Heritage Open Days returns from Friday 11th to Sunday 20th September 2026, opening up historic buildings, museums, churches and other sites across Colchester and the surrounding area.

The 2026 programme includes 58 events around Colchester, ranging from open buildings and exhibitions to guided walks, talks and opportunities to visit places that are not normally accessible to the public.

Among the locations taking part are Colchester Castle Museum, the Roman Circus Visitor Centre, Colchester Town Hall, Hollytrees Museum, Mercury Theatre, Colchester Arts Centre, St John’s Abbey Gate, Jumbo Water Tower, the Roman Theatre and a number of historic churches across the city.

There are also guided walks exploring different parts of Colchester’s history. These include Walking the Walls, following the city’s Roman wall; a Colchester Siege Walk looking at the events and people of the 1648 siege; a Roman Walk; John Constable’s Colchester; the Garrison Walk; and the Town to Sea Trail from Castle Park to the Hythe.

Other events include a chance to visit the former library, law courts and prison cells at Colchester Town Hall, explore the University of Essex Special Collections, visit SPACE Colchester in the former police station in Queen Street and see the Moot Hall organ.

Several venues outside the city centre are also taking part, including Cuckoo Farm Studios, Boxted Airfield Museum, The Munnings Art Museum, Mersea Roman Barrow and historic sites in Wivenhoe, Earls Colne, Layer de la Haye and Great Wigborough.

Highlights include free admission to Colchester Castle Museum and the Roman Circus Visitor Centre on Saturday 12th September, the opportunity to climb Jumbo Water Tower on Sunday 13 September, and access to Colchester Town Hall, the former law courts and several other historic buildings on Saturday 19 September.

Most events are free and do not require advance booking, although some individual tours and venues must or should be booked in advance. Opening times, dates and access arrangements vary between events, so visitors should check the individual listings before travelling.

Heritage Open Days 2026 runs from Friday 11th to Sunday 20th September.