Discover hidden gems during heritage open days - for free!
Every September, venues across the country unlock their doors to offer a rare glimpse behind the scenes and invite you to enjoy unique experiences as part of Heritage Open Days - and it’s all completely free!
From 12-21 September, locations across the Liverpool City Region will be joining in, giving you the chance to explore fascinating places you might never have visited before.
We’ve handpicked a few highlights to get you started, but there’s plenty more to discover. Check out the full list of events on the Heritage Open Days page.
Please note that events take place on select days and pre-booking may be required due to limited spaces.
Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels - Williamson’s Tunnels
Step beneath the streets of Edge Hill and uncover the fascinating history of Liverpool’s subterranean world. Join Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels (FoWT) for a special guided tour through the chambers beneath Joseph Williamson’s House on Mason Street.
Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Find out more here.
St George's Hall
Celebrate the 170th anniversary of one of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks - St George’s Hall.
This Heritage Open Days event offers a rare opportunity to explore the breathtaking Great Hall, a space steeped in history and grandeur. Discover the architectural brilliance and cultural significance of this magnificent civic venue through a guided tour that brings its story to life.
Find out more here.
Turner Home
Step inside Turner, a hidden Victorian gem by Alfred Waterhouse, architect of the Natural History Museum. Discover our chapel, former morgue, and exhibition. Where 140+ years of care, history, and community still thrive today.
Find out more here.
The Reader
Head down to the beautiful Mansion Garden for a relaxed day of poetry, storytelling, and Shared Reading taster sessions led by fantastic volunteers. Enjoy guided house tours, delicious BBQ food, a fully stocked bar, and Cheshire Farm ice cream.
Most activities are outdoors, so please dress for the weather - bring sun cream or waterproofs just in case!
Find out more here.
Bluecoat Heritage Tours
Join the director of Cultural Legacies, Bryan Briggs, for a tour of the Grade I listed building. Learn about the Bluecoats' fascinating journey and get special insights into their 300+ year history.
Don't miss out, reserve your free spot today. Booking essential.
Find out more here.
India Buildings Liverpool Heritage Tour
Join a 60-minute guided tour of Liverpool’s India Buildings during Heritage Open Days. Discover its rich history, stunning architecture, and US-inspired construction. Explore rarely seen areas and admire unique exterior details. Booking essential.
Find out more here.
Croxteth Hall
Step into the past at Croxteth Hall and explore its grand rooms, hidden corners, and beautiful gardens. Discover the story of the Molyneux family, view rare artefacts, and enjoy guided tours, exhibitions, and heritage walks. Relax with a drink on the terrace and soak up the estate’s rich history and charm.
Find out more here.
A Memorable Moment at The Municipal Hotel
Celebrate Heritage Week with a guided tour of The Municipal Hotel and Spa, offering a rare look into the building’s rich past as the former home of Liverpool City Council.
Find out more here.
Mersey Tunnel Tours - George's Dock Building
Step inside the iconic Art Deco Georges Dock Building for a rare behind-the-scenes look. Enjoy guided tours offered on a first-come come first-served basis and explore a small display of historic artefacts and photographs showcasing the building’s unique past.
Find out more here.
Classic Liverpool Bus Running Day
Celebrate this year’s Heritage Open Days theme of Architecture by hopping aboard a classic bus from the Merseyside Transport Trust collection. Enjoy free rides on vintage vehicles across Liverpool, recreating the sights and sounds of bus travel from decades past - while taking in the city’s stunning architecture along the way.
Find out more here.
Central Library and Archives Heritage Tours
Join one of our free heritage tours for the Heritage Open Days 2025 Festival and learn more about Central Library and the historic building it occupies on September 13th and September 20th.
Find out more here.
Free Guided Heritage Trail Tours at Liverpool ONE
Discover Liverpool’s Hidden History with a Free Guided Heritage Trail Tour at Liverpool ONE as part of Heritage Open Days.
Discover over 300 years of history, from the world’s first commercial wet dock to Liverpool’s global maritime legacy. Learn about the people and places that shaped the city.
Spaces are limited - book your free spot now and see Liverpool ONE in a whole new light!
Find out here.
Free drop-in visits to The Old Dock at Liverpool ONE
Free 30-minute drop-in visits to The Old Dock underneath Liverpool ONE as part of Open Heritage Days, in collaboration with National Museums Liverpool and Liverpool ONE. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore The Old Dock and ask questions.
Find out more here.
Western Approaches - Navy Talk
Go underground at Exchange Flags and uncover the hidden bunker where the Battle of the Atlantic was won. Join naval expert Snowy for a gripping retelling of convoy ONS-5 and the 22 days that helped turn the tide of WWII. A rare chance to experience this pivotal piece of wartime history.
Find out more here..
Bluecoat Open Print Studios
Take a look inside The Bluecoats’ intaglio studio, get to meet Ivy their print manager, and try out various printmaking techniques.
Find out more here.
The Music and Art of Sefton Park
Join Paul Fitzgerald of Liverpool Culture Walks for an engaging talk exploring the rich tapestry of music, art, and diverse heritage found in Sefton Park. Discover how the park reflects Liverpool’s vibrant culture and history through creative spaces and community stories.
Find out more here.
Strawberry Field
Step beyond the iconic red gates and explore the history of Strawberry Field, where young John Lennon once played. Enjoy free guided tours led by the expert team, including access to the exhibition and peaceful garden spaces.
Find out more here.
Brimstage Heritage Orchard Apple, Pear & Plum Day
Visit a charming heritage orchard beside one of Wirral’s oldest buildings. Open to the public just a few days each year, it’s a rare chance to see, pick, and taste traditional fruit varieties. The orchard also welcomes volunteers for special events, workdays, and courses throughout the year.
Find out more here.
Hadlow Road Station
Explore Hadlow Road Station, a beautifully preserved Grade II-listed railway station with original 1950s features including the Waiting Room, Ticket Office, and Signal Box. Join a guided tour of the Signal Box and learn how volunteers care for the local environment.
Please note: Limited disabled access to the Signal Box.
Find out more here.
Leasowe Lighthouse
Explore the UK’s oldest brick-built lighthouse with free guided tours for Heritage Open Days 2025. Visit the Master Bedroom, Lamp Room, and the new exhibition Life as a Lighthouse Keeper.
Please note minimum height = 106cm. Due to the spiral staircase, dogs and babies cannot be accommodated.
Find out more here.
Hooton Park Hangers
Explore 16 vintage aircraft and aero engines, watch live restoration work, and see the historic 1900 Chester tram. Enjoy a printing demonstration from over 100 years ago at the Print Museum, a model boat sailing by Ellesmere Port Model Boat Club, and live global radio chats with Wirral’s amateur radio enthusiasts.
Find out more here.
Shakespeare North Playhouse: A Guided Snapshot Tour
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the award-winning Shakespeare North Playhouse. These short tours offer a glimpse into one of the UK’s most exciting cultural venues, including the stunning Cockpit Theatre—hailed as the world’s most authentic Shakespearean theatre reconstruction.
Find out more here.
No. 7 Bottle Shop - Cannington Shaw
Discover the story of No. 7 Bottle Shop, once part of the world’s largest glass bottle factory. Learn about its groundbreaking 24/7 operations, wartime role as an air raid shelter, and survival through decades of change. Enjoy a talk and tour, along with hands-on activities that include blacksmith demonstrations and glass mosaic making.
Find out more here.
The Athenaeum
The Athenaeum, a Private Members' club, founded in 1797, has been in Church Alley since 1928 is usually only available to members. HoDs provide the public with an opportunity to see and enjoy the ambience of this unique space and its famous Library.
Find out more here.
The Secret Lives of Houses & Port Sunlight Museum Open Day
Join us as we celebrate Architecture through our Secret Lives of Houses event at Port Sunlight Museum.
Find out more here.
Theatre and Studio Open House
Ever wondered what The Atkinson's theatre and studio spaces look like during the day? Come along and drop in to see the wonderful architecture of our building and how these spaces have changed throughout the years.
Find out more here.
Silcock’s Stories of Southport Heritage Talk
Join Serena Silcock-Prince and Justin Prescott to learn more about the history of Silcock Leisure in Southport, as well as Serena's personal family history dating back to the early years of the town's tourism industry.
Find out more here.
At The Cutting Edge - Unique Experience Tours at the British Lawnmower Museum
See the biggest, the smallest, the fastest, the most expensive, & ‘Lawnmowers of the Rich & Famous’ from King Charles & Princess Diana, Queen’s Royal Rock legend Brian May to Top Gear's James May, and many mower!
Find out more here.
Walking Tours of King's Gardens
Discover the stories of Southport's Kings Gardens with a family-friendly guided walking tour, from its Victorian origins through to the present day.
Find out more here.
Railways of the North: Rockets, Lions and Planets
Join us for a historical talk from Professor Paul Salveson that looks at the railways of the north, and railway development across the borough of St Helens as we approach the 200th anniversary of the Rainhill Trials.
Find out more here.