Free Heritage Open Days return across North East

Heritage Open Days will bring free tours, talks and activities to North East Museums venues across North East England from 11 to 20 September 2026. The programme is open to the general public, with free entry and activities spanning archives, galleries, industrial heritage and Roman sites.

North East Museums describes Heritage Open Days as England’s largest community-led festival of history and culture. Its regional programme gives visitors several ways to explore collections, exhibitions and spaces beyond what they might encounter during a standard museum visit.

Archives, coal heritage and 20th-century ceramics

One session will invite visitors to explore the archive of Jennie Shearan before taking a behind-the-scenes tour of Tyne & Wear Archives. It is one of several programme highlights that focus not just on objects but on the collections and working spaces used to preserve regional history.

Woodhorn Museum will hold a full day of free activities celebrating Northumberland’s coal-mining heritage and culture on Saturday, 12 September. Visitors can choose from a talk and tour of Community of Coal, a drop-in session with the Northumbria Lacemakers and an opportunity to see the High Spen Miners Dance Centenary Exhibition.

At the Hatton Gallery, a tour focusing on the venue’s heritage will be paired with time to explore The Potter’s Canvas: Ceramics and Painting in the 20th Century. The exhibition examines how 20th-century British ceramicists used drawing, painting and mark-making to transform the surface of clay. It remains open until 16 January 2027, extending beyond the festival dates for anyone unable to combine both parts of the visit in September.

Railway stories, Roman sites and an old gaol

The Stephenson Steam Railway is offering a site tour led by one of its volunteers. The visit will go behind the scenes to explore the railway’s history and the people who helped shape it.

Other options include free entry to Segedunum Roman Fort, a free guided tour at Arbeia and a House of Correction tour at Hexham Old Gaol. Together, the listed events allow visitors to select a subject or setting that interests them rather than treating the festival as a single-site programme.

Check individual venue details before travelling

The confirmed festival dates are 11 to 20 September, and North East Museums says the featured entry and activities are free. However, the supplied announcement does not include individual start or finish times, booking arrangements, transport guidance or accessibility information. Visitors should therefore check the relevant event listing on the North East Museums website before setting out, particularly because the programme is distributed across multiple venues.

Source: North East Museums News