 20th September 2025
Colchester Cemetery
Location : Mersea Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8RU
Dates : 21st September 2025
Gosbecks Archaeological Park
Location : Gosbecks Archaeological Park, Maldon Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 4RN
Dates : 21st September 2025
Gray’s Summer House
Location : Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ
Dates : 21st September 2025
North Primary School
Location : John Harper Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1RP
Dates : 21st September 2025
The Minories – Folded Histories
Location : 74 High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UE
Dates : 21st September 2025
Harlow Days Out
Explore & Discover: Open House at St. Mary’s Church Old Harlow
Location : Churchgate Street, Harlow, Essex, CM17 0JT
Dates : 13th September 2025
Catherine’s Farmhouse, Great Parndon
Location : Catherine’s Farmhouse, Peldon Road, Harlow, Essex, CM19 4HT
Dates : 13th September 2025
Great Parndon School, Harlow
Location : The Old School, Peldon Rd, Harlow, Essex, CM19 4HT
Dates : 13th September 2025
St Mary’s Church, Great Parndon, Harlow
Location : St Mary’s Church, Peldon Road, Great Parndon, Harlow, Essex, CM19 4HT
Dates : 13th September 2025
Parndon Hall
Location : Parndon Hall, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Hamstel Road, Harlow, CM20 1QX
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
St Mary’s Little Parndon Harvest Weekend
Location : St Mary’s Little Parndon Church, Parndon Mill Lane, (off Elizabeth Way), Harlow, Essex, CM20 2JB
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
The Gibberd Garden
Location : The House, Marsh Lane, Harlow, Essex, CM17 0NA
Dates : 14th September 2025
Our Lady of Fatima
Location : Our Lady of Fatima Church, Howard Way, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2NS
Dates : 15th September 2025
A Harlow Walk
Location : Great Parndon Community Cente, Abercrombie Way, Harlow, Essex, CM18 6YJ
Dates : 17th September 2025
St Johns Arts & Recreation Centre
Location : St John’s Arts and Recreation Centre, St Johns Walk, Market Street, Old Harlow, Essex, CM17 0AJ
Dates : 18th September 2025
Harlowbury Chapel
Location : Harlowbury Manor, Old Road, Harlow, Essex, CM17 0HE
Dates : 19th September 2025
Reconstructing an 18th Century Estate
Location : Muskham Road, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2LF
Dates : 20th September 2025
Private View: Touch Point – The Graham Collection Re-presented
Location : Gibberd Gallery, Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1WG
Dates : 20th September 2025
Reconstructing an 18th Century Estate
Location : Muskham Road, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2LF
Dates : 20th September 2025
180 Bishopsfield, Harlow
Location : 180 Bishopsfield, Harlow, Essex, CM18 6UT
Dates : 21st September 2025
Saffron Walden Days Out
Abbey Lane Chapel
Location : Abbey Lane, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1AG
Dates : 12th September 2025
Ukrainian Traditions Family Festival
Location : Saffron Walden Museum, Museum Street, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1BN
Dates : 13th September 2025
Braintree Days Out
Assembly Bangers at All Saints Cressing
Location : All Saints Parish Church, Church Road, Cressing, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8PQ
Dates : 13th September 2025
Warner Textile Archive: From Braintree to Buckingham Palace
Location : Silks Way, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3GB
Dates : 13th & 20th September 2025
Braintree Museum – Braintree, Buildings and Beyond
Location : Manor Street, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3HW
Dates : 13th & 20th September 2025
All Saints’ Church, Stisted
Location : All Saints’ Church, Church Walk, Stisted, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8AW
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Holy Trinity Church, Bradwell – Braintree
Location : Holy Trinity Church, Church Road, Bradwell, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8EP
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Harwich Days Out
Christopher Jones House
Location : Christopher Jones House, 21, Kings Head Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3EE
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Foresters
Location : Foresters, 5 Church Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DR
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Harwich Guildhall
Location : Guildhall, 11 Church Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DS
Dates : 13th September 2025
Harwich Lifeboat Museum
Location : Harwich Lifeboat Museum, Angelgate, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3EJ
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Harwich Maritime Museum
Location : Harwich Maritime Museum, The Green, Harbour Crescent, Harwich, CO12 3NL
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Harwich Museum
Location : Anglia House, Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3FN
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Harwich Redoubt
Location : Redoubt Fort, Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3LT
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Harwich Visitor Information Centre
Location : The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Treadwheel Crane
Location : Treadwheel Crane, Harwich Green, St. Helen’s Green, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3EJ
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
High Lighthouse
Location : High Lighthouse, West Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DQ
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Historic Harwich Walk
Location : Visitor Information Centre, The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
RDF Radar Tower
Location : Barrack Lane, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3NP
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
The Electric Palace
Location : Electric Palace (Harwich) Ltd, Kings Quay Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3ER
Dates : 13th/14th/16th/17th/18th/19th & 20th September 2025
Bobbit’s Hole Nature Reserve
Location : Bobbit’s Hole Nature Reserve, rear of Asda Superstore, Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HJ
Dates : 14th September 2025
Sudbury Days Out
Borley Village Hall
Location : School Road (also known as Hall Road), Borley, Sudbury, Essex, CO10 7AB
Dates : 13th September 2025
East Anglian Churches: A Love Affair – an exhibition of atmospheric images by photographer Michael Cant at Borley Church
Location : Borley Church, Hall Road, Borley, Sudbury, Essex, CO10 7AE
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Borley Church: Bricks and Stones
Location : Borley Church, School Road, Borley, Sudbury, Essex, CO10 7AE
Dates : 20th and 21st September 2025
Halstead Days Out
Colne Valley Postal History Museum
Location : 109 Head Street, Halstead, Essex, CO9 2AZ
Dates : 13th September 2025
Manningtree Days Out
Mistley Towers
Location : The Walls, Mistley, Essex, CO11 1HB
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Rayleigh Days Out
Rayleigh Windmill
Location : Rayleigh Windmill, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7ED
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Brentwood Days Out
St Mary the Virgin, Great Warley
Location : St Mary the Virgin Church, Great Warley Street, Great Warley, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3JP
Dates : 13th & 14th September 2025
Witham Days Out
A lecture entitled ‘Modern Architecture & the Press’
Location : Broadway, Silver End, Witham, Essex, CM8 3RQ
Dates : 14th September 2025
Silver End Garden Village Walk
Location : Silver End Village Hall, Silver End, Broadway, Witham, Essex, CM8 3RQ
Dates : 14th September 2025
Silver End Heritage Centre
Location : Silver End Village Hall, Broadway, Silver End, Witham, Essex, CM8 3RQ
Dates : 14th September 2025
Southend Days Out
Prittlewell Princely Burial Tour
Location : Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6EW
Dates : 18th September 2025
Prittlewell Priory Tour
Location : Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6NB
Dates : 20th September 2025
St Marys Church Prittlewell
Location : St. Mary’s Church, East Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6LQ
Dates : 20th September 2025
The London Shipwreck: Her Final Voyage
Location : Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6EW
Dates : 20th & 21st September 2025
Ongar Days Out
Gargoyles to Gables, Honeycomb to Spider’s Silk at Willingale
Location : St Christopher’s Church, The Street, Willingale, Ongar, Essex, CM5 0SJ
Dates : 20th & 21st September 2025
St Osyth Days Out
Guided Heritage Walking Tour
Location : St Osyth Priory, West Field Lane, St. Osyth, Essex, CO16 8GW
Dates : 21st September 2025