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 11-20 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.
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.
Liverpool Cathedral Organ Demonstration
Join us at Liverpool Cathedral for a demonstration of our 100 year old Willis Organ.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Free Guided Tour of Sefton Park
Enjoy a free guided tour of the Palm House as part of the Heritage Open Days Festival, led by an accredited White Badge Guide. Discover the rich and sometimes surprising history of this iconic building.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Port Sunlight Walking Tours and Trails
Join the friendly and knowledgeable guides for an inspiring walking tour around Port Sunlight and discover the fascinating story of the village built on soap.
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.
Friends of St Helens Cemetery Heritage Walking Tour of Commonwealth War Graves
The heritage walking tour of the Commonwealth War Graves (CWGC) will start from St Helens Crematorium, with a representative there to answer all your questions about the CWGC.
Find out more here.