Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days returns to Southampton from 11 to 20 September 2026, when a number of the city's historic sites open their doors to the public for free. It's a volunteer-led event that's part of a much larger national celebration of British history and culture, with thousands of heritage sites across England opening their doors every September since it started in 1994.

Southampton's participating venues cover more than 800 years of the city's story. The Bargate was built around 1180 as part of the medieval town walls, and Castle Hall dates to the early 12th century; it's the largest surviving building from the former Southampton Castle, with the Castle Vault that once stored the King's wine and later served as a Second World War air-raid shelter. God's House Tower was first built in 1189 as a gateway to protect the town from sea raids and is now a Grade I listed arts venue. St Julien's Chapel was founded around 1197 and is known as 'The French Church'. And The West Gate is the 14th-century route Henry V's army took to the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, and the departure point for the Pilgrim Fathers aboard the Mayflower in 1620.

Other sites taking part include King John's Palace and the Steamship Shieldhall. At God's House Tower, the main gallery is showing While We Slumber by Kitt (AKA Lady Kitt).

All participating sites are free to visit, and opening dates and times vary by venue, so it's worth checking the details for each one before you head out. The sites are spread across the city, from the medieval walls and the old castle buildings to the waterfront.