Heritage Open Days - Colchester

Heritage Open Days will be running from 11–20 September 2026! This event is England's largest festivals of history and culture. Each year, Colchester offers behind-the-scenes tours and open days with many sites of heritage throwing open their doors...and all of this for FREE!

From medieval churches, iconic Colchester historic landmarks, an elegant Georgian hotel, an opportunity to take play the magnificent Moot Hall Organ, there are plenty of ways to explore Colchester's rich and varied historic offerings all across the Colchester district!

Want to join a guided tour? There are plenty to choose from, take a look below:

Garrison Walk (NEW!)
Colchester Town Hall
Old Library and Town Hall Law Courts (NEW!)
Walking the Walls Tour
Town to Sea Trail
Colchester Siege Walk
New Town Walk (NEW!)

Why not marvel at the magnificent Museum of the Moon at Colchester Castle, feel roar-some with the gigantic dinosaur skeleton of Juliasaurus at Hollytrees Museum, enjoy the a sneaky peek behind-the-scenes tour at Mercury Theatre, take in the brutalist architecture of University of Essex – Albert Sloman Library, see the world of Roman Colchester at the Roman Circus Visitor Centre and learn of the life of esteemed artist Alfred Munnings at The Munnings Art Museum. This just a snippet of what can be enjoyed! Make sure to start planning your visits now.