Discover, Explore & Be Inspired – September is a fantastic month for discovering the history, heritage and creativity on our doorstep. From free access to hidden Cambridge treasures and historic buildings to local Heritage Open Days and a record-breaking celebration of Hertfordshire’s artists, there’s plenty to explore.
Whether you’re fascinated by the past, curious about places normally closed to the public, or looking to meet local artists and discover something new, these events offer a wonderful opportunity to step inside, look closer and experience something different — all for free (some events need to be pre-booked)
Open Cambridge
Residents and visitors are invited to step behind the scenes of Cambridge this September as Open Cambridge returns with ten days of free tours, exhibitions, talks and open days celebrating the city’s rich history, research and culture.
The event runs between 11th–20th September, the annual festival gives people the opportunity to explore places that are rarely open to the public, meet the people behind them and discover the stories that have shaped Cambridge over the centuries.
History lovers can enjoy a special open day at the Churchill Archives Centre, where more than 600 collections documenting the history of modern Britain will be on display.
Visit college libraries at Trinity, St John’s and Corpus Christi. The Museum of Cambridge will host a family-friendly open day filled with storytelling and activities, alongside behind-the-scenes tours led by Director Alex Smaridge, offering visitors a unique insight into the museum’s collections and work.
The whole family can enjoy live music, arts and crafts, fitness tasters and family-friendly activities at the Storey’s Field Centre Showcase in Eddington.
Other highlights include archaeological talks exploring the latest discoveries at Wandlebury Hillfort, walks uncovering the stories of Americans based in Cambridgeshire during the Second World War at the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, a collection of Egyptian, Roman and medieval artefacts at the Lawrence Room Museum, Girton College, and one of the most fascinating Victorian cemeteries at Histon Road Cemetery.
Most events are free drop ins, though some events require advance booking due to limited capacity.
For bookings and the full programme visit: www.opencambridge.cam.ac.uk
Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days are England’s largest festival of history and culture.
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.
The event runs between 11th-20th September, here are some of the most local venues:
Royston Parish Church, Melbourn Street, Royston, SG8 7BP – Saturday 12th September, 10am-4pm
A day of discovery about where you live. The Royston Tapestry is on full display. Demonstration of the organ and bells, tours of the church and refreshments.
Wolfson College Garden Tour, Wolfson College, Cambridge, CB3 9BB – Friday 18th September, 2-3pm
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Wolfson College gardens. Free, but booking required.
Trinity College Guided Tour, Trinity College, Cambridge, CB2 1TQ – Thursday 17th September, 2-3pm
A guided tour led by one of the knowledgeable porters.
St Nicholas’ Church, Ickleton Road, Elmdon, Essex, CB11 4LT – Saturday 19th September, 2-5pm
Open Afternoon and Bell Ringing. Watch demonstrations and take a tour up to the ringing chamber.
Hertford Castle, SG14 1HR – Sunday 20th September, 12noon-4pm
Hertford Castle Heritage Day – Pre-booking not required. Celebrating Hertford’s rich historical and cultural heritage with a full programme of activities and entertainment, including storytelling, archery and Viking battle re-enactments.
For full details of these and all Heritage Open Days events, visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Herts Open Studios 2026
Hertfordshire’s Creative Community Reaches Record Scale: Herts Open Studios 2026 Welcomes 159+ Artists.
Herts Visual Arts is thrilled to announce Herts Open Studios 2026, running 5th–27th September. This year’s event features record breaking participation by 159 artists in 83 venues – marking the largest celebration in the event’s 36-year history.
Visitors to Herts Open Studios can expect to explore behind the scenes workings: techniques and inspiration of artists in their studios, galleries, homes and shared creative spaces across Hertfordshire, discovering a remarkable array of painting, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, jewellery, glass, printmaking and photography. The event offers something genuinely special: the chance to meet artists in their creative spaces, see work being made, learn about individual practices, and purchase original pieces directly from makers.
This year is particularly exciting. Forty-four artists and twelve creative groups are participating for the first time, reflecting the growing confidence and diversity of Hertford-shire’s creative community. New participants also include galleries, collectives and other creative organisations, bringing fresh energy to the programme.
Shivani Mathur, Chair of Herts Visual Arts, said: “Having recently taken on this role, I’ve been privileged to learn about our artists’ extraordinary creative practices. This September offers a unique opportunity to experience it first-hand – in many venues, you can meet the artists, learn about their practice, and see work in the very spaces where it is created.”
