September is synonymous with ‘back to school’, which means us adults can feel a bit left out. Thanks to Heritage Open Days, the learning doesn’t have to stop as all throughout September there are fantastic opportunities for young and old to discover more about local history.

It’s an annual celebration – a community-led festival celebrating English history. Volunteers at some of the country’s most historic and cultural locations come together to host a series of special events, inviting visitors to see, try and experience – entirely for free! 

In Devon alone, there are over 100 different official events planned. From tower tours to woodland walks, plus talks, workshops and online webinars, there’s plenty to get involved with.

Head to the newly opened Museum of Policing in Devon & Cornwall in Tavistock where you can make your own Sillitoe Tartan hat band and explore the history of policing dating back to the Victorian period.

Or how about getting a unique look into some of the private estates opening their doors especially? The Grade II listed Grantlands Estate in Uffculme is one such property inviting visitors to walk through their unchanged 19th century ‘gentleman’s farm’ which served as a convalescent home for British soldiers and later a base for American troops training for the D-Day invasion.

Enjoy behind the scenes action at places like Castle Drogo which is opening up their hydro turbine house for a closer look, or Clyston Mill which invites you to step back in time to discover Victorian engineering.

Some fantastic live action events are planned too, including the Tavistock Medieval Fayre. Here you can see apothecary in action, watch archery and jousting displays, and join in with Medieval games and storytelling while enjoying live music.

It’s also a fantastic way to find your new favourite place to visit – a chance to try before you buy.

This year’s Heritage Open Days are running between 8th and 17th September. See a full list of events near you at www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Our top picks in East Devon:
Exeter Blitz Red Coat Guided Tour  8th – 16th September 
Clyston Milll Interactive Tour  8th – 17th September
Columbjohn Chapel Tour  8th – 17th September
Whetstone Mining Walking Tour, Broadhembury  9th September
Dunkeswell Abbey Tour  10th September
Exeter Library’s ‘White Glove’ Experience  12th & 15th September

Our top picks near Exeter:
Exeter Historic Guildhall Hidden Treasures  8th – 10th September
Exeter Blitz Red Coat Guided Tour  8th – 16th September
Make a Treasure Map at Devon & Exeter Institution  9th September 
Castle Drogo Hydro Turbine Open Day  10th September
Exeter Library’s ‘White Glove’ Experience  12th & 15th September
Exeter’s Underground Passages  14th – 17th September
Newton St Cyres Church and Tower Tour  13th & 16th September
Powderham Castle Talks, Trails and Exhibitions  10th – 17th September

Our top picks in Mid Devon:
Bampton Open Bell Tower  10th September
Hemyock Castle  10th September
John Greenway Chapel & Almshouse Site  15th September
Archaeological Finds Day, Hemyock Parish Hall  16th September
Old Blundell’s Tour  16th September
Grantlands Private Estate Tour, Uffculme  17th September
Spiceland Quaker Meeting House, Uffculme  17th September

Our top picks near Teignbridge:
St. Lawrence Chapel Tour  9th – 16th September
Castle Drogo Hydro Turbine Open Day  10th September
Finch Foundry Tour, Okehampton  17th September