Brochures, booking and browsing for 2026

Ready for a history-filled adventure? Heritage Open Days is back from 11–20 September 2026, bringing ten brilliant days of stories, surprises and special places to explore. It’s your chance to peek behind normally closed doors, meet passionate local people and see Norfolk in a new way.

From fascinating buildings and tucked-away spaces to hands-on activities and unforgettable experiences, there’s something for every kind of history lover. Whether you’re into architecture, archaeology, community stories or local traditions, you’re sure to find something that sparks your curiosity.

Pick up your free festival brochure

The printed Norfolk listings brochure is out and about across the county! Look out for them at The Forum, Norfolk libraries, participating venues, museums, restaurants, shops, tourist attractions and plenty of other local spots. The brochure features 230 events, and you’ll find more than 340 to explore on the online directory.

Booking opens on Wednesday 26 August

Set your alarm: booking for most pre-book events in Norfolk opens at 10am on Wednesday 26 August. Some events have limited spaces and can fill up fast, so have a browse beforehand, make your wish list and get ready to book.

Every event works a little differently. Some tickets are available through the main festival programme, while others need to be booked directly with the venue online, by phone or by email. Just check the individual listing and it’ll point you in the right direction.

No booking? No problem

Missed out on tickets? Don’t worry! The most popular events can be fully booked within 20 minutes, but there are still more than 190 fantastic drop-in events waiting for you. No planning needed; simply turn up and see where the day takes you.

Plan your day by district

Fancy making a day of it? Browse the wonderful events happening across the county and plan your HODs adventure by Norfolk district. Will you uncover maritime traditions in North Norfolk, wander through grand country estates in Breckland—or do a bit of both?

Head to our District Highlights page for inspiration and start putting together your perfect day out.

Don't miss - Portraits of Life

The Portraits of Life exhibition at The Forum in Norwich (11-20 Sep 2026) brings together an extended collection of Jack Roberts’ photographs of Norwich after the Second World War. First exhibited during HODs 2019, this wonderful community-history project shines a light on long-gone neighbourhoods, buildings and the everyday stories behind them.

Norwich’s streets changed beyond recognition after the war and the redevelopment of the early 1970s. Rows of terraced houses and narrow shopping streets disappeared—but Jack was there with his camera. A photographer at Coe’s Photography and later at the UEA, he captured places and communities that might otherwise have been forgotten before his death in 2005.

Now, with the help of Derek James and Bill Smith, Jack’s photographs are back on display. Come and see how Norwich once looked, hear memories from people who lived and worked there, and enjoy archive films from the East Anglian Film Archive as it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026.

Don’t miss the supporting illustrated talk: Derek James and Bill Smith will share the story of Jack Roberts on Friday 18 September at 11am in The Forum's Auditorium.

Help support the future of Norfolk Heritage Open Days

Norfolk Heritage Open Days is coordinated by The Forum Trust, a registered charity—and every donation makes a real difference. Your support helps us keep the festival going, so everyone can continue enjoying free events and discovering the amazing history of our county.

Ready to start planning? Grab a brochure, dive into the online programme and save the dates for ten days of free history, culture and brilliant discoveries across Norfolk!