Heritage Open Days is back for 2024 – and here’s a guide to which York attractions you can visit for free.
England’s largest festival of history and culture is taking place from Friday 6 to Sunday 15 September.
The festival aims to bring people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history, and offers the chance to explore hidden places – all for free.
There are over 30 historical locations in and around York taking part this year. Take a look at our guide below!
For more information about Heritage Open Days visit their website here.
Heritage Open Days in York
All Saints Church, Helmsley
All Saints stands on the market square in picturesque Helmsley. According to the 19th century wall-paintings in the north aisle, a church has been on this site since AD 200. The present building, built on Norman foundations, was dedicated in 1838.
- Church Street, Helmsley, York YO62 5AD
- Fri 6 – Sun 15 Sep
- 9am – 5pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Full wheelchair access
- More info
All Saints North Street – Church Heritage Tours
All Saints North Street is often described as York’s finest medieval parish church and is home to some of the most spectacular and unique medieval stained glass in the country. Guided tours of the church’s heritage and restoration work (morning) and stained glass (afternoon) will run at 11am and 2pm, with tea and coffee provided during the lunch break and the opportunity to see the church bells rung.
- North Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6JD
- Sat 14 Sep
- 10am – 4pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Partial wheelchair access
- More info
Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens
Explore the evolving gardens and watch the harvest grow in the walled garden. Step inside the grand hall and uncover the architecture and collections which tell the story of a country house and the people who have shaped Beningbrough.
- Beningbrough, York, YO30 1DD
- Fri 6 & Sat 7 Sep
- 10am – 5pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Partial wheelchair access
- More info
Byland Abbey in 90 seconds
A ‘Tick-Tock’ Tour for a Time-Pressed Generation. Join us for a whistle-stop tour of Byland Abbey, where our knowledgeable guide will be put to the test as she tries to give you the history of this amazing site, in 90-second ‘bite-size’ chunks! Can she beat the clock?
- Byland Abbey, Coxwold, York, YO61 4BD
- Tue 10 Sep
- 2:30pm
- Pre-booking required. Book a free place using the ticket link below
- Partial wheelchair access
- Book here
Catacomb tours and guided walks at York Cemetery
Join us underground for a peek into the rarely opened Catacombs under the Chapel at York Cemetery. You can also enjoy a short talk and fascinating walk around the Cemetery with an expert guide.
- The Gatehouse, Cemetery Road, York, YO10 5AJ
- Sun 15 Sep
- 12-3pm
- Pre-booking required. Book a free place using the ticket link below
- No wheelchair access
- Book here
Church of All Saints, Old Byland
All Saints is an ancient church lying just off the picturesque village green of Old Byland. The church stonework dates back to Norman times, late 11th and early 12th century. Historical information will be on display and light refreshments will be available.
- Village Green, Old Byland, York, YO62 5LG
- Fri 6 – Sun 15 Sep
- All day
- Pre-booking not required
- Full wheelchair access
- More info
Church of the Holy Redeemer, York
Our Grade II listed church will be open for guided tours, self-led trails and children’s activities, relating to our rich heritage. On Wednesday a Community Cafe in the church hall will provide lunches and light refreshments.
- 108 Boroughbridge Road, York, YO26 6AB
- Sun 8, Wed 11 & Sun 15 Sep
- Various times
- Pre-booking not required
- Full wheelchair access
- More info
Church of Saint Chad, Sproxton
This little church, allegedly the smallest in Yorkshire, has nine pews. Built in the 1640s in a field a mile away, in 1879 was moved and rebuilt stone by stone by George Gilbert Scott Jnr and Temple Moore, keeping its original unusual square shape.
- Low Street, Sproxton, York, YO62 5EF
- Fri 6 – Sun 15 Sep
- All day
- Pre-booking not required
- No wheelchair access
- More info
Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, East Moors
A hidden gem of a church -near a red telephone box, along a grassy track and behind a copse of trees! Built in 1882 by Temple Moore. Sir John Betjeman wrote a poem about it – the only church in the Diocese of York to receive this distinction.
- Cowhouse Bank, East Moors, York, YO62 5HJ
- Fri 6 – Sun 15 Sep
- All day
- Pre-booking not required
- Full wheelchair access
- More info
Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Rievaulx
This church, formed from the ruins of the Abbey’s slipper chapel, serves those who live in the hamlet of Rievaulx, next to the world-famous Rievaulx Abbey. It was rebuilt by the architect Temple Moore in 1906-07.
- Rievaulx Bank, Rievaulx, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5LB
- Fri 6 – Sun 15 Sep
- All day
- Pre-booking not required
- No wheelchair access
- More info
Church of St Mary, Scawton
The church was built in 1146 by the cistercian monks who later built Byland Abbey, and is structurally unchanged. It lies in the attractive hamlet of Scawton in idyllic Upper Ryedale. St Mary’s is a Grade I listed, and has many historical features.
- Scawton, Thirsk YO7 2HG
- Sat 14 Sep
- 8:30am – 5pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Full wheelchair access
- More info
Community, Faith, and Commerce: Connecting Medieval York
Catch a glimpse of the real Medieval York as we take a close look at some of the surviving cornerstones of daily life through walking tours, guild meet and greets, and more family-friendly activities!
Join Bedern Hall, All Saints North Street, and Holy Trinity Goodramgate for a collaborative Heritage Open Days experience that will include focused walking tours, a chance to meet several of the guilds of York, and lots more family friendly programming.
- Bedern Hall, Bartle Garth, York, YO1 7AL
- Sat 7 Sep
- 11:30am & 2pm
- Pre-booking preferred. Book a free place using the ticket link below
- Partial wheelchair access
- Book here
Dissolution and the Monasteries – Tour of Byland Abbey
Join us as we look at the impact of Dissolution, with a Volunteer-Led Tour of Byland Abbey.
- Byland Abbey, Coxwold, York, YO61 4BD
- Fri 13 & Sun 15 Sep
- 2pm
- Pre-booking required. Book a free place using the ticket link below
- No wheelchair access
- Book here
Ellerton Priory church, churchyard and landscape
Beautiful ancient and C19 church and lovely churchyard on a mediaeval monastic site, surrounded by a landscape of major ecological importance. Significant stained glass, modern craftsmanship, fascinating talks and truly great cakes! Tours take place at 11.30, 13.30 and 15.30.
- Main Street, Ellerton, YO42 4PD
- Sun 8 Sep
- 10am – 5pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Partial wheelchair access
- More info
Exhibition – The World on our Doorstep: International influences within our British Patchwork and Quilting Heritage
The World on our Doorstep exhibition explores a selection of textiles from The Quilt Collection, that originate or feature design influences from other parts of the world.
- St. Anthony’s Hall, Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PW
- Sat 7 – Sat 14 Sep
- 10am – 4pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Full wheelchair access
- More info
Fishergate Postern Tower
See inside this watch-tower on York’s City Walls. Rarely open to the public, our volunteers are on hand to show off the spiral staircase, Tudor toilet and timber roof. Find out about the history of the Walls and look out for any approaching invaders!
- Fishergate Postern Tower, Piccadilly, York, YO1 9AF
- Sat 7 & Sat 14 Sep
- 10am – 4pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Partial wheelchair access
- More info
Games from the Past
Join us for a creative look at some of our favourite objects at DIG. We will be playing mini games and handling objects to learn more about archaeological finds.
- DIG York, St. Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NN
- Sat 7 Sep
- 11am – 3pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Full wheelchair access
- More info
Goddards
Explore this hidden garden on the edge of York. The former home of the Terry family (think Chocolate Orange). Take time exploring the garden ‘rooms’ of this five acre garden. Discover fragrant borders, wildlife areas, vegetable garden and glasshouse. Soak up the sunshine on the terrace or on a garden bench enjoying the view with your takeaway refreshments.
- 27 Tadcaster Road, Dringhouses, York, YO24 1GG
- Sat 7 – Sun 8 & Sat 14 – Sun 15 Sep
- 11am – 4pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Partial wheelchair access
- More info
Heavens Above! What on earth did monks do?
Join us as we answer the question – why choose this way of life? We will explore the different buildings and spaces and see how they were used by the monks. We will look at their daily routine centred on the Rule of Benedict and answer the question why choose this way of life.
- Byland Abbey, Coxwold, York, YO61 4BD
- Sat 7 & Sat 14 Sep
- 2pm
- Pre-booking required. Book a free place using the ticket link below
- No wheelchair access
- Book here
Helmsley Methodist Church
The exact origins of Helmsley Methodism are not recorded. However, there existed a Helmsley Primitive Chapel, a former Quaker Friends Meeting on Bridge Street, for members in 1844. The current grand building’s cornerstone was laid on 1 January 1901.
- Ashdale Road, Helmsley, York, YO62 5DD
- Fri 6 – Sun 15 Sep
- All day
- Pre-booking not required
- Partial wheelchair access
- More info
Howsham Mill
Visit the restored 18th century Howsham Mill, now generating hydro-electricity and an environmental education centre.
- Howsham, York YO60 7PA
- Sun 15 Sep
- 10:30am – 5pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Partial wheelchair access
- More info
Into Battle! The Art of British War Comics
Explore the art and history of the best of British war comics. View this new touring exhibition, created by Rebellion Publishing & Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum. See original comic cover and panel art on public display for the very first time.
- York Army Museum, 3 Tower Street, York, YO1 9SB
- Thu 12 & Fri 13 Sep
- 10am – 4:30pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Full wheelchair access
- More info
Medieval-themed Children’s Crafts
Little Paws Creative Club is a monthly group for children to explore their artistic sides in the fascinating environment of a historic church. Our September Club is a Heritage Open Days special with local illustrator Ellie Lewis on hand to help us create some medieval-inspired artworks! Tickets are free but booking is required.
- All Saints Church, North Street, York, YO1 6JD
- Sat 7 Sep
- 10:30am – 12pm
- Pre-booking required. Book a free place using the ticket link below
- Partial wheelchair access
- Book here
Nunnington Hall
Discover 500 years of history at Nunnington Hall across three free entry days. With a range of talks, tours and have-a-go activities, you can get a glimpse behind the curtain at how the National Trust continues to care for historic homes and gardens.
- Nunnington, York, YO62 5UY
- Fri 13 – Sun 15 Sep
- 10:30am – 5pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Partial wheelchair access
- More info
Poppleton Community Railway Nursery
Heritage tours of vintage greenhouses and buildings, demonstration narrow gauge railway running (weather permitting), family treasure hunt, craft stalls.
- The Nursery, Station Road, Upper Poppleton, York, YO26 6QA
- Sat 14 Sep
- Tours will be run as required
- Pre-booking not required
- Partial wheelchair access
- More info
Rievaulx Methodist Church
Rievaulx Methodist Church lies in a beautiful valley landscape in the pretty village of Rievaulx on the banks of the River Rye. The building was opened on Whit Monday 21 May 1877. It serves the villages of Upper Ryedale and the surrounding farms.
- Rievaulx Bank, Rievaulx, York, YO62 5LB
- Fri 6 – Sun 15 Sep
- All day
- Pre-booking not required
- Full wheelchair access
- More info
Rievaulx Terrace
Visit Rievaulx Terrace, a historic landscape with two temple follies and stunning views of the Yorkshire countryside. For one weekend only, visit this historic landscaped terrace completely free of charge. Wander down a wooded walk to discover two temples built 250 years ago, and get a stunning view of abbey ruins from above.
- Rievaulx, Helmsley, York YO62 5LJ
- Sat 14 & Sun 15 Sep
- 10:30am – 5pm
- Pre-booking not required
- No wheelchair access
- More info
Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail
This 41-mile trail through the beautiful hills and dales of the North York Moors connects all the historic, rural churches in the Benefice of Helmsley and Upper Ryedale and Rievaulx Abbey. It is dedicated to Saint Aelred, Abbot of Rievaulx 1147-1167.
The pilgrim trail will be a good 3- or 4-day walking weekend for anyone who wants to base themselves in our area. It is also an opportunity for just a day or section walk, for anyone who loves walking or riding through our splendid North York Moors countryside.
- Starts from All Saints Church, Helmsley
- Available anytime
- Available anytime
- Pre-booking not required
- No wheelchair access
- More info
St Helen’s Church, Skipwith
St.Helen’s church has national significance for the historical, aesthetic, archaeological and evidential value of this Grade I listed building, the main features being the Anglo-Saxon tower with Recess and Ragnarok stone and Medieval Cross Slabs.
- Main Street, Skipwith, Selby, YO8 5SQ
- Sat 14 Sep
- 10am – 4pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Partial wheelchair access
- More info
St Andrew’s Church, Aldborough, Nr. Boroughbridge
St.Helen’s church has national significance for the historical, aesthetic, archaeological and evidential value of this Grade I listed building, the main features being the Anglo-Saxon tower with Recess and Ragnarok stone and Medieval Cross Slabs.
- Aldborough, York, YO51 9ER
- Sat 14 Sep
- 10am – 4pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Partial wheelchair access
- More info
St Columba’s York URC
Visit this magnificent church, built to hold 700 people in the late 1800s. The three stained glass windows overlooking the balcony and the 1908 Lewis Organ are only two of its notable features. There is a short “treasure hunt” for children.
- Priory Street, York, YO1 6EX
- Sat 14 Sep
- 10am – 4pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Full wheelchair access
- More info
Stonegrave Minster Open Day
A opportunity to explore and learn more about the historic Minster in Stonegrave. Guided tours of the Minster will be available (pre-booking required) or you can simply explore the church in your own time. Light refreshments available.
- Stonegrave Minster, York YO62 4LJ
- Sat 7 Sep
- 10am – 5pm
- Pre-booking preferred for guided tours – email [email protected]
- No wheelchair access
- More info
The Railway King at Scrayingham
Come to Scrayingham church on 7th September 2024, to learn more about George Hudson, aka the ‘Railway King,’ England’s greatest railway promoter of the 19th century.
- 2 Derwent View, Scrayingham, York YO41 1JD
- Sat 7 Sep
- 11am – 4pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Full wheelchair access
- More info
Walmgate Through Time
In York Archaeology’s FINAL open day at Willow House, come see how the area has changed (or not!) over the past several centuries. We’ll have finds on display from our excavations, archival photos and maps, a special timeline activity, and of course, tours of the excavation trenches where we’ve been uncovering everything.
- Willow House, Walmgate Bar, York, YO10 2UB
- Sat 7 Sep
- 10am – 3pm
- Pre-booking not required
- Partial wheelchair access
- More info
What can we learn from Medieval Monks about Sustainable living
An introduction to the lives of the medieval monks who lived at Byland Abbey and how their lifestyle can compare with modern views of sustainability.
- Byland Abbey, Coxwold, York, YO61 4BD
- Sun 8 Sep
- 2pm
- Pre-booking required. Book a free place using the ticket link below
- No wheelchair access
- Book here