Go explore!
That’s the message from Heritage Open Days
Each September thousands of volunteers across the country invite you to experience local history, architecture and culture – All for free
An abundance of historic venues in the town centre, and across West Northamptonshire will be open to the public for free from Friday 10 to Sunday 19 September, as part of the national Heritage Open Days event, now in its 27th year.
Coordinated locally by West Northamptonshire Council and run by volunteers, this is a once-a-year opportunity to explore some of the area’s unique historic buildings and sites, many of which are usually restricted or charge for entry.
Pre-booking is required for some of the tours and early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Full details, including days and times, plus the Heritage Bus Service timetable, can be found in the event brochure on the West Northamptonshire Council website.
For full details, in an accessible format, please visit the Heritage Open Days website
Our town centre certainly has plenty to explore!
Please see a snap shot of town centre events listed below
100 Years of United Counties
A display of classic buses and coaches with free rides on historic bus routes around the town and county. Some stalls selling transport related items.
Event Location
Market Square, NN1 2DN
Event Times
Sunday 19 September: 10:00 – 16:00
60 Miles by Road or Rail pop-up
Join 60 Miles by Road or Rail in a celebration of Northampton and Corby’s New Town heritage. Explore written and recorded memories from residents past and present and enjoy interacting with our pop-up multimedia exhibition. Suitable for all ages.
Event Location
Grosvenor Centre, Union Street, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 2EW
Event Times
Friday 10 September: 10.00 – 16.00
Saturday 11 September: 10.00 – 17.00
Sunday 12 September: 11.00 – 16.00
Wednesday 15 September: 10.00 – 16.00
Thursday 16 September: 10.00 – 16.00
Friday 17 September: 10.00 – 16.00
Saturday 18 September: 10.00 – 17.00
Sunday 19 September: 11.00 – 16.00
Heritage Bus Services
Classic buses providing FREE heritage bus services in and around Northampton linking venues participating in Heritage Open Days and running short tours.
Event Location
George Row, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DF
Event Times
Saturday 11 September: 09.30 – 17.00
Sunday 12 September: 09.30 – 17.00
Royal and Derngate Theatres
Tour of the Royal auditorium, stage, workshops and paint shop, with a quick glace into the Derngate auditorium, which has rehearsals going on.
Event Location
19-21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP
Event Times
Saturday 18 September: 11.00 – 14.00
Please note: Pre-booking is required – please visit Heritage Open Days website.
Northamptonshire Natural History Society
Interested in Natural History in Northamptonshire?
Want to look through a microscope?
Want to handle local rocks and fossils?
Interested in Astronomy?
Then visit us in our purpose-built rooms.
Event Location
Northamptonshire Natural History Society & Field Club, 10 Castilian Terrace, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1LD
Event Times
Saturday 11 September: 10.00 -16.00
Sunday 12 September: 10.00 – 16.00
78 Derngate: The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House
Take a guided tour of 78 Derngate – an ordinary Georgian terraced house in Northampton – made extraordinary by the dramatic remodelling of the interiors by the famous Glaswegian designer and architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Event Location
78 Derngate, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1UH
Event Times
Friday 10 September: 13.00 – 16.00
Please note: Pre-booking is required – please visit Heritage Open Days website.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre – Heritage Showcase 2021
The world-famous Holy Sepulchre Church 1100 AD has so much to interest our many visitors with oceans of conservation and recent research that now enhances and expands our Visitor Experience…a not to miss Heritage Open Day!
Event Location
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Sheep Street, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 2LY
Event Times
Saturday 11 September: 1000 – 1600
Sunday 12 September: 1200 – 1600
The Old Savoy – The home of The Deco Theatre
The Deco Theatre, Northampton’s hidden gem, is host to a wide variety of shows, the Christmas pantomime, and many training events. Over recent years the theatre has thoroughly re-established itself and continues to grow from strength to strength.
Event Location
Abington Square, Next to The Press Restaurant, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 4AE
Event Times
Friday 10 September: 10.00 – 16.00
Saturday 11 September: 10.00 – 16.00
Thursday 16 September: 10.00 – 16.00
Friday 17 September: 10.00 – 16.00