Heritage Open Days returns from September 11 to 20, opening the doors to historic landmarks, hidden spaces, and grand estates across West Yorkshire completely free of charge.
While every event in the festival is free to attend, the most sought-after behind-the-scenes tours, creative workshops, and grand estate openings require advance pre-booking - with places filling up fast via the official Heritage Open Days website, or for those English Heritage sites, direct through the English Heritage website (with the chance to sign up for an annual membership, too.)
Whether you want to explore secret city-centre archives, climb historic towers, or wander through 18th-century parklands, here are 11 standout Yorkshire events to book this month.
1. City Varieties Music Hall Tour (13 Sep 2026)
Explore the UK's oldest surviving music hall on a guided behind-the-scenes tour, uncovering the rich history of this iconic cultural landmark, with refreshments served at Leeds Grand Theatre. 🏰 City Varieties Music Hall, Swan Street, Leeds, LS1 6LW | jpimedia
2. Heritage Pub Walk (17 Sep 2026)
Join heritage pub enthusiast Jim Brettell for a guided walking tour exploring some of Leeds city centre's most popular and architecturally historic pubs. 🏰 Departs from The Adelphi, 1 - 3 Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ | Peter Thacker
3. Sound Leisure Jukebox Factory Tour (11 Sep 2026)
Go behind the scenes at one of the few British factories taking products from raw materials to completion, meeting craftsmen, seeing cabinet assembly, and touring a showroom of classic jukeboxes and neon signs. 🏰 Sound Leisure Ltd, Sandleas Way, Leeds, LS15 8AR
4. Spenfield: 'The Finest Surviving Suite of Victorian Domestic Rooms in Leeds' (18 Sep 2026)
A rare opportunity to tour the communal areas of this magnificent Grade II* listed house in Far Headingley, including the exquisite Peacock Room. 🏰 Spenfield Court, Otley Road, Leeds, LS16 5BX
5. Come and Sing Mozart's Requiem (19 Sep 2026)
Join the prestigious Leeds Festival Chorus to rehearse and perform Mozart's Requiem alongside soloists from the Royal Northern College of Music. 🏰 Leeds Minster, 2 - 6 Kirkgate, Leeds, LS2 7DJ
6. Zine-Making Workshop (19 Sep 2026)
Design your own heritage-inspired zine in a hands-on workshop led by illustrator Blue inside an atmospheric Victorian school hall. 🏰 Headingley Enterprise & Arts Centre (HEART), Bennett Road, Leeds, LS6 3HN