The national Heritage Open Days organisers have said the free festival will be going ahead in September, but the format will be adapted due to Covid-19. See below for more information.

Heritage Open Days

Guildford's Heritage Open Days has one of the biggest number of activities and events in the UK, giving visitors the opportunity to explore Guildford's fantastic architecture and culture.

Dates for 2020

Nationally the event will be running for ten consecutive days from 11 to 20 September with organisers choosing when to open and participate. The confirmed dates for Guildford's Heritage Open Days festival are 11 to 13 September.

Changes planned for 2020 festival

This year, the Heritage Open Days national organisers will be allowing and encouraging online events for the first time, as well as any in-person visits that are possible within government guidelines at the time of the festival.

Communities will be able to celebrate the stories of the places and spaces that are important to them in new ways. Visitors will be able to take part in activities further afield. They will be able to explore even more hidden places and local gems from the comfort and security of their armchairs.

We are delighted to confirm that there will be a small number of traditional in person events, as well as some new online activities where people can learn and discover about Guildford's cultural and architectural heritage for free. The details of Guildford's events will be available online via the national event directory, which will go live mid August. The event directory will have the most up-to-date information, including any amendments/last minute cancellations, so please do check it before you visit.

Useful guides

Why not find out more about Effingham and download a copy of the Effingham Heritage Trail [2.03MB] and also The Bishop's Walk [1.32MB] which provides an opportunity to explore the area.

About Heritage Open Days

The event is coordinated locally by Guildford Borough Council, The Guildford Society and the Guildford Town Guides.

Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers.
Heritage Open Days is coordinated nationally by the National Trust with support from players of People's Postcode Lottery.

How you can get involved

If you own a property or represent an organisation within the borough and would like to get involved in future Heritage Open Days, we would love to hear from you. Alternatively if you would like to volunteer to help steward participating properties, please get in touch by emailing managementsupport@guildford.gov.uk.