Heritage Open Days 2026 - Discover Everyday histories in North Lincolnshire

Heritage Open Days 2026: Discover North Lincolnshire's Hidden Histories this Heritage Open Days

This September, Heritage Open Days returns with an exciting programme of free events across North Lincolnshire, offering visitors the chance to uncover fascinating stories, explore historic buildings, enjoy guided walks, exhibitions and family-friendly activities.

Running from 11 to 20 September, Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture, celebrating the places, spaces and communities that make our heritage special. Whether you're passionate about local history, curious about centuries-old churches, fascinated by industrial heritage, or looking for a family day out, there's plenty to discover.

Step Back in Time at Crowle Peatland Railway

One of this year's highlights is the programme at Crowle Peatland Railway, where visitors can explore the story of the peat extraction industry that once shaped Thorne and Crowle Moors.

Alongside exhibitions showcasing the area's remarkable industrial heritage, North Lincolnshire Museum has created a special display marking the 400th anniversary of Cornelius Vermuyden's historic drainage project, which transformed the Isle of Axholme and Hatfield Chase. Daily talks offer a deeper insight into this extraordinary engineering achievement, while performances from the Tiddy Mun Band on 13 September bring the story of the Fens to life through music and readings.

Explore Remarkable Churches and Historic Buildings

North Lincolnshire's churches open their doors throughout the festival, offering visitors the opportunity to discover hidden treasures and centuries of history.

At St Nicholas' Church in Ulceby, visitors can enjoy self-guided tours and explore a village heritage display featuring historic photographs. The church itself dates back to the Domesday Book and houses nationally significant stained glass, medieval pew ends and a rood screen believed to have come from Thornton Abbey.

In Barton-upon-Humber, St Peter's Church provides a fascinating glimpse into more than 1,000 years of history, including its Saxon tower, medieval architecture and displays relating to the thousands of skeletons uncovered around the church. Creative workshops and live music add an extra dimension to the experience.

Visitors can also discover the beauty of St Andrew's Church, Redbourne, a Grade I listed landmark that will host exhibitions exploring its architectural evolution and connections to prominent local families. The church will also become the setting for a medieval-themed weekend complete with period refreshments and a performance from the renowned City of Lincoln Waites.

Meanwhile, St John's Church in Burringham invites visitors to admire its striking Victorian architecture, colourful brickwork and beautiful stained glass.

Discover Everyday Histories

This year's festival theme celebrates the stories of ordinary people and everyday life, and North Lincolnshire's programme is packed with opportunities to explore local communities through time.

In Winterton, visitors can delve into the lives of the landlords, brewers and families behind the town's historic pubs in the exhibition Life Behind the Bar.

At Bonby Village Hall, the Bonby History Group presents a fascinating exhibition exploring village life through census records, school archives, historic photographs and the story of a local house once owned by a knight of the realm.

Visitors to Barton upon Humber's High Street can enjoy a self-guided heritage trail revealing what once occupied the town's shopfronts, offering a nostalgic look at generations of local businesses and everyday commerce.

Walk Through History

A variety of guided walks provide opportunities to experience North Lincolnshire's heritage in the landscape itself.

History enthusiasts can join the Trains, Drains and Villeins walk across the Isle of Axholme, exploring topics ranging from Vermuyden's drainage works and the Axholme Railway to medieval farming practices, peat extraction and traditional industries.

In Redbourne, a guided village heritage walk will reveal historic buildings, including the village's 19th-century fire engine shed, traditional forge and coaching inn.

Across Barton-upon-Humber, Heritage Open Days features a packed programme of guided walks exploring everything from historic brickworks and Victorian cemeteries to trees, architecture, local characters and waterside industries.

Family-Friendly Heritage Adventures

Families can get involved too, with activities designed to make local history fun and accessible for younger visitors.

At The Ropewalk in Barton-upon-Humber, children aged 5 to 12 can take part in a self-guided heritage trail, uncovering the fascinating story of one of the town's most iconic buildings. Visitors can also enjoy exhibitions, guided tours and opportunities to learn more about Barton's industrial past.

Nearby, Waters' Edge Country Park hosts its annual exhibition, The Road to Waters' Edge, telling the story of how a former industrial site was transformed into the popular country park enjoyed today.

Don't Miss These Unique Experiences

The festival also offers rare opportunities to access places not normally open to the public, including:

• Guided tours of the historic Tyrwhitt Hall in Barton-upon-Humber

• Behind-the-scenes visits to Baysgarth House

• Access to the Barton Archive

• Exploration of the rare surviving Applegate House Air Raid Shelter

• Open days at the Barton Masonic Centre

Plan Your Visit

Heritage Open Days events are free to attend, although some guided walks and tours require advance booking.

Whether you're uncovering medieval stories in Redbourne, exploring the industrial legacy of Crowle Moors, touring historic Barton-upon-Humber or discovering hidden village histories, Heritage Open Days offers a unique opportunity to connect with North Lincolnshire's past and celebrate the stories that have shaped our communities.

For full event details and booking information, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Heritage Open Days

11 to 20 September

Find your next heritage adventure in North Lincolnshire this September and discover the stories waiting on your doorstep.