Some of the most historically significant sites in the Harrogate district will open their doors for free from September 6-15 for Heritage Open Days.

Billed as England’s largest festival of history and culture, the open days are overseen nationally by the National Trust and locally by civic socities.

Over the ten-day festival, 25 venues and events in the Harrogate area are offering free entry.

Visitors can explore a range of tours, talks, walks, exhibitions and buildings not usually open to the public.

The Stray Ferret has collated a programme of the events planned in your area, for further details about bookings and timings click here. 

Harrogate:

Grove Road Cemetery

September 6 & 8

The first event planned is a tour of the Commonwealth War Graves tour of Harrogate at Grove Road Cemetery. Visitors will learn the history of the personnel buried in the cemetery. Pre-booking is required.

Old Magnesia Well Pump Room

September 7, 8, 14, 15

The Old Magnesia Well Pump Room is a listed building in the heart of Harrogate’s Valley Gardens. It was designed in 1858 to serve magnesia water to Harrogate Spa visitors. Guests will see a working recreation of the pump and an exhibition of the history of the gardens.

The Harrogate Club

September 7

The Harrogate Club on Victoria Avenue will open its doors and welcome guests to explore the historic significance of the impressive building which first hosted the club in 1886. Pre booking is required and the event will begin at 11am.

Valley Gardens

September 7 & 14

Walks around the grade II listed park will begin at 11am and will be hosted by Jane Blayney, an RHS qualified Valley Gardens author. Guests will explore the history and significance of the gardens. Pre booking is required.

West Park United Reformed Church

September 7-8 & 11-15

The church built in 1862 and the open day will give visitors the opportunity to explore the complex through guided tours and see plans to develop it as a community hub, performance space and heritage centre. Pre-booking is preferred.

St Michael and St Lawrence Church, Fewston

September 7, 8, 14, 15

Visitors will be able to view historical displays and have refreshments in the landscape of the Washburn Valley. On Saturday 7 at 14:30 the Otley Brass Band will perform. The open days are in person and will take place from 11:00-16:00. 

All Saints' Church, Spofforth

September 8

The doors of Spofforth’s historic Grade II Listed church will open to visitors who will be able to see Blind Jack’s grave, the 200-year-old clock and church registers. 

Harrogate Masonic Hall

September 8

The Hall on Station Avenue will be open for visitors from 10am-4pm. There will be free guided tours, a chance to meet local Freemasons and learn about a tradition rich in history and philanthropy.

New Park Heritage Walk

September 8

This event takes a walking tour around the industrial and working-class suburb of New Park. The tour will look at the area as it is today alongside photographs of how it was in the past. It will be Hosted by Terry Williams, founder of New Park Heritage Centre. It begins at 2pm and pre-booking is required.

Odeon Cinema

September 9-11

The 1936 Art Deco building on East Parade will the display the different stages of its history and offer a talk with its collector and curator of 37 years Kevin Langford. The event begins at 12pm each day.

Bilton's Past

September 10

There will be a presentation and a talk at Bilton Community Centre exploring the past 1100 years. It is also an opportunity to look at some of the information collected by the Bilton Historical Society. The event begins at 10am and pre-booking is preferred.

St Peter’s Church

September 11-14

The Victorian church will open, and free Information and guides will be available through the week. Normal proceedings will continue which will include short periods of refreshment being served services being held.

New Park community exhibition

September 10-14

The exhibition will take guests back in time to 1840. It will be held at Harrogate library and has been curated by Terry-Mike Williams, manager of the New Park Heritage Centre. It will cover three themes: the birth of a community, the working life of New Park and the social life of New Park.

Valley Drive walk

September 11

Valley Drive was built in the 1890s and overlooks Valley Gardens, participants of the walk will experience the rich history of the elegant street. Guests need to pre book and the event begins at 2pm.

Pannal Heritage Walk

September 11

A heritage walk around the ancient village hosted by Anne Smith, resident, blogger and author. The tour will explore how the village got its name and view the historic buildings. Guests will need to pre book and the event begins at 11am. 

Grove Road Cemetery walk

September 14

Grove Road Cemetery was opened in 1864 and guests will tour the impressive Victorian monuments. Guests should pre-book and the walk begins at 2pm

Harlow Tower

September 14-15

The tower was built in 1829 and guests can climb the 100 steps to the top of the viewpoint and look over Harrogate. The event takes place between 10am-5pm on both days.

Our Lady Immaculate and St Robert's Church

September 14

The church dates from 1873 and boasts a proud heritage after serving the Catholic community for more than 150 years. The church is open from 11am-2pm.

Wesley Chapel

September 14-15

The grade II listed building was built in 1862 and has long been a significant landmark in the town centre. Visitors will explore the historical landmark on the open days.

New Park Heritage Centre

September 15

The heritage centre is hidden away within the grounds of New Park School. Photographs, artefacts and replicas will be on view. Founder Terry Williams will guide the exhibition beginning at 1.30pm.

Heritage Plaques

September 15

A walking tour of the towns historic brown plaques will take place around the town centre exploring Harrogate’s heritage. The walk begins at 10am and pre-booking is required.

Ripon

St John’s Sharow

September 6-15

This Ripon church will open its doors to allow visitors to explore the historic building. There will be activities such as colouring, learning about graveyard wildlife and bellringing.

Gazebo, Blossomgate Court

September 6-7

Visitors can explore this undiscovered late seventeenth century viewing area, the open events take place 1pm-4pm.

Thornborough South Henge

September 6-8

Almost hidden from view the monument was significant from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age and is complicated to appreciate without a guide. The tours begin at 12:30pm and have been organised by English Heritage and guests need to pre book.

The Workhouse Museum Gardens

September 6, 10, 13

Access to the Victorian Kitchen Garden will be free from 10am-4pm. Guests can see the fruits, vegetables and herbs that residents of the Workhouse would have grown and eaten.

Thornborough Central Henge

September 6-15

This guided tour helps visitors understand the importance of the sacred triple henge site, guests will learn about the creation of the ancient monuments in a tour organised by the English Heritage. The walks begin at 11am.

The Chapel of St Mary Magdelen

September 7

Built in around 1132 the chapel was originally part of the Hospital of St Mary Magdalen, the open day display aims to show visitors an insight into medieval hospitals. The display takes place between 10amm-4pm.

Clifton Castle

September 8

The historic Georgian house used as a family home will be open for a tour, displaying furniture, art, porcelain and silver dating from the 17th century. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the grounds of the manor. Pre-booking is required.

Ripon & District light railway

September 8-9

The event is organised by Harrogate Civic Society and will introduce visitors to Ripon’s industrial heritage. There will be artifacts such as memorabilia, signs, machines and engines on display between 10am-4pm.

The Lay Brothers’ Dormitory

September 10

Guests can visit a hidden part of Fountains Abbey to learn about the life of the Lay Brothers who lived there. Tours take place throughout the day and ticket holders will receive free access to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, pre-booking is required.

North Bridge Walk

September 10

Visitors are invited to learn about the bridge crossings of the River Ure and explore the history spanning from medieval times to modern day. The tour begins at 10:30am.

Learning about Ripon

September 10

This guided walk led by Ripon Civic Society will explore where people in the city have been educated over centuries. The tour begins at the obelisk at 11am.

Fountains Hall

September 12

A guided tour around the 17th century mansion including the usually closed Great Chamber and Oak Room. Pre-booking is required, and tours will continue throughout the day.

Workhouse Museum

September 12

The ‘Vicar on the Matterhorn’ event will educate guests about the ascent of the Matterhorn in 1983 and the Ripon born Rev’s Charles Hudson. 

Historical map of Ripon

September 13

The historical maps, available from Ripon library will explore the city’s rich history, there will also be displays at the library showcasing Ripon’s heritage.

Spa Tree walk

September 14

Look at the collection of trees at Spa Gardens, Sue Wood will guide guests and discuss some of the unusual trees that grow in the gardens and Spa Park. There are tours available throughout the day.

St James and the Methodist Church, Grewelthorpe

September 14

The event has been organised by Yorkshire Churches day and guests can explore some of the church owned treasures. Refreshments will be on offer and the church will be open between 10am-4pm.

Ripon Grammar School Library

September 15

The school library will open to the public and showcase the WWI connections and the original school hall of the 1870 school building. It is open 1pm-4pm. 

Boroughbridge

St Andrew’s Church (Aldborough)

September 14

The church dated to the 14th century and is grade I listed. It is built on the site of a key Roman trading capital. Tour guides and refreshments will be on hand.

All Saints Chuch (Kirby Hill)

September 14-15

The ancient church is grade I listed with Saxon origins. There will be information on display, a chance to explore the grounds and refreshments will be on offer. 

Knaresborough

Knaresborough Castle

September 11

The ‘Sallyport tours’ takes guests on a guided tour of Knaresborough Castle’s underground tunnels. Built in the late 13th century the tunnels are one of the castle’s best kept secrets. Pre-booking is essential, and tours will run throughout the day on September 11. 

Pateley Bridge

Nidderdale Museum

September 7

The award-winning museum based in a Victorian workhouse will open its doors for free to immerse visitors in the heritage of the Dales. Guests will explore the 30,000 exhibits, 13 exhibition spaces and 15 full size re-creations.

How Stean Gorge

September 9-12

Visitors can explore the natural wonder of the limestone ravine. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, there are caves and winding paths around the gorge. Orienteering trail & activity packs are available.

Pateley Bridge Playhouse

September 13-14

The playhouse will be open 1pm-5pm each day and guests will explore the backstage area. The small Nidderdale theatre was formerly a methodist church and has been refurbished into a theatre space.

Ripley

Ripley Historic Village Walkabout

September 10-12

The history of the Yorkshire estate village, designed, built and managed for centuries by the Ingilby family will be explained to visitors.

All Saints Church

September 14

The event ‘All in a Knight's Work - Anecdotes of Castle Life’ begins at 2.30pm and Sir Thomas Ingilby will host the talk. He will share stories from the past fifty years at the castle. 

 For further details about bookings and timings click here.