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Heritage Open Days in Kirklees: over 85 free events, 11th to 20th September 2026

About the event

Heritage Open Days in Kirklees: This year there are over 85 events, all free to access across our region on the theme Everyday Histories and working lives. Heritage Open Days is England’s biggest festival of history and culture. Each September, thousands of sites across the country invite you in to explore local treasures of every age, style and function, and many special events are held. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.

The national theme this year is Everyday Histories, to which many sites have responded in creative and engaging ways. From working lives to cherished rituals, many events will focus in on this year’s festival theme, ‘Everyday Histories’ presented by leading family history website Findmypast. Organisers are invited to explore the varied and often overlooked stories of ordinary working people and their daily lives. From factory floors, workhouses and high streets to kitchens, schools, and community centres, this theme shines a light on working-class voices, local superheroes and the part-of-the-furniture places that have quietly shaped England’s heritage.

The Upper Holme Valley partnership has its own Working Lives theme. https://holmevalleyheritage.com

(Links to both the above sites are under Further Information.)

Do I need to book? Most events are open access but some have to be booked. Bookable events are identified in the brochure, with details on the HOD website of how and when to book.

For full details of all events in Kirklees please see under Further Information for links to the Kirklees HOD brochure or to the national HOD website.

Contacts

Kirklees HOD Committee

Dates and venues

  • Friday 11 September 2026 ,
  • Saturday 12 September 2026 ,
  • Sunday 13 September 2026 ,
  • Monday 14 September 2026 ,
  • Tuesday 15 September 2026 ,
  • Wednesday 16 September 2026 ,
  • Thursday 17 September 2026 ,
  • Friday 18 September 2026 ,
  • Saturday 19 September 2026 ,
  • Sunday 20 September 2026 ,

Further information

Themes

Learning, interest and advice Events related to advice, education and careers, as well as learning for fun. Also, talks, guided walks, and events of historical or other interest.