Heritage Open Days 2025: 12-21 September
Welcome to England’s largest festival of history and culture!
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.
National Historic Ships UK has compiled this list of all the historic vessels and Shipshape Network projects taking part in this year's festival. Click the links below for all the details.
Baden Powell Fishing boat (LN138)
(Sunday 14th September)
At the pontoons, South Quay, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5DT
The only survivor of King Lynn's cockling fleet, Baden Powell is a double ended topsand cockler, a fishing vessel of timber carvel construction. She was built by Walter Worfolk of Kings Lynn in 1900. Members of the Trust who restored her will be on hand to explain how the restoration was achieved. Sailings are now booked for the day - visit Float Our Boat to book future trips.
Beverley - Barges on Beverley Beck
(Friday 12th + Sunday 14th September)
Beverley Barge Preservation Society, Crane Hill Wharf, Beckside South, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU17 0GG
Moored on Beverley Beck are three boats restored by the Beverley Barge Preservation Society which will be open to the public. The largest is the ‘Sheffield’ size barge Syntan, used for transporting tanning materials from Hull docks to the wharf on Beverley Beck. Sun is a former maintenance vessel built in 1960 by Camplings of Goole and is used for charters and public day trips upstream on the River Hull. Mermaid is an ex-Trinity House tender built in Korea in 1986 and used for training and trips along Beverley Beck.
Bridlington Sailing Coble Preservation Society: Beck Hill Workshop
(Saturday 13th + Saturday 20th September)
Beck Hill, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO15 3BD
Three Brothers was built in 1912 in Bridlington after it had been restored under the ownership of the Bridlington Harbour Commissioners. Since then, the Society has gone from strength to strength, with further sailing cobles being added to the Society's fleet to preserve them for future generations. Please visit our workshop to learn more about traditional East Coast cobles and the work done by the Bridlington Sailing Coble Preservation Society.
Buckler's Hard Museum & HMS Agamemnon talk (Friday 12th + Saturday 13th + Sunday 14th September)
Buckler's Hard Visitor Centre & Museum, Buckler's Hard, Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire, SO42 7XB
Visit the Buckler's Hard Visitor Centre & Museum to discover the fascinating stories of this historic maritime village, nestled on the edge of the Beaulieu River in the New Forest, including a talk on Nelson's HMS Agamemnon by Mary Montagu-Scott. Explore the museum for FREE from Friday 12th, 13th and 14th September and learn about the village’s shipbuilding history, smuggling secrets, wartime stories and discover how the village has transformed into the tranquil haven that stands today.
The Golden Hinde - After Dark at The Golden Hinde: What Does It Mean to Rebuild the Past?
(Wednesday 17th September)
The Golden Hinde, St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, London, City of London, SE1 9DE
Step aboard The Golden Hinde after hours for a special one-night-only Heritage Open Days event, launching our year-long celebration of the ship’s 30th anniversary in St Mary Overie Dock next year. Through expert talks and discussion, we’ll explore the 2025 Heritage Open Days theme - Architecture - through the lens of reconstruction: what does it mean to rebuild the past? Featuring speakers from Shakespeare’s Globe, our own shipwright team and crew, along with support from The Rose Playhouse. PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED.
Hathor - Edwardian Pleasure Wherry Hathor at How Hill House, Ludham
(Daily from Friday 12 September - Sunday 21 September)
How Hill Trust, How Hill House, How Hill Road, Ludham, Norfolk, NR29 5PG
Step aboard the famous Norfolk Pleasure Wherry Hathor, built in 1905, learn about her Egyptian themed interior and experience the plush surroundings enjoyed by a wealthy Edwardian family sailing on the Broads at the beginning of the 20th Century. Now part of the last fleet of Norfolk Wherries and cared for by the Wherry Yacht Charter Charitable Trust (WYC), Hathor was relaunched in 2015 after several years of restoration work, with a rededication ceremony conducted by the Bishop of Norwich.
HMS Medusa: D-Day Veteran!
(Friday 12th + Saturday 13th + Sunday 14th September)
Haslar Marina, Haslar Marina, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1NU
Harbour Defence Motor Launch HMS Medusa is the last of her class in sea-going condition, and was a navigational leader for Omaha Beach on D-Day. Explore Medusa, which is just as she was on D-Day, and see the documents and equipment put on for her D-Day role. She was also the first Allied vessel to reach Amsterdam at liberation. Her importance to the UK’s maritime heritage is recognised by her inclusion in the 200 vessels of the National Historic Fleet. Over the years, she has appeared in many films and TV programmes, including the film Dunkirk (2017). Come aboard for a tour to find out more! PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED.
Ipswich Maritime Trust festivities at Ipswich Heritage Harbour
(Saturday 13th + Sunday 14th September)
Outside Old Custom House, Common Quay, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1BY
Come on board the iconic Sailing Barge Victor and other vessels, discover our amazing early photos of Ipswich, explore the maritime exhibition in the Old Custom House, and peek into our Window Museum.
Ipswich - The men who made the boats: architectural tour of Ipswich Heritage Harbour (Saturday 13th September)
Old Custom House, Common Quay, Key Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1BY
An architectural tour of Ipswich's Heritage Harbour, led by Women in Boatbuilding and Ipswich Maritime Trust, discovering the people behind the places and vessels. Explore the boatyards and wharves along the historic waterfront. See where the Mayflower may have been built (yes, really!). Visit the burial site of Nelson's naval surveyor. Walk in the footsteps of the thousands of men and women who worked in Ipswich's waterfront industries, and marvel at the beautiful yachts being built today. Led by Belinda Joslin, co-founder of Women in Boatbuilding, and maritime historian Cathy Shelbourne, from Ipswich Maritime Trust. The 1-hour tour will start and finish at Sailing Barge Victor, on Common Quay, with the opportunity to explore, free of charge, Victor and the other vessels moored alongside.
Ipswich - Sea Shanty Flash Mob at Ipswich Heritage Harbour
(Sunday 14th September)
Sailing Barge Victor, Common Quay, Key Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1BY
For the first time ever, local shanty groups will be performing a flash mob at Ipswich's Heritage Harbour! Led by The Orwellermen, and the Shefarers of Pin Mill, and organised by the Ipswich Maritime Trust as part of the maritime festivities.
Kathleen & May - Below Deck Aboard Kathleen & May, West Country Coastal Schooner celebrating 125 years.
(Saturday 13th + Sunday 14th September)
Kathleen and May, Gloucester Docks, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2EH
Step aboard the Kathleen & May, authentic, captivating, storyteller of the seas, connecting people through time. Walk the decks and enjoy her storyboards, step below into the cargo hold, sit around the Captain's table. Celebrating 125 years of maritime heritage in 2025 in the historic Port of Gloucester. Family day, includes free kids’ activities, including Treasure Hunt, Design Your Own Flag, Maritime Quizzes. PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED.
Maldon & Heybridge Heritage Harbour - series of talks, raising the hoist and guided tours onboard Historic Steam Tug Brent
(Saturday 13th + Sunday 14th September)
The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN
Three talks on hidden histories of the heritage harbour. Talk 11am: Barges in Maldon, past and present. Talk 1230pm: the Role of the RNLI. Talk 3pm: Maldon & Heybridge Heritage Harbour.
Plus: Join local sailor on the quay and learn how to hoist a sail; Activities for young people on the quayside; Guided tours on the role of women welders in the history of the steam tug; Guided tours on board National Historic Ship Steam Tug Brent at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port
(Saturday 13th September)
South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 4FW
Housed in the historical location of a former transhipment dock including buildings that are Grade II listed dating back to 1801. The original buildings by Thomas Telford sit alongside later railway influenced warehouses built when a Railway Company took control of the Canal Company which subsequently closed in 1922. Activities include costumed guided tours, boat trips (extra charge), engine demos, children’s trail.
Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust Open Day
(Saturday 13th September)
Hunters Yard, Horsefen Road, Ludham, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR29 5QG
Set sail for a fantastic day out at the Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust’s Heritage Open Day, taking place at Hunter’s Yard from 10:00am to 4:30pm! Explore the charm of our historic Hunter's Yard boat yard with guided tours that delve into the fascinating history of our heritage fleet. Hop aboard for a 45-minute taster sail for just £5 per person, or admire the classic boats made famous in Arthur Ransome’s beloved stories. With picnic benches, grassy areas, and plenty of space to relax, it’s the perfect spot for a family day out. Enjoy lawn games, hands-on activities, a raffle, and delicious teas, coffees, and homemade cakes throughout the day. And don’t head home too soon - you’re warmly invited to stay and watch the magical Ludham Illuminated Boat Parade from 6:15pm. It’s a day full of history, fun, and riverside charm you won’t want to miss!
Norfolk Wherry Trust
(Saturday 13th + Sunday 14th September)
Horsefen Road, Ludham, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR29 5QG
An opportunity to visit the Norfolk Wherry Trust boatyard, home of Albion, a 125 year old 'black-sailed' trading wherry. Experienced volunteers will show you around Wherry Albion and Forsythe's Boatyard, sharing the history and personal stories of this 125-year-old trading vessel. Come and meet some of our volunteers and share their passion for this beautiful, and significant part of, the Norfolk Broads history.
Steamship Shieldhall - The Architecture of Steam!
(Sunday 14th September)
Western Avenue, Western Docks, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 0HH
Shieldhall will be open on Heritage Open Day Sunday 14th September for pre-booked visits between 10am – 3pm at 110 Berth in the Western Docks, with an opportunity to tour the ship from Bridge to Boiler Room! Free parking. Refreshments available. PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED.
SULA Lightship
(Friday 12th + Saturday 13th + Sunday 14th September)
Llanthony Wharf, Gloucester Docks, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 5JQ
LV14 SULA Lightship is a registered historic ship and as such is unsuitable for any visitor with mobility problems as the tour involves sloping decks and steep external ladders. Children are welcome but must be supervised at all times. The tours are of the external areas only. PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED. Maximum numbers 8 per group for tours only.
SULA Lightship - Talk: This is your life
(Friday 12th September)
The Ed Shed at The Folk, Westgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2PG
Find out about Gloucester's own lightship. In Gloucester Docks is SULA, a former Hull Conservancy Board Lightvessel and a Registered National Historic Ship. Captain Colin Brooks shares her history and why and what she is doing here in Gloucester. (see entry under Heritage Venues for details of external tours of ship). PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED.
Woodbridge - Tales of The Riverbank - but no Ratty or Moley!
(Wednesday 17th September)
Woodbridge Station, Station Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4AU
Woodbridge is an ancient town built beside The Deben River. it has been associated with the river from building boats that fought for the kingdom to wherries to move coal and grain to and from the town. This 3 km walk takes in the main attractions, including the only working boatyard in Woodbridge, and The Longshed, where the Sutton Hoo Ship's Company are building a reconstruction of the Anglo-Saxon Sutton Hoo ship. PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED.