The countdown is on, Heritage Open Days returns 12 - 21 September!
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate the fantastic history and culture in our country. It's the chance for the general public to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.
The events in Cheltenham range from open buildings – which you can explore either on your own or on an organised tour – to guided walks, talks, exhibitions or even a visit to a hidden gem that usually isn’t open to the public. The events are all free, but tickets must be pre-booked for some events where numbers are limited.
The local events are organised by Cheltenham Civic Society and are all run by volunteers, they meet regularly during the year to plan the programme and produce a brochure, which features all the activities and open buildings.
With the support and sponsorship of Cheltenham Borough Council, the Civic Society’s team of volunteers who organise the events have announced an impressive programme of 55 open buildings, plays, walks and talks during the 10-day festival.
All the event details are featured in a downloadable PDF and printed copies of the programme can be picked up from the new Cheltenham Tourist Information Centre in Cavendish House on the Promenade.
Heritage Open Days enable visitors and locals to see behind the doors of some of our town’s finest and most interesting buildings, as well as learn about Cheltenham’s rich history.
Civic Society trustee and Heritage Open Days co-ordinator, Sarah Harvey, said: “We're delighted to welcome you to explore Cheltenham Heritage Open Days to discover more about our beautiful town – and it's all free to explore. Thank you to all the volunteers, whose efforts have produced such a full and varied programme of events over 10 days in September.”
Highlights of Cheltenham Heritage Open Days 2025
One of the new attractions amongst the 22 open buildings this year is the Friends (Quaker) Meeting house, which will be hosting an exhibition – A Stitch in Time – of full-size reproductions of some of the famous Quaker tapestries normally housed in Cumbria. Other buildings hosting new events include Lodge Park near Sherborne, Naunton Lane Church in Leckhampton, and Pate’s Grammar School.
New guided walks include: “Cleeve Hill – the Cotswold Health Resort” led by David Aldred; and “Pittville – the first five years, 1825-1830” led by Dr Steven Blake.
New amongst the talks are: “The Minster Architecture Down the Years” by Dr Steve Jones; and “Founders, Flags and Fields – Americans on Gloucestershire and Gloucestarians in America” by Neela Mann.
Check out the full programme for your chance to experience Cheltenham's fascinating Regency history this September.