Heritage Open Days starts on September 12
Liverpool Classic buses
Locations across Liverpool and its surrounding areas are set to open for free this week. From September 12 to 21, Heritage Open Days will return with thousands of free events taking place across the country. Heritage Open Days, which is England’s largest festival of history and culture, will hold more than 5,800 events across its programme.
This week, visitors will have the opportunity to explore beautiful buildings across the region and learn more about their fascinating history. HODs Marketing and Projects Manager Liam Montgomery said: “2025 is set to offer the most ambitious and wide-reaching Heritage Open Days programme yet, and it’s brimming with great things to do.
“Whether it’s well-known landmarks and hidden architectural gems or community-led talks and immersive experiences, the sheer diversity of places and stories on offer is extraordinary. It’s a testament to the passion and dedication of local organisers and volunteers who make this celebration of our shared heritage possible.”
Heritage Open Days is brought by the National Trust, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and delivered locally by a large range of organisations including civic societies, heritage organisations and local councils, community champions and thousands of volunteers.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “I’m delighted funding raised by our players is supporting Heritage Open Days for another year, and means that the public can enjoy all that it has to offer for free.
“The festival is an incredible opportunity to celebrate England’s rich heritage by exploring the people and places that have helped shape it. With such a jam-packed programme, there is truly something for everyone and it’s a great opportunity to get a sneak peek behind the doors of special and unique sites usually closed off to the general public.”
Below are some of the free events taking place in Merseyside this week. For the full listing visit the Heritage Open Days website.
Cast Iron Church
St Michaels Church, St Michaels Church Road(Image: Google Streetview)
The Grade I listed ‘Cast Iron’ church is one of the earliest prefabricated churches and one of Liverpool’s Georgian buildings. The church, near St Michael’s station, was built in 1815 by John Cragg, principal partner in the Mersey Iron Foundry.
When: Between 10am until 4pm on September 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21
Pre-booking requirement: No
Where: St Michael’s Church Road, L17 7BD
Free Guided Heritage Trail Tours at Liverpool ONE
Liverpool One
The free guided heritage trail tour at Liverpool ONE will take visitors through 300 years of Liverpool’s fascinating past with a free guided tour as part of English Tourism week. Their tour guide will lead on a 60-minute tour across Liverpool ONE discovering the city’s maritime legacy, from the creation of the world’s first commercial wet dock to Liverpool’s role in shaping global events.
When: Between 10am until 11am and 1pm until 2pm on September 12, 13, 16, 19, and 20
Pre-booking requirement: Yes
Where: Liverpool Sign, Thomas Steers Way, L1 8LW
Sefton St Helen’s Church
St Helen’s Church, Sefton. Pic Colin Lane.
Sefton Parish Church is one of the oldest Christian sites on Merseyside and the only Grade I listed building in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton. This is a unique opportunity to visit a place of continuous Christian worship – ‘The Cathedral of the Fields’ – which recently celebrated its 855th anniversary.
When: On September 12, 14 and 21 (1pm to 4pm) and September 13, 19 and 20 (11am to 4pm)
Pre-booking requirement: No
Where: Bridges Lane, Sefton Village, L29 7WG
St Georges Everton Open Day
St George’s Church in Everton(Image: Liverpool Echo)
St Georges Church in Everton is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building. It is also the earliest of three churches in Liverpool built by John Cragg.
When: On September 12 (12pm to 4pm), September 13 (10am to 4pm) and September 14 (1pm to 4pm)
Pre-booking requirement: No
Where: St. Georges Everton, Northumberland Terrace, L5 3QG
Strawberry Field
Strawberry Field is a popular attraction and for good reason(Image: Andrew Teebay)
Strawberry Field, where young John Lennon often played, is now home to a visitor centre with exhibition and a garden tour. Visitors can go behind the famous red gates and explore the history of the site with free tours led by the specialist Strawberry Field team.
When: At 12pm and 1pm on September 12, 13, 19 and 20
Pre-booking requirement: Yes
Where: Strawberry Field, Beaconsfield Road, Woolton, L25 6EJ
All Saints Childwall
All Saints Church in Childwall(Image: Colin Lane)
The history of the church dates back centuries, when a priest ministering in Childwall is recorded in the Domesday Book of l086. All Saints is a Grade I listed building. Although the oldest part of the building is 14th century, Saxon stones are located in the Church Porch.
When: September 13 (10am until 4pm) and September 14 (2pm until 4pm)
Pre-booking requirement: No
Where: 102 Childwall Abbey Road, Childwall, L16 0JW
Bridewell Studios and Gallery
Look inside Bridewell Studios and Gallery(Image: James Maloney)
Bridewell Studios and Gallery is in an early 20th-century police station. Visitors can see evidence of the building’s previous use as a police station such as original tiles, concrete staircases, prison cells and explore the building via tours on the day.
When: September 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 2pm
Pre-booking requirement: Yes
Where: Bridewell Studios and Gallery, 101 Prescot Street, L7 8UL
Central Library and Archives Heritage Tours
The library can be found on William Brown Street
The tour will take visitors through both the modern and historic libraries, looking at their history through the years since the library first opened in 1860. Visitors will be taken through the main library space, the Picton Reading Room, the Hornby Library and the Oak Room. There will also be a chance to visit the archive search room to see collections relating to William Brown Street and surrounding area, as well as some of the treasures from our Special Collections.
When: September 13 and 20 at 10am, 12pm and 2pm
Pre-booking requirement: Yes
Where: Central Library, William Brown Street, L3 8EW
Community Spitfire Project
Coronation Park in Crosby
The Pavilion will hold a series of pages of information detailing the lives of local people who lost their lives during the World Wars.
When: 11am until 3pm on Saturday, September 13
Pre-booking requirement: Yes
Where: Coronation Park, Coronation Road, Crosby, L23 5RQ
Croxteth Hall
Croxteth Hall in Liverpool(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Visitors of Croxteth Hall will be able to take a look around the historical estate and grand rooms, home to rare artefacts, vintage photographs and intriguing documents.
When: 11am until 3pm on September 13, 14, 20 and 21
Pre-booking requirement: No
Where: Croxteth Hall and Country Park, Croxteth Park, L12 0HB
Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels – Williamson’s Tunnels
The facade of Joseph Williamson’s house on Mason Street(Image: Colin Lane)
Visitors can travel deep beneath Liverpool’s streets to the historic subterranean tunnels and chambers, built by Georgian philanthropist and merchant Joseph Williamson, on a guided tour.
When: 11am until 12pm and 1pm until 2pm on September 13, 14, 20 and 21
Pre-booking requirement: Yes
Where: Joseph Williamson’s House Site (House Façade with Blue Plaque), Opposite No 39 Mason Street, Edge Hill, L7 3EW
India Buildings Liverpool Heritage Tour
Liverpool’s India Buildings(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Join a 60-minute guided tour of Liverpool’s India Buildings and discover its rich history, stunning architecture, and US-inspired construction. Explore rarely seen areas and admire unique exterior details.
When: 11.30am to 12.45pm and 2.30pm to 3.45pm on September 13 and September 21
Pre-booking requirement: Yes
Where: Joseph Williamson’s House Site (House Façade with Blue Plaque), Opposite No 39 Mason Street, Edge Hill, L7 3EW
Lecture on Thomas Rickman – Original Architect
St Michael’s Hamlet, Aigburth(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Dr Alex Buchanan will give a talk on Thomas Rickman, who was the original Architect of our “Cast Iron’ Church.
When: 3pm on September 13 and September 20
Pre-booking requirement: No
Where: St Michael-in-the-Hamlet Church, St Michael’s Church Road, L17 7BD
Mersey Tunnel Tours – Georges Dock Building
The historic Mersey Tunnel Toll booth at the George’s Dock Building’s plaza(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Georges Dock Building will open its doors for the weekend to let visitors take a look behind its Art Deco exterior. There will be tours of the building available on the day, which will operate on a first come first served basis. There will be a small display of artefacts and photographs.
When: 10am until 4pm on September 13 and September 14
Pre-booking requirement: Book on day
Where: Georges Dock Building, George’s Dock Way, L3 1DD
Open Print Studios
Exterior view of the Bluecoat Chambers(Image: Mirrorpix)
Visitors can meet the Intaglio studio’s print manager Ivy and try various printmaking techniques.
When: 11am until 4pm on Saturday, September 13
Pre-booking requirement: No
Where: The Bluecoat, School Lane, L1 3BX
Open Studios
The Bluecoat Chambers in Liverpool city centre(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Visitors will have the chance to meet some of the Bluecoat’s creative community and find out about their practices.
When: 12pm until 4pm on Saturday, September 13
Pre-booking requirement: No
Where: The Bluecoat, School Lane, L1 3BX
St John the Evangelist Church
St. John The Evangilist Parish Church,Knotty Ash
The beautiful 188-year-old church has a crypt and refurbished hall. The refurbishment is accredited to the Ken Dodd memorial foundation as it was originally the school which Ken Dodd attended as a child. The graveyard also contains war graves and a Titanic grave.
When: September 13 (10am until 4pm) and September 14 (2pm until 4.30pm)
Pre-booking requirement: No
Where: Thomas Lane, Knotty Ash, L14 5NR
St Mary the Virgin, Walton-on-the-Hill (Walton Church)
St Mary’s Church on County Road in Walton, Liverpool(Image: merpol)
Guided tours will be available at the Original Parish Church of Liverpool. The tower will be opening, weather permitting, and documents from the archives will be on display.
When: September 13 (10am until 4pm) and September 14 (1pm until 4pm)
Pre-booking requirement: No
Where: St Mary’s Church, County Road, Walton, L45PW
The Music and Art of Sefton Park
People walk dogs during rain in Sefton Park, Liverpool(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Paul Fitzgerald of Liverpool Culture Walks will be giving a talk on the music and art in Liverpool’s Sefton Park.
When: Saturday, September 13 at 3pm
Pre-booking requirement: No
Where: St Michael-in-the-Hamlet Church, St Michael’s Church Road, L17 7BD
Wavertree Congregational Church
Wavertree Congregational Church
The church, which is more than 185-years-old, has a vintage wedding dress display which features dresses throughout the years and are connected to the church in some way. The church also has a World War I remembrance plaque and baby Willis listed organ.
When: 12pm to 4pm on September 13, 14, 20, 21
Pre-booking requirement: No
Where: Wavertree Congregational Church, 12 Hunters Lane, L15 8HL
Classic Liverpool Bus Running Day
Liverpool Classic buses
To celebrate this year’s Heritage Open days Theme of Architecture, the Merseyside Transport Trust will be running Classic Buses from the collection giving people the opportunity to travel on buses from days gone by on a variety of routes in Liverpool.
When: Sunday, September 14 (10.30am until 5pm)
Pre-booking requirement: Yes
Where: TBC
Polish Heritage Tour
Abercromby Square, Liverpool. Photo by Colin Lane(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
This tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the shared history of Liverpool and its Polish community, celebrating over two centuries of heritage and resilience.
When: Sunday, September 14 (12pm until 3pm)
Pre-booking requirement: No
Where: 25 Abercromby Square, Liverpool, L69 7ZN
St. Andrew’s Church
St Andrew’s church in Kirkby; pic from Google
St. Andrew’s Church will be opening its doors and bringing out photographs, memories and treasures from over its 50 years.
When: Sunday, September 14 (2pm until 4pm)
Pre-booking requirement: No
Where: St. Andrews View, Tower Hill, L33 1ZF
More information can be found on the Heritage Open Days website.