This September, discover a different side to Devon with the UK’s largest history and heritage festival. Heritage open Days takes place every September with a range of free events and experiences at locations usually closed to the public. Brought to you by the National Trust, with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery and thousands of local volunteers, Heritage Open Days offer a great way to discover the UK’s history and heritage, with everything from historic houses, to factories, museums, graveyards and more open for incredible heritage experiences.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Heritage Open Days and for 2024, you can expect hundreds of activities throughout the UK on the theme of Routes – Networks – Connections.

Across Devon there is a plethora of free events taking place for Heritage Open Days, including at some of the county’s best loved heritage attractions.

Heritage Open Days at National Trust

During the Heritage Open Day events, National Trust properties offer free entry, as well as access to some areas that aren’t usually open to the public.

Knightshayes
Free entry on 7th and 8th September for the whole site.

Arlington Court
Free entry on 14th and 15th September, with a chance to go on a behind the scenes cellar tour (not usually open to the public) and heritage craft activities taking place.

Old Blundell’s
Free entry on 14th September. This former school dates back to the 17th century and isn’t normally open to the public. Tours will be running throughout the day and you’ll get to hear the Trust’s future plans for the site before anyone else.

Manor Mill
Free entry on 13th September, a chance to see a Victorian watermill in action.

Saltram
Free entry throughout the Festival, with a chance to explore the whole estate.

Buckland Abbey
Free entry on 14th and 15th September. Originally a tithe barn, there are far reaching views of the Tavy Valley and 700 years of history to explore, from the original abbey to Sir Francis Drake who changed the shape of the house.

Castle Drogo
There are lots of things going on at Castle Drogo, free entry is available on 11th September at the main site, while on 15th September, there are guides around the site’s Turbine House which is not usually open to the public.

Killerton
From 6th – 15th September Clyston Mill, which is part of the Killerton Estate will be open, giving you the chance to have a go at grinding grain and learning more about the life of a miller. Free entry to the whole site is available on 6th and 7th September.

Lydford Gorge
On 13th and 14th September, explore the walkways of Lydford Gorge – just be aware that there are some steep and uneven areas that are slippery, even in dry weather.

Heritage Open Days at popular historical attractions

There are several well loved historical attractions around Devon to explore over Heritage Open Days.

South Devon Railway
Over 14th and 15th September, there is a chance to see how things work at a heritage railway, plus a chance to visit the old signal box at Buckfastleigh and a classic car display.

SS Freshspring
Free entry on 15th September, where you can enjoy a self guided tour of the ship, rope making and Morse code workshops and live music throughout the day.

Powderham Castle
Free entry between 7th and 15th September, giving you a chance to explore the family home of the Courtenays, who have been Earls of Devon since the 1300s.

Mills of the River Culm Walking Tour
Taking place on the Coldharbour Mill estate on 12th September, there will be a walking tour of the mills along the River Culm.

Guided tours and more

Interested in seeing something a little different over this September’s Heritage Open Days? Take a look at the some of the various tours and experiences available below.

Rediscover Tavistock’s Maritime Legacy
At the Guildhall in Tavistock, there will be a talk on the discovery of one of the best preserved Tudor shop wall paintings and its significance to Tavistock.
6th September – prebooking preferred.

Ships, Kings and Saints
On 14th September in Exeter High street, join this talk to learn more about two ancient kings, Raedwald and Olaf. Both truly remarkable individuals who embraced Christianity, one of them even became a saint!

Cawsey House
Open to the public for the first time in two years, Cawsey House in Great Torrington is owned by the Landmark Trust and is a fine example of a merchant’s home. There will be free entry on 7th and 8th September.

Dartmoor Light and Shadow
This photography exhibition takes place between 7th and 15th September in the village of Manaton. The exhibition will feature historic photographs from the Dartmoor archive.

Newton Abbot Museum
The museum is embracing the Routes – Networks- Connections theme on 14th September, where you can explore the ancient clocktower, learn about making maps and meet guides who will be in costume throughout.

Exeter’s Underground Passages
From 12th until 15th September, explore the underground passages of Exeter free of charge.

Learn about Smuggling at East Budleigh Heritage Centre
On 14th  and 15th September, there is a Smuggling Heritage event taking place in Salem Chapel, Budleigh Salterton. The exhibition shows how smuggling took place around East Devon.

Poltimore House and Grounds
Poltimore House suffered a devastating house fire in April and over 14th and 15th September, you are invited to see what remains and learn about the future plans of the site.

Mothecombe House
On 11th September, there will be two tours taking place at this Grade 1 listed Queen Anne House in Plymouth.

Rediscovering Exeter City Wall
On 15th September, spend some time in Exeter learning more about the city walls and enjoy a guided walk along the remaining sections.

Hemyock Castle
Self Guided tours are taking place at this moated medieval castle on 8th September.

Exeter Herstories
A new tour with Exeter’s Red Coats exploring the achievements of women in Exeter that have often been overlooked on 9th September.

RAF Upottery Tour
A guided tour of the historic airfield at RAF Upottery led by the chair of the South West Airfields Heritage Trust. The tour will take you through the base’s role in WWII, you will need to bring your own vehicle to this event. Tour takes place on 10th September.

Dunkeswell Abbey Guided Tours
On 14th September, there will be tours throughout the day at Dunkeswell Abbey, a monastic site in the Blackdown Hils. Please pre book the tour of your choice here
https://abbeytour.eventbrite.co.uk

Want to see more Devon heritage events and more information about the events listed above? Visit Heritage Open Days here https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk