12 Free Heritage Open Days to Explore in Cumbria in September

Written by: Maddie

Date posted: 28 August, 2026

From the 11th to the 20th of September, Cumbria’s most enthralling heritage sites are throwing open their doors for free as part of Heritage Open Days.

This event will once again offer the chance to uncover the stories hidden behind the county’s historic buildings and landscapes, from Roman ruins and Norman churches, to historic homes and living history re-enactments.

Here are 12 unmissable destinations to add to your heritage hit list!

1. Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal

Abbot Hall Art Gallery is a hot destination for art lovers at any time of year, as one of the UK’s leading art galleries. However, during Heritage Open Days, visitors can join a special curator tour offering a fresh perspective on its remarkable collection.

On the 19th of September, Keeper of Collections Niall Hodson will lead a 30 minute tour highlighting the gallery’s treasures.

Within the Grade I listed Georgian building, Abbot Hall’s collection spans centuries, including works by J.M.W. Turner, John Ruskin, Barbara Hepworth, L.S. Lowry and David Hockney.

19th of September | Free entry | 10am - 4pm | 30-minute curator tour at 10am or 12pm | No pre-booking required

2. Hawkshead Grammar School Museum

This year, Hawkshead Grammar School Museum is hosting a series of talks called Hidden Histories: Lives between the Pages, which explores the compelling marks left behind by generations of schoolboys, such as doodles and annotations in margins.

The library dates back to 1675 and was used by William Wordsworth, who attended the school from the ages of 9 to 17. You can even see the desk where he carved his name!

12th, 13th, 19th and 20th of September | 11am - 4pm | Free entry | Talks throughout the day | No pre-booking required

3. Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle

Enjoy a rare opportunity to see one of Carlisle Cathedral’s hidden treasures, as the remarkable Bishop Bell Brass goes on display. Usually kept covered for its own protection, the impressive brass commemorates Richard Bell, Prior of Durham and Bishop of Carlisle from 1478 to 1495. 

Plus, free guided talks throughout the day will offer further insight into this impressive treasure and the man to whom it was dedicated. 

19th of September | 10am - 4pm | Free entry | Pre-booking not required 

4. The Armitt, Ambleside

From Beatrix Potter’s fungi watercolours to Roman remains and Kurt Schwitters’ paintings, The Armitt Museum is packed with enticing stories.

For Heritage Open Days, explore the museum’s temporary exhibitions for free including An A-Z of Beatrix Potter, Club Culture Cumbria and Modern-day Martineau, alongside Everyday Histories, a special, temporary mini exhibition exploring “Everyday Histories” and how Ambleside has changed over time.

18th of September | 10am - 5pm | Free entry

5. Farfield Mill, Sedbergh

Celebrate Farfield Mill’s 25th anniversary, with displays, demonstrations and community exhibits showcasing the people connected to the Mill’s history, bringing personal stories and working lives to the forefront. 

Plus, see live demonstrations showcasing traditional skills and crafts on Saturday 12th of September.

11th, 12th and 13th of September | 10:30am - 4pm | Free entry | Pre-booking not required 

6. Brougham Hall, nr Penrith

Head to Brougham Hall on the 19th and and 20th of September, for the exciting opportunity to join the Red Wyvern Society in recreating aspects of 15th-century life through historical re-enactment. 

The hall itself has an equally intriguing story. Once a fortified 14th-century house, today it is a wonderfully atmospheric historic site and creative community, home to artists and small businesses. Explore the grounds, browse pottery and other handmade crafts, and grab a coffee while you’re at it.

Free walking tours of the site are also taking place on the 12th, 16th, and 19th of September at 2pm.

Walking tours - 12th, 16th and 19th of September | 2pm | Free entry | Pre-booking not required

Medieval Re-enactment - 19th and 20th of September | 11am - 4pm | Free entry | pre-booking not required

7. Appleby Heritage Open Weekend

Explore the ancient market town of Appleby with several properties opening their doors for free across a 'heritage open weekend'. This includes St Lawrence’s Church in Appleby, where visitors can witness history being actively created as panels from the Athelstan Tapestry are displayed and stitched, with over 100 local volunteers helping bring the project to life.

Meet artist Ursula Hurst and embroidery specialist Phillipa Turnbull at a special presentation on the 19th of September at 11:45am, and be sure to check out the new permanent display featuring Lady Anne Clifford in costume.

Across the town itself, enjoy a history themed town trail. Pick up a map from the Appleby Tourist Information Centre and head off to find out more about the town's history. Look out for QR code posters, which will reveal historic pictures and an audio clip.

19th and 20th of September | All day

8. Brathay Trust Open Day

Explore the historic Brathay Trust estate and archive and learn more about the estate’s 80-year heritage as a place for young people to learn and grow, celebrating the people, places and moments that have shaped its history.

Two guided walking tours, led by members of the Brathay team, will offer a deeper insight into the estate’s connection with the local landscape and its role in the development of outdoor learning. Tours will finish at a recently curated archive display, with tea, coffee and light refreshments available.

16th of September | Free entry | Tours at 1pm and 3pm | Pre-booking preferred here

9. St Michael’s Church in Burgh by Sands

At St Michael’s Church, Burgh by Sands, centuries of history are written into the walls. The Grade I listed church stands on the site of the Roman fort of Aballava alongside Hadrian’s Wall and is built partly from stone taken from the Wall.

It was also where King Edward I lay in state for ten days following his death nearby in 1307. Join a special Walk Through Time to discover its turbulent past and fascinating medieval features.

18th of September | 11am to 3pm | Pre-booking not required

10. Townend, Troutbeck

For something a little different, step into wartime Britain at Townend, the marvellous 17th-century farmhouse in Troutbeck, for two special 1940s-themed days.

Discover wartime cooking and rag-rug making, see a vintage vehicle and learn more about the Browne family, who lived at Townend for more than 400 years.

15th and 16th of September | 10am to 4pm | Free entry

 

11. Cartmel Priory Gatehouse

While today, Cartmel is famous for its races and sticky toffee pudding, its rich history stretches back centuries. At the heart of the village, the atmospheric Cartmel Priory Gatehouse offers a captivating glimpse into its medieval past.

This Grade II listed building is one of the last surviving remnants of Cartmel’s Augustinian priory. Built in the 14th century as part of the priory’s defences, the Grade II listed building later became a courthouse and grammar school.

Step through its ancient archway, climb the stone spiral staircase, and explore the great room, while hearing stories of the building and the people who passed through it over the centuries.

18th to 20th of September | 11am - 4pm | Free entry | No pre-booking required

12. Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick

Cumbria’s Castlerigg Stone Circle is perhaps the most atmospheric British stone circle.

On the 19th of September, discover what life was like for the Neolithic people who built this remarkable monument 5,000 years ago. English Heritage volunteers will give talks at 11am and 12.30pm, exploring Neolithic homes, food, and daily life. They will also bring along objects from Keswick Museum’s Neolithic handling collection.

19th of September | Talks at 11am and 12.30pm | No pre-booking required

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So get ready for a day of fun with the family, thanks to Heritage Open Days!

Explore a medieval gateway, try a historical re-enactment, or watch a riveting film about restoration before heading outside to appreciate the fells, lakes, and villages that have inspired generations.

With free entry and enchanting events taking place, this September is the perfect time to see a different side of Cumbria.