What's in store for HODs 2024?

Tue 2 July 2024

Heritage Open Days, 2024, Events

England’s largest free festival of heritage and culture is back 6-15 Sep 2024

Every year thousands of people attend free HODs events, discovering more about England’s history, learning the stories behind some of our most loved buildings and organisations, and discovering the untold tales and unsung heroes of the country.

Biggest city programme in 2023

In 2023, Norwich had more HODs events than any other city in England, which shows how amazing the history in the City of Stories is! Norfolk Heritage Open Days gives everyone the chance to learn more about the secrets of the city – from the hidden streets to the shops of the past. Delve into the archive of Norwich’s theatrical past, admire the city views from the very top of some of Norwich’s tallest buildings, explore the history of local residents at Museum of Norwich and what their lives were like, plus the iconic brands that were born right on our doorsteps.

HODs 2024

For 2024, we're looking forward to welcoming new organisers and events across the county, as well as some returning favourites. Norfolk Heritage Open Days will take visitors from the pier to the factory, with events from city to coast. From discovering Norfolk’s famous architects, to the servants who worked below stairs in stately homes, HODs gives a glimpse into the lives of those who lived and worked in our county over hundreds of years. Discover these delights through brass bands, chickens and even… coal!

It’s also Heritage Open Days’ 30^th anniversary: marking three decades of honouring the ordinary and extraordinary, and we’re ready to celebrate!

This year’s theme is Routes – Networks – Connections, celebrating how people and ideas have moved and come together throughout history: from the impact of railways, to our own Norwich Strangers.

Collaborations

In honour of the RSPCA Mid Norfolk & North Suffolk's 60th anniversary, we're celebrating the history of the branch with a special exhibition at Norfolk HODs' headquarters, The Forum. Taking place from Tuesday 10 to Sunday 15 September, the exhibition will tell the stories of the Branch, from the rescued and rehomed animals to the volunteers, to the animal centres that were across Norfolk.

60 Years of RSPCA Mid Norfolk & North Suffolk

Celebrating more than five decades of rescuing and rehoming animals.

Events & Booking

The online event directory is now live on the national HODs website. There's thousands of free events waiting to be discovered, with almost 300 of those taking place in Norfolk, with the opportunity for new events to be added right up until the first week in August. Events can range from “open doors” (where venues waive their entry fee or open places not usually open to the public) to tours, performances, talks, exhibitions or activities.

Booking opens on Monday 19 August at 10am for the majority of Norfolk events. As all HODs events are free, these are in high demand and get snapped up fast. Luckily, there are many events that do not require any booking at all.

FAQs

Do I need to book tickets for HODs events?

Some of the events are drop-in, and some events must be pre-booked.
Tickets are allocated on a first come first served basis, due to limited capacity. Tickets are limited to 2 per booker for each event.
Pre-book ticket bookings open Monday 19 August at 10am.
How can I book HODs tickets?

Most tickets can be booked online via norfolkhods.ticketsolve.com but please check individual event listings. Some events must be booked directly through the organisers/venue online, by phone, or by email.
If booking online on norfolkhods.ticketsolve.com we recommend checking out as a guest, instead of logging in or creating an account. You will have 15 minutes to complete your order.
Meeting points and addresses will be confirmed by email after booking.
When do HODs bookings open?

Bookings for the majority of pre-book events opens Monday 19 August at 10am.
Do I need to pay for HODs tickets?

No, all of the tickets are free. However, if you would like to make a donation to help cover the cost of coordinating Norfolk HODs, and the cost of our Box Office system, you can do so here: https://norfolkhods.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/products/donation
Why do HODs tickets sell out so quickly?

As the Norfolk HODs events are free, there is very high demand for tickets. Most of the Norfolk HODs events are managed by volunteers, which is why there are a limited number of events and places. Remember there are plenty of drop in events too!
Why do you limit HODs tickets to two per person?

To cope with the extraordinary demand, and allow as many people as possible to enjoy Norfolk HODs as possible, we limit tickets to two per person.
Where can I pick up a Norfolk HODs brochure?

Brochures will be available to pick up from The Forum and at various sites across the county, such as Libraries and Tourist Information Centres from Monday 22 July.
Unfortunately we cannot send brochures via the post.