Heritage Open Days returns from 11 to 20 September 2026, giving visitors free access to special tours, working heritage, hidden stories and unusual parts of historic places around Cumbria.
The key to a good day is geography. Choose one must-do experience, book it if required, then add nearby places. Do not try to collect the county.
Sizergh Gunpowder Walks
One of the strongest special-access events is the National Trust's guided walk through the remains of the 19th-century Sedgwick gunpowder works.
- Friday 11 September: 11am and 1.30pm
- Tuesday 15 September: 11am and 1.30pm
- Friday 18 September: 11am and 1.30pm
- Saturday 19 September: 11am and 1.30pm
Walks last around two hours. Booking is essential. The meeting location uses postcode LA8 0JZ and grid reference SD 50849 87619, with signs directing visitors towards parking. Stout footwear is required.
Allan Bank, Grasmere
On Wednesday 16 September, historic building conservator Paul Lewis leads free tours at 11am and 1pm exploring Grasmere's first villa, Wordsworth's tenancy and later alterations. Booking is not required. Meet at the welcome desk.
Farfield Mill, Sedbergh
From 11 to 13 September, 10.30am to 4pm, Farfield Mill explores working lives through displays, demonstrations and local history. Saturday adds fleece-to-fabric, spinning, weaving, leatherworking and lacemaking demonstrations. No advance booking is required.
Brougham Hall and Penrith
Free Brougham Hall guided tours are listed at 2pm on 12, 16 and 19 September. The route is relatively flat but the organiser says it is not wheelchair friendly. Medieval re-enactment takes place on 19 and 20 September, 11am to 4pm.
Acorn Bank Watermill
On 19 and 20 September visitors can see the 19th-century watermill operating and hear about people connected with the estate, watermill and gypsum mine.
Best clusters
Kendal / Sizergh
Reserve the gunpowder walk first, then add nearby Kendal heritage rather than driving into the central Lakes.
Grasmere
Use Allan Bank as the fixed time and explore the village on foot. Public transport can avoid parking pressure.
Sedbergh
Farfield Mill combines naturally with Sedbergh and overlaps with the build-up to the Walking & Wellbeing Festival.
Penrith / Eden
Brougham Hall, Penrith and Acorn Bank make more sense together than adding a south-Lakes venue.
Is it really free?
The Heritage Open Days activity is free, but parking, food, transport and ordinary non-festival activities can still cost money.
Accessibility
Special-access tours can differ from normal visitor access. Sizergh uses rough paths and Brougham Hall explicitly says its guided route is not wheelchair friendly. Check the exact activity.
Our advice
Prioritise things you cannot normally do: hidden spaces, industrial remains, expert tours and working machinery. Recheck the official listing before travel because Heritage Open Days advises visitors to watch for last-minute changes.
Programme checked 28 August 2026.
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