Great Value Train Travel
England’s biggest free heritage festival, Heritage Open Days, returns every September. Each year, thousands of volunteers across the country organise events that showcase our brilliant heritage, history and architecture. Many hidden gems will open their doors to the public so you don’t want to miss your chance of visiting interesting historic buildings that are not always publicly accessible.
There’ll be plenty to do including tours, activities, and events and best of all it’s free, with Hull and Beverley having one of the largest selection to choose from. See our top picks below or use the Heritage Open Days website and map to find one near you. There’s events going on all around England, including many destinations along the Hull Trains route.
Please note, the below are events from 2021. Please check for updated events, times and dates.
Hull
Ye Old White Harte
Event Times: Fri 10 Sep – 10:00 & 12:00, Sat 11 Sep – 10:00 & 12:00, Fri 17 Sep – 10:00 & 11:00, Sat 18 Sep – 10:00 & 11:00
The Guildhall was built in the early 1900s and designed by Sir Edwin Cooper. A tour of the inside, you’ll find historic panelling and marble floors, along with sculptures, furniture and fine art. Conveniently located a 10 minute walk from Hull station within the heart of the city, it’s a brilliant place to visit. More information can be found here.
Beverley
Beverley Friary
Event Times: Sat 11 Sep – 11:00-16:00, Sun 12 Sep – 11:00-16:00
One of Beverley’s secret buildings, The Friary displays 16th and 17th century features including wall paintings that are rarely seen but will be on display specially for the Heritage Open Day event. You’ll even discover a royal connection to Henry VIII in 1541. Learn more here.
Beverley Minster
Event Times: Fri 10 Sep – 11:00-16:00, Sat 11 Sep – 11:00-16:00, Sun 12 Sep – 13:00-16:00
A well known feature of Beverley’s skyline, Beverley Minster is an impressive, gothic structure with roots dating back to the 8th century. Discover the medieval past at Beverley Minster at this year’s Heritage Open Days. More details can be found here. On your visit to Beverley Minster, be sure to stop by Beverley Minster's Secret Garden. It’s a quiet oasis to enjoy nature and the outdoors.
The Treasure House
Event Times: Fri 10 Sep – 09:30-16:45, Sat 11 Sep – 09:00-15:45
The Treasure House is home to so much history with lots to discover. You’ll find the Treasure House Museum, Beverley Art Gallery, East Riding Archives and Beverley Library under one roof. Explore Beverley’s heritage with a visit to the Treasure House. Find more information and booking details here.
Beverley Beekeepers
Event Times: Sat 11 Sep – 11:00-16:00, Sun 12 Sep – 11:00-16:00
Learn all there is to know about beekeeping and the important job bees do, whilst enjoying the attractive Coronation Garden. Watch the bees safely behind a Perspex frame and even get the chance to purchase local honey from the hives. More details here.
Beverley Lairgate Hall
Event Times: Fri 10 Sep – 11:00-16:00
Rarely seen by the public, Lairgate Hall is one of Beverley’s stunning Georgian houses, built in 1760. Tour a selection of rooms inside this grand Grade I listed home. For booking details and further information, click here.
Travelling to Hull or Beverley by train? Book your tickets direct on the Hull Trains website or app for great value fares!
There’ll be plenty to do including tours, activities, and events and best of all it’s free, with Hull and Beverley having one of the largest selection to choose from. See our top picks below or use the Heritage Open Days website and map to find one near you. There’s events going on all around England, including many destinations along the Hull Trains route.
Please note, the below are events from 2021. Please check for updated events, times and dates.
Hull
Ye Old White Harte
Event Times: Anytime during the Heritage Open Days event, from 12:00
Ye Old White Harte is one of the most historic pubs in Hull and it was built in the 17th century. This Heritage Open Days, you’ll have one-off access to the first floor where you’ll find the Plotting Parlour which has historic ties to events in the 1600s. Why not explore the rest of Hull’s Old Town whilst you’re in the area. Learn more here.
The Charterhouse, Chapel and Gardens
Event Times: Sat 11 Sep – 12:00-17:00, Sun 12 Sep – 12:00-17:00, Fri 17 Sep – 12:00-17:00
The Charterhouse was founded by Sir Michael de la Pole in 1384, and it continues to be in use as a home for retired residents today. The building displays historic features from the Georgian era, including a chapel inside. The Master’s House was badly damaged during the war but it dates back to 1660. The tranquil gardens is home to a mulberry tree that is said to be Hull’s oldest, dating back over 350 years. Find out more.
Ferens Art Gallery
Event Times: Anytime during the Heritage Open Days event. Mon-Sat 10:00-16:00, Sunday 11:00-16:00
If you enjoy exhibitions and art collections, you don’t want to miss a trip to Ferens Art Gallery. There are 12 galleries and temporary exhibitions displaying a brilliant selection of paintings and sculptures. You’ll find Ferens Art Gallery located in Queen Victoria Square with nearby convenient leisure and hospitality facilities. Learn more about your visit.
Hull Guildhall TourYe Old White Harte is one of the most historic pubs in Hull and it was built in the 17th century. This Heritage Open Days, you’ll have one-off access to the first floor where you’ll find the Plotting Parlour which has historic ties to events in the 1600s. Why not explore the rest of Hull’s Old Town whilst you’re in the area. Learn more here.
Event Times: Sat 11 Sep – 12:00-17:00, Sun 12 Sep – 12:00-17:00, Fri 17 Sep – 12:00-17:00
The Charterhouse was founded by Sir Michael de la Pole in 1384, and it continues to be in use as a home for retired residents today. The building displays historic features from the Georgian era, including a chapel inside. The Master’s House was badly damaged during the war but it dates back to 1660. The tranquil gardens is home to a mulberry tree that is said to be Hull’s oldest, dating back over 350 years. Find out more.
Ferens Art Gallery
Event Times: Anytime during the Heritage Open Days event. Mon-Sat 10:00-16:00, Sunday 11:00-16:00
If you enjoy exhibitions and art collections, you don’t want to miss a trip to Ferens Art Gallery. There are 12 galleries and temporary exhibitions displaying a brilliant selection of paintings and sculptures. You’ll find Ferens Art Gallery located in Queen Victoria Square with nearby convenient leisure and hospitality facilities. Learn more about your visit.
Event Times: Fri 10 Sep – 10:00 & 12:00, Sat 11 Sep – 10:00 & 12:00, Fri 17 Sep – 10:00 & 11:00, Sat 18 Sep – 10:00 & 11:00
The Guildhall was built in the early 1900s and designed by Sir Edwin Cooper. A tour of the inside, you’ll find historic panelling and marble floors, along with sculptures, furniture and fine art. Conveniently located a 10 minute walk from Hull station within the heart of the city, it’s a brilliant place to visit. More information can be found here.
Beverley
Beverley Friary
Event Times: Sat 11 Sep – 11:00-16:00, Sun 12 Sep – 11:00-16:00
One of Beverley’s secret buildings, The Friary displays 16th and 17th century features including wall paintings that are rarely seen but will be on display specially for the Heritage Open Day event. You’ll even discover a royal connection to Henry VIII in 1541. Learn more here.
Beverley Minster
Event Times: Fri 10 Sep – 11:00-16:00, Sat 11 Sep – 11:00-16:00, Sun 12 Sep – 13:00-16:00
A well known feature of Beverley’s skyline, Beverley Minster is an impressive, gothic structure with roots dating back to the 8th century. Discover the medieval past at Beverley Minster at this year’s Heritage Open Days. More details can be found here. On your visit to Beverley Minster, be sure to stop by Beverley Minster's Secret Garden. It’s a quiet oasis to enjoy nature and the outdoors.
The Treasure House
Event Times: Fri 10 Sep – 09:30-16:45, Sat 11 Sep – 09:00-15:45
The Treasure House is home to so much history with lots to discover. You’ll find the Treasure House Museum, Beverley Art Gallery, East Riding Archives and Beverley Library under one roof. Explore Beverley’s heritage with a visit to the Treasure House. Find more information and booking details here.
Beverley Beekeepers
Event Times: Sat 11 Sep – 11:00-16:00, Sun 12 Sep – 11:00-16:00
Learn all there is to know about beekeeping and the important job bees do, whilst enjoying the attractive Coronation Garden. Watch the bees safely behind a Perspex frame and even get the chance to purchase local honey from the hives. More details here.
Beverley Lairgate Hall
Event Times: Fri 10 Sep – 11:00-16:00
Rarely seen by the public, Lairgate Hall is one of Beverley’s stunning Georgian houses, built in 1760. Tour a selection of rooms inside this grand Grade I listed home. For booking details and further information, click here.
Travelling to Hull or Beverley by train? Book your tickets direct on the Hull Trains website or app for great value fares!
