Heritage Open Days are returning to Coventry, as the city's historical and cultural venues open their doors for people to visit - completely free of charge.
From today to Sunday 21 September, more than 50 venues will be offering free tours, events and activities, including churches, museums, parks, and even listed buildings that are rarely open to the public, giving people a chance to take a look behind the scenes.
They range from the Priory Row Cottages, King Henry VIII School and Bonds Hospital, to the Telegraph Hotel, Phil Silvers Archival Museum, and the Police Museum. There are also city centre walking tours, and a chance to climb the Cathedral tower or see inside the Council House.
This year's theme is Everyday Histories, and six community projects have been awarded Council grants to help them be involved in Heritage Open Days for the way they reflect that theme and how they engage with local residents, inviting them to discover histories that may otherwise be overlooked, and share their own stories.
They are:
- The Highlife Centre – families and young people from different cultures create artwork on what everyday history in Coventry means to them
- Arrivals: Coventry’s Living Memories – share the filmed memories of Coventry residents whose journeys were shaped by partition, war, displacement and migration
- The Coal Vaults – an evening honouring our soundsystem heritage, with dynamic sets featuring a range of music and photos from the venue’s archives
- Vanny Radio – Community Broadcasters - explore our city’s diverse community and broadcasting heritage through local stories, archive displays, and music
- Canley Everyday Histories – a community-led heritage event exploring the diverse histories that shape Canley today
- Woven Threads and Living Memories – explore Malaysia-Coventry heritage through everyday objects, traditional food, music, and hands-on activities
Councillor John McNicholas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion at Coventry City Council, said:
“We are excited to see the return of Heritage Open Days, giving our residents and visitors the chance to explore and experience parts of Coventry which they may not have seen before.
“Our city is proud of its rich history and vibrant culture, and Heritage Open Days 2026 is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that heritage. With more than 50 venues taking part across Coventry and the surrounding area, there is something for everyone to enjoy, learn from and be inspired by, and all venues and events listed in our programme offer free entry during Heritage Open Days.
"We are especially delighted to welcome our six grant-winning local groups. They are perfect examples of the theme of ‘Everyday Histories’ and are working hard to keep fascinating parts of our city’s history alive, and give everyone in their communities a chance to get involved and share their own amazing stories.“Coventry is full of fantastic, diverse venues and we hope Heritage Open Days help everyone to discover new places and learn more about our wonderful city.”
Coventry has been a supporter of the nationwide event since it began over 30 years ago, and the programme this year will also include events that reflect on its work as an international city of peace and reconciliation at Coventry Cathedral and the War Memorial Park’s Chamber of Silence.
To see the full list of venues in Coventry taking part in the event, visit the Heritage Open Days website.