Heritage Open Days return to Somerset this September, running from 12th–21st September 2025. England’s largest festival of history and culture opens doors to historic buildings, secret gardens, and cultural treasures for free. It’s the perfect way for families and history lovers to explore Somerset’s past.
Whether you’re looking for a free family-friendly day out or a chance to enjoy Somerset’s historic charm, there’s plenty to see and do. Heritage Open Days are a wonderful opportunity to explore Somerset’s rich history and it’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.
With over 70 hidden gems to choose from in Somerset alone, here’s our guide to the best confirmed Heritage Open Days in Somerset this September.
Montacute House
Montacute, Somerset, TA15 6XP
When: Monday 15th – Friday 19th September 2025 between 10am and 5pm, with tours at 11.00am.
Montacute House is one of Somerset’s most impressive Elizabethan mansions, celebrated for its stunning architecture, grand interiors, and beautifully maintained gardens. During the Heritage Open Days, families and history enthusiasts can explore the opulent rooms filled with period furniture, artwork, and fascinating stories of the Phelips family who built the house in the late 16th century.
The gardens are a highlight too, with formal layouts, herbaceous borders, and seasonal blooms creating a picture-perfect setting for a leisurely stroll. Don’t miss the chance to join guided tours (at 11am) that delve into the house’s architectural features, historical significance, and secret corners not usually open to the public.
READ MORE: If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our full guide to the Best National Trust properties in Somerset to visit with kids.
Tintinhull Garden, Yeovil
Farm Street, Tintinhull, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8PZ
When: 12th – 21st September 2025
This National Trust property is a place of floral beauty, tranquillity and innovation – a gardener’s garden paradise. The garden, complete with working kitchen garden, orchard, glittering pools, secluded lawns, and colourful borders provides the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
Prior Park Landscape Garden
Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, Somerset, BA2 5AH
When: 12th and 13th September 2025, 10:00 – 17:00
If you’re looking for a Somerset Heritage Open day in Bath, Prior Park’s landscaped gardens is a great place for scenic walks. Grab the opportunity to see Ralph Allen’s 18th century garden and its iconic Palladian bridge for free. A great spot for families and photography enthusiasts alike.
Prior Park Landscape Garden is renowned for its sweeping views and elegant 18th-century design. Walk along tree-lined paths and discover a perfect spot for photos at the iconic Palladian bridge.
Heritage Open Days offer a chance to explore this historic landscape and learn about its design and preservation through guided tours and family-friendly activities.
Lytes Cary Manor
Kingsdon, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 7HU
When: 12th – 21st September 2025
Lytes Cary Manor is a hidden gem in Somerset, offering visitors a charming blend of history and nature. This National Trust property features a beautifully preserved medieval manor house and tranquil gardens that change with the seasons. Families can explore the walled gardens of this Arts and Crafts inspired garden, and historic interiors that reveal stories of the Lytes family.
Guided tours give fascinating insights into the architecture and local heritage, making it a must-visit during the Heritage Open Days.
Museums and Unique Heritage Sites
Somerset Brick and Tile Museum
East Quay, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 4DB
When: Monday 15 September 2025
- Tours at 10.00 am and 1.00 pm
Explore Somerset’s industrial past and visit the last bottle brick kiln in Somerset. Enjoy a guided tour around the museum followed by a tile making demonstration.
American Museum and Gardens
Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, Somerset, BA2 7BD
When: Sunday 14 September:
- 10:00–17:00
Just ten minutes from Bath, the American Museum and Gardens is a unique estate on the Bath skyline.
It’s the perfect time to experience the late summer gardens with family and friends with free garden entry. Discover valley views and a stunning planting design, the gardens are one of the best in the South West, while the Museum cares for American arts and heritage, with collections that are some of the most significant in Europe.
Details: The gardens, parkland, woodland walk, play area and cafe will all be free to enter on this day. To visit the museum and exhibition, there will be the usual admission fee.
READ MORE: Since it’s so close to the city, you might want to extend your visit and explore more family-friendly attractions with our guide to things to do in Bath with kids.
Curzon Cinema, Clevedon
46-48 Old Church Road, Clevedon, Somerset, BS21 6NN
When: Sunday 14 September:
- 1.30pm – 2.30pm tour, 2.30pm intro + film
Details: Pre-booking preferred. Tickets are free but bookable via their website: https://www.curzon.org.uk/film/free-event-balmoral-heritage-open-days-tour-intro/
Take a peak behind-the-scenes of one of the oldest continuously running independent cinemas in the UK. Stay to watch a screening of Balmoral, detailing the restoration of a beautiful iconic passenger vessel, spear-headed by the community, plus film Intro.
READ MORE: While you’re in Clevedon, explore more of the seaside town with our guide to Things to do in Clevedon.
Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum Steam Up
Hoopers Drove, Westonzoyland, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 0LS
When: Sunday 14 September 2025:
- 11:00 to 16:00
Details: Pre-booking not required.
Come and see the ‘award winning’ 1861 Easton Amos land drainage machine in action which was used for draining the Somerset Levels. They have one of the largest collections of working steam engines and pumps in England.
Watch historic steam engines in action and take a train ride on the 2′ narrow gauge railway. Explore the Blacksmith’s forge, Lister deep well pumps, a small waterwheel and Lancashire boiler.
Plus, there’s a picnic area and tearoom.
Coleridge Cottage [National Trust]
35 Lime Street, Nether Stowey, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 1NQ
When: Wednesday 17th September and Sunday 21st September 2025
- Guided Walk of Nether Stowey 10:45.
Details: Pre-booking preferred.
Visit Coleridge Cottage to see where Samuel Taylor Coleridge lived and worked for three years. Writing The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, and entertaining the likes of William Wordsworth and Charles Lamb. Follow in his footsteps with a guided walk around Nether Stowey.
Enjoy hands-on activities including quill writing, Georgian dress-up, and top off your visit with a cream tea or Poet’s Lunch in the delightful Tearoom!
Somerset Heritage Open Days At Historic and Religious Sites
Woodspring Priory by the Sea
Kewstoke, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, BS22 9YU
When: Saturday 20th September and Sunday 21st September 2025:
- 1000 – 1600
Details: Pre-booking preferred.
Woodspring Priory was founded in or around the year 1210. It belonged to the Victorine order of Augustinian Canons, a French foundation of which the Abbey of St Augustine in Bristol was the leading representative in this country.
Explore the remains including the church tower and nave, an infirmary, a gatehouse, and a great barn.
Glastonbury Tribunal
9 High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9DP
When: Saturday 13th September 2025:
- 1000 – 1600
Free entry to a fine, historic town house in Glastonbury. Dating from the late 15th century, the house is also home to an award-winning garden and an Iron Age Glastonbury Lake Village collection: a highly significant collection of Iron Age artefacts excavated locally in 1892.
Read our full guide to Things to do in Glastonbury, Somerset.
If you want to visit Glastonbury Tor and other famous sites in Glastonbury while you’re here, see our Glastonbury Tor Circular Walk. This route takes you past all the top places, including the Tribunal building.
Outdoor and Guided Experiences
Stanton Drew Stone Circle and Cove Guided Tours (English Heritage)
Stanton Drew, Somerset, BS39 4EW
When: Friday 12th September – Monday 15th September 2025:
- Tours are being held at 11:00 and 13:00. Booking is essential via Eventbrite.
A team of expert English Heritage Volunteers will be leading guided tours of Stanton Drew Circles and Cove.
Stanton Drew is the site of the most important stone circles in England, after Stonehenge and Avebury.
There are three circles, of which the Great Circle is second only to Avebury in size, and a cove of three stones in the village. Recent surveys have revealed that the circles and cove were just part of a much more elaborate and important ritual site than had previously been imagined.
Details: Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour start time at the entrance to the the Stones. Please note the tours are free but a £1 fee ( cash only) is charged by the landowner to access the circles field.
Farm livestock is likely to be present in the stone circle field therefore no dogs are allowed.
While you’re here, you could also enjoy the nearby Pensford Viaduct circular walk.
Brean Down Guided Tour
Brean Down, Brean, Burnham-On-Sea, Somerset, TA8 2RS
When: Saturday 20th September – Sunday 21st September 2025:
- 10:30am start
Discover over 10,000 years of history at Brean Down on a free guided walk with a knowledgeable guide. The tour will take around 90 minutes and will end at the Fort on top of Brean Down from where you can continue to explore.
Details: Pre-booking preferred. Children aged 10+ welcome.
Tips for Visiting Heritage Open Days in Somerset
Plan ahead: Some sites require booking for guided tours.
Combine visits: Maximise your day by pairing nearby sites like Montacute House and Lytes Cary Manor.
Check accessibility: Many sites are family-friendly but may have uneven terrain.
Bring essentials: Comfortable shoes, cameras, and picnic supplies enhance your visit.
- Go seasonal: If you love autumn activities, don’t miss our guide to pumpkin patches in Somerset
Heritage Open Days in Somerset are the perfect way to explore historic houses, gardens, museums, and cultural landmarks. With activities suitable for the whole family, these events are a fantastic addition to your Somerset September 2025 itinerary. Don’t miss the chance to experience family-friendly Heritage Open Days in Somerset at some of the region’s most treasured historic sites.
Each year, the Heritage Open Days Festival involves around 5,000 events held across England, offering an incredible opportunity to explore historic buildings, gardens, and museums that are often closed to the public. For more information and to see what’s happening nationwide, visit the official Heritage Open Days website and search by location, date or keyword.
Looking for even more inspiration? Try our roundups of autumn events in Somerset or our ideas for things to do in Somerset with teens. And as autumn rolls on, don’t forget the excitement of firework displays and Bonfire Night events in Somerset
Read Next
For more inspiration of things to do around Somerset for families, check out the following posts:
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