Heritage Open Days is back with a bang for 2021. Following the mainly digital celebrations of 2020 due to the global pandemic, we are thrilled to be able to announce that many historic venues across the Borough will be open once again this year.
Heritage Open Days is now an established annual celebration of the rich heritage and culture that our country possesses.
From Friday 10 September – Sunday 19 September many of Colchester’s sites of significant historical and architectural interest will join their national counterparts and open their doors to the public at no charge. During this time residents and visitors to the Borough can also take part in other planned activities that include accompanied guided walks, tours and exhibitions.
New for 2021 are an opportunity to explore Cannock Mill in Old Heath and go inside Gray’s Summerhouse in Castle Park. As last year two specially commissioned short films have made for Heritage Open Days, on Bourne Mill and Wivenhoe and the Theatre.
This annual event provides a great way to discover Colchester's fascinating history and see inside venues that are usually closed to the public, all for free.
To browse the attractions available please visit www.visitcolchester.com/HODS or pop into the Visitor Information Centre to pick up a free leaflet detailing all this year’s highlights.
On Saturday 11 September, Colchester Castle will be joining in the celebrations and opening its doors for FREE. However, Castle numbers will be strictly monitored with a queuing system in place to keep visitors safe. The Castle will also be offering a 15% discount for anyone wishing to visit the Castle between the 12 September – 11 October by quoting code HODS21. With many treasures and new exhibition Decoding The Roman Dead to discover, Colchester Castle makes a great family day out.
Councillor Darius Laws, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Business and Heritage for Colchester Borough Council, said: “Heritage Open Days is a fantastic way to discover Colchester’s hidden historical gems, see behind doors that are usually closed and find out more about our town’s culture and historic past. Head to the website to plan your visits and let us know all about it on social media using the hashtag #HODS21.”
Page last reviewed: 6 September 2021