Discover History and Culture on Your Doorstep with Heritage Open Days

Every September, communities across England come alive with stories, traditions and treasures during Heritage Open Days, the country’s largest festival of history and culture. From Friday 12th to Sunday 21st September, historic buildings, landmarks and hidden gems will welcome the public for free, opening doors that are usually closed or charge admission.

This annual celebration is about so much more than exploring old buildings. It is an invitation to uncover the stories that shaped our towns, meet the people who keep traditions alive, and connect with the heritage that makes each place unique. For anyone living near an Allison Homes development, it is also a wonderful opportunity to discover the history and culture right on your doorstep.

Kelly Toms, Sales and Marketing Director at Allison Homes East, said:
“Heritage Open Days is a fantastic opportunity to explore local history and culture. We’d encourage prospective buyers and current residents to take part in these nearby events, to give them a real sense of the communities around them.”

Celebrating Community and Culture

Heritage is not just about buildings and artefacts, it is about people coming together to celebrate shared traditions.

In Grantham, close to our Manthorpe Chase development, the Belton Community Festival offers a lively weekend of music, food and activities in the beautiful historic grounds of Belton House. Families can enjoy performances and stalls while learning more about local heritage in a setting that feels both welcoming and festive.

Norwich residents at The Oaks have two fantastic opportunities to experience the city’s thriving cultural scene. The award-winning Norwich Arts Centre opens its doors for visitors to explore one of the UK’s most exciting creative hubs, while Backstage Past: Talks and Tours at Norwich Theatre gives a rare glimpse behind the curtain to hear the stories of one of the city’s most loved venues.

Exploring Historic Landmarks

For many, the joy of Heritage Open Days lies in walking through historic landmarks and experiencing their grandeur first-hand.

Peterborough Cathedral, close to our Abbey Park development, is one of the country’s finest Norman cathedrals. The Highlights Tour guides visitors through centuries of history and craftsmanship, bringing the building’s architecture vividly to life.

Ipswich, home to our Venus Fields development, showcases its history through The Magnificent Architecture of Ipswich. From medieval timber framed houses to Victorian public buildings and bold modern designs, the town’s heritage can be read in every street and skyline.

In Devon, residents at Weavers Place have Castle Drogo on their doorstep. As the last castle to be built in England, and designed by the renowned Sir Edwin Lutyens, it tells a dramatic story of resilience and offers breathtaking views over Dartmoor.

In Leicester, near St Mary’s Chase, visitors can step inside The Magazine Gateway, a striking medieval structure that once formed part of a large religious complex. It is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks and a reminder of its long and varied history.

Stories of Innovation and Industry

Not all heritage is grand and imposing. Some of the most fascinating stories are told through industry, invention and the everyday lives of local communities.

In Newark, close to Kings Meadow, the Newark Heritage Barge invites visitors to step aboard the last surviving Trent barge. Here you can learn about the town’s river trade and industrial past, gaining a glimpse into a way of life that shaped the area for generations.

At Lynn Museum in King’s Lynn, just a short distance from our Wootton Grange development, families can take part in the Astounding Inventions Museum Trail or explore The Moon: Meet Our Nearest Neighbour exhibition. Both experiences combine science, history and imagination in ways that spark curiosity for all ages.

In St Ives, near Cranbrook Grange, The Norris Museum takes visitors on a journey through the heritage of the Ouse Valley. From Ice Age artefacts to more modern treasures, the museum tells stories that connect the distant past with the present day.

Be Part of the Celebration

Whether it is wandering through centuries-old cathedrals, stepping aboard historic boats or joining in community festivals, Heritage Open Days is about discovering the past in ways that bring people together today.

For Allison Homes residents, or for those considering moving into one of our developments, these events are a perfect way to feel part of the community and to connect with the history of the places you call home.

To plan your own heritage adventure, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

Allison Homes Web Article: 11th September 2025