HODs Logo

Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE. This year Heritage Open Days returns with a 10-day festival taking place from Friday 11th to Sunday 20th September. You can have free access to events and properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission or choose one of the many events that take place especially for the festival.

Colour Key

Here in Stoke-on-Trent, there will be the the usual chance to explore our fantastic heritage and enjoy a wide range of events and activities that bring local history and culture to life. This year the national theme is ‘Everyday Histories’, providing an opportunity to highlight the working lives of Potteries Folk and we will also draw attention to events that provide opportunities to visit our iconic Bottle Ovens. 

The programme is co-ordinated nationally, by the National Trust and with support from players of the People's Postcard Lottery, and locally by The Heritage Network for Stoke-on-Trent, bringing together local hosts and heritage enthusiasts.

As events are still being developed, this page will be a work in progress until registration closes on 13th August. See our "At a Glance" guide below.

Colours indicate general location: Pink=Tunstall; Orange=Burslem; Yellow=Hanley & Etruria; Green=Stoke & Hartshill; Blue=Fenton; Purple=Longton & Trentham; Grey=Multiple Locations.
Themes:  A=Architecture    B=Bottle Ovens    C=City Centenary   P=Pre-booking required
  

The Festival - At a Glance

Click on the event titles for more information and booking. Clicking on the HODs logo on the bottom right of the event pages takes you further information and maps on the HODs site.
 
Fri 11
Sep
 
 
 
Sat 12
Sep
 
 
 
 
Sun 13 Sep
1000-1600  P
 
 
 
Mon 14
Sep
 
 
 
 
Tue 15
Sep
 
 
 
 
 
Wed 16 Sep
 
 
 
 
 
Thu 17
Sep
From Clay to Community
1200-1600  E  
 
 
 
 
Fri 18
Sep
From Clay to Community
1000-1500  E  
1000-1700  B
1000-1400
 
 
Sat 19
Sep
From Clay to Community
1000-1400  E  B
1100-1600
 
 
1000-1600  P
 
1000-1700
 
 
Sun 20
Sep
1000-1600  P
 
1300-1700
1100-1300   E   B   P
 
 

Alternatively, check out:

for Stoke-on-Trent
 or 
for Stoke-on-Trent
or 
for the whole of England

 

Co-ordinated by the Heritage Network for Stoke-on-Trent.