Explore Leicester’s Hidden History: Free Heritage Festival Returns

From Friday, September 11, to Sunday, September 20, 2026, Leicester will host its annual Heritage Open Days festival. This city-wide event provides a rare, free opportunity for residents and visitors to step inside buildings that are typically closed to the public or to view historic sites through a new lens. Organized by Leicester City Council, the festival features over 60 distinct events, ranging from guided walking tours to rare archival exhibitions.

Program Highlights and Architectural Sites

The 2026 program offers a diverse look at the city’s evolution, covering everything from medieval stonework to 20th-century industrial achievements. Key highlights include:

• Medieval and Georgian Heritage: Visitors can explore the interior of the medieval Magazine Gateway. New for this year, the festival introduces guided walking tours of the High Street, the Leicester Lanes, and the Wharf Street area, alongside established tours of the historic Greyfriars Legal Quarter.
• Industrial and Civic Landmarks: The Abbey Pumping Station returns with tours of its beam engine and transport shed. Other notable buildings opening their doors include the Grade I listed City Rooms, Winstanley House in Braunstone Park, Braunstone Stables, Clarence House, and the Glenfield Hospital Creative Health and Heritage Centre.
• Exhibitions and Collections: The Leicester Guildhall will host a photographic exhibition and offer themed tours of its medieval structure. In a special collaboration with the Leicestershire Archaeological & Historical Society, visitors can also view rare books held in the Guildhall’s Jury Room. Meanwhile, the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery will display 100 rarely seen objects selected by volunteers, and the Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage will host a ‘Living Archive’ on Bowling Green Street.
• Performances: The Y Theatre celebrates its 125th anniversary with a special performance titled 125 Years in 125 Minutes. Additionally, the arts organization Pedestrian will present a free live performance based on local folklore.

Practical Information for Attendees

All events are free to attend, though the nature of access varies by location. While many sites are open for casual drop-ins, some guided tours and performances require advance booking to secure a place.

To plan your visit, consult the full event schedule and booking requirements via the official Visit Leicester website. Because some activities are capacity-limited, it is recommended that attendees check the specific requirements for each venue before traveling. For further details on the full range of activities, visit the official Visit Leicester website.

Source: Leicester City Council