Heritage Open Days 2023

From 8-17 September, Reading will be celebrating over 900 years of history with more than 30 free events as part of Heritage Open Days.

Heritage Open Days is a national celebration of history with free events all over the country. In Reading, there will be a programme of guided walks, talks, open days, dressing up, arts and craft activities and music across the 10 days of the festival.

Heritage Open Days offers the chance to visit buildings of historic importance that are often not open at other times of the year, as well take part in special events at local museums and historic buildings. This year, many of these events will focus on creativity with exhibitions at The Turbine House and Quaker Meeting House to paper sculpture making in one of Reading’s oldest houses.

Two of Reading’s best know landmarks will be taking part in very different ways; The Hexagon is putting on an exhibition celebrating 45 years of Reading’s best-known cultural venue while dressing up will be the order of the day at Reading Old Cemetery at Cemetery Junction as the lives of some of its permanent residents are brought to life.

Alex Brannen, Reading co-ordinator for Heritage Open Days, said: “This time of year reminds us what a rich history Reading has. If you are curious about what lies inside historic Reading buildings or just want to learn more about our heritage, then Heritage Open Days is for you.”

All Heritage Open Days events are free. REDA, Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency, have produced a printed programme of the events taking place in and around Reading, which is available from libraries. All the events are also listed on whatsonreading.com.  A number of the events have limited capacity so must be booked in advance. Check the heritageopendays.org for full accessibility information.   

Download the programme for Reading>>>