East Suffolk Council
East Suffolk’s history uncovered: Heritage Open Days 2025
England’s only FREE festival of history and culture is coming to the district!
“Heritage Open Days” is England's largest community-led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every September, it brings people together to celebrate their heritage and community. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life.
This year's festival takes place across 10 days from Friday 12 September until Sunday 21 September, and there’s a packed programme of events on offer up and down the district.
The following events have been supported by grant funding from East Suffolk Council, which awarded money to organisations involved in Heritage Open Days. However, there are plenty of other events happening across the district and county for you to choose from too!
Beccles:
An opportunity to visit St Benet’s Minster in Beccles and discover its history. Guides will be in attendance to tell you more about the history, as well as an exhibition and displays for you to discover.
Organised by: St Benet’s Minster
Date and Time: Saturday 13 September 10am-4pm
Beccles Town Council are supporting several events in the town centre across the festival. Historic sites such as St Michael’s Church, Beccles and District Museum and the iconic Bell Tower are offering tours, talks, displays and exhibits. Families can enjoy children’s crafts and Lego activities at Beccles Library, while history enthusiasts can join several guided walks through the town’s historic streets. Most events are drop in, although some guided walks require pre-booking.
Blythburgh:
Visit the restored 1879 narrow gauge Blythburgh Station to see the progress of its restoration. From a model railway show, guided tours and displays – there's something for everyone.
Organised by: The volunteers of the Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway Charity
Date and Time: Sunday 14 September 10.30am-4pm
Bungay:
Bungay Town Council are supporting several events across the festival, focussing on the town’s rich architectural heritage. Events include a guided tour uncovering Bungay’s myths and their impact on the town, alongside interactive displays on brickmaking, building materials, roofs and cellars. Visitors can also view detailed plans and drawings spanning from the 12th-century Abbey ruins to modern eco-housing. Please note, some events require pre-booking.
Felixstowe:
We’ll be unlocking the doors to the historical Martello Tower P, offering free tours to members of the public. Please note, tours need to be prebooked. Other family activities not requiring pre-booking will also be on offer.
Organised by: East Suffolk Council
Date and Time: Saturday 20 September 11am–3pm with tours every hour.
Halesworth:
Members of Halesworth’s U3A Local History Group will lead a walk from Halesworth Station through Quay Street, which is historically and architecturally fascinating.
Organised by: Halesworth U3A
Date and Time: Saturday 13 September 11am-12.30pm
The Unique Architecture of Walpole Old Chapel
The chapel is currently undergoing major repairs which have revealed much of the chapel’s non-conformist architecture. See this for yourself and learn from knowledgeable guides
Organised by: The Friends of Walpole Chapel
Dates and Times: Saturday 13 September and Saturday 20 September 10.30am-4.30pm
There are several events happening in Halesworth as part of the festival, which have been supported by Halesworth Town Council. Events include guided walks, talks, and exhibitions exploring the town’s rich history. Several open days are on offer, with buildings like St Mary’s Church inviting the public to explore its history. Most events are drop-in, though some guided tours and walks require pre-booking.
Leiston:
The Long Shop Museum tells the stories of the agricultural and industrial revolutions, of Victorian engineering excellence, and of the people that made it all possible.
Organised by: The Long Shop Museum
Date and Time: Saturday 13 September 10am–5pm
Lowestoft:
Come along to the historic Triangle Market for a day of exhibitions, displays and hands-on activities for a range of heritage skills. Get up close to skilled practitioners showcasing their trade and even have a go yourself
Organised by: Lowestoft Town Council
Date and Time: Saturday 13 September 10am-4pm
Trace the history of Lowestoft’s iconic theatre. Look through the archives at the very first images of the theatre, all the way up to the current redevelopment in 2025.
Organised by: Marina Theatre (please note: this event will be held at the Battery of Ideas due to the Marina Theatre’s ongoing renovations)
Dates and Times: Monday 15 September until Saturday 20 September from 11am–3pm
Minsmere:
A two-day exhibition in the Discovery Centre, exploring the fascinating history behind the creation of Minsmere. Learn how a moment of necessity became a legacy of conservation.
Organised by: RSPB Minsmere
Dates and Times: Sunday 14 September and Monday 15 September from 9am-4pm
Woodbridge:
Join in with the celebrations as Woodbridge commemorates 450 years of the Shire Hall, with a lively celebration on Market Hill.
Organised by: Woodbridge Town Council
Dates and Times: Friday 12 September 5pm–11pm and Saturday 13 September 12pm–5pm