Hillingdon Open House Festival unlocks sites for free

Hillingdon’s historic buildings will open for free visits, tours and workshops during the Open House Festival from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 September. The programme spans several locations across Hillingdon, London, and is open to the general public.

According to Hillingdon Council, activities start as early as 10am on listed days, although opening times vary by site. Some sessions are drop-in, while others may require advance booking through the official Hillingdon history events listings.

Rare access to buildings across the borough

The programme reaches from Tudor and medieval structures in Ruislip to sites connected with the Second World War in Uxbridge. Several visits provide access to areas that are normally closed to the public.

A guided Civic Centre tour will take visitors behind the scenes to see the Grade II listed building’s British neo-vernacular architecture and art collection. At Manor Farm, visitors can enter the Tudor Manor House and medieval Great Barn, while Eastcote House Gardens will open its normally out-of-bounds, Grade II listed 18th-century Dovecote.

Cranford Park is offering access to its restored stables and Secret Garden, alongside a look at the continuing conservation of the historic cellars. Southlands Arts Centre will host open days, workshops and guided tours inside its Queen Anne-era house.

The Battle of Britain Bunker programme focuses on the Second World War Generator House and Pillbox. The Generator House stands above the underground bunker in Uxbridge, a site associated with Britain’s wartime air defence.

Dates and opening times by location

The different schedules make 12 and 13 September the busiest part of the Hillingdon programme. The final weekend, 19 and 20 September, includes access to Southlands Arts Centre and the Battle of Britain Bunker.

What visitors should check before attending

Entry to the Open House Festival events is free. The council advises visitors to consult the individual event listings because entry arrangements differ: some activities allow drop-in attendance, while others may need to be booked.

No transport or accessibility information was included in the published announcement, so visitors who need those details should check the listing for their chosen location before travelling.

The wider festival is organised by the charity Open City and celebrates London’s built environment by opening buildings, heritage sites, workplaces and private homes that are not routinely accessible. The 2026 festival is its 35th edition, with Hillingdon Council directing visitors to its history events listings for full event and booking details.

Source: Hillingdon Council