'Heritage Open Days' is back by popular demand for its 30th anniversary this autumn.
The UK’s largest festival of history and culture is returning later this year, and there’s thousands of free events on the lineup.
Following what was a smash-hit success, both here in Leeds and nationwide, when it was here last year and over the three decades prior, the National Trust‘s ‘Heritage Open Days’ are back by popular demand in a couple of months time, and means loads of top attractions in the UK will be open to visit for free from this autumn.
‘Heritage Open Days’ are run by thousands of local organisations and volunteers, and they’re all about bringing people together to celebrate their culture , community, and history.
Paul Harris (via HODs)
From historic houses, factories, and museums, to music halls, formal gardens, and graveyards, countless of places and spaces across the country will be open to the public again from this September, all without having to spend a penny.
Not only that, but thousands of other intriguing events, activities, and fun new experiences are on the lineup too, all centred around this year’s theme, ‘Routes – Networks – Connections‘.
You can expect workshops, talks, hidden spaces, walks, family -friendly activities, and so much more.
Image: Paul Harris (viaHODs)
Just some of the experiences Brits can make the most of during this year’s 10-day festival include the chance to explore the history of Joseph Whitwell through the paths and waterways at Hollybush Conservation Centre in Leeds , with a self-guided tour celebrating his legacy in Yorkshire as the world’s largest forced rhubarb producer, and even the unique opportunity of going behind the scenes of helicopter emergency medical services at the East Anglian Air Ambulance base to discover how every second counts when saving lives.
How about discovering “a castle that’s not a castle, on an island that’s not an island”?
Well, you can do just that by venturing across the causeway to The Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland to discover the magic of Lindisfarne Castle – with a garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll blooming with summer flowers, 19th-century industrial lime kilns, and shoreline walks.
“The scale and diversity of Heritage Open Days is just incredible,” explained Liam Montgomery, who is the Marketing & Projects Manager at Heritage Open Days.
“Every year, thousands of passionate people help visitors to make doorstep discoveries and connect with history and heritage in every part of England.
“This year though, it will be extra special, as we will celebrate three decades-worth of stories and all the brilliant people and places that have made it, and continue to make it, all possible.”
‘Heritage Open Days’ will be running from 6-15 September this year, and you can find out more about this brilliant UK-wide event here.
Chow Down, a huge open-air event space in Leeds, is set to reopen this autumn for a whole new era.
The popular site will relaunch as BAR Events Leeds, kicking things off with a month-long Oktoberfest celebration.
Chow Down was a hugely popular hangout in the city, from summer beer garden pints to cosy winter cocktails - but closed its doors for good back in 2023.
Now, it's set to reopen as a brand-new venue, from the team behind BAR Events UK.
Situated just a 10 minute walk from Leeds train station, the new venue will be home to a giant teepee beer hall, complete with live Oompah bands, authentic German street food, a huge bar with two-pint steins of beer, and a lively festival atmosphere.
And with tickets priced at just £5, it'll be one of Leeds' most accessible seasonal events.
The Oktoberfest celebrations will run Thursday to Sunday throughout October, kicking off on Friday 2 October - but they've said that Oktoberfest is just the beginning.
There's a calendar of themed pop-up events in the works year-round, as well as operating as a private-hire venue.
Owner of BAR Events UK and BAR Events Leeds, Dan Lakin, said: "I've been running events for decades, and BAR Events UK has now been creating memorable experiences for over 11 years.
"During that time we've delivered thousands of weddings, festivals, corporate events and private celebrations across Yorkshire and beyond.
The old Chow Down will reopen in Leeds this autumnThe outdoor space will reopen with a huge Oktoberfest celebration
"I'd been looking for the right venue where we could create something permanent, hosting regular public events as well as private functions.
"I never expected to find such an incredible open space right on the doorstep of Leeds city centre, and when this opportunity came up I knew I had to take it.
"Oktoberfest is just the start. We've got lots of exciting ideas planned for the site over the coming months, and we're looking forward to creating a venue that people return to again and again.
"Whether it's a night out with friends, a corporate event or a private celebration, we hope BAR Events Leeds becomes somewhere the city can really enjoy."
The venue will open to the public on Friday 2 October then run every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout, with one session on Thursdays and Fridays and two sessions each Saturday and Sunday - tickets are on sale now via Skiddle.
Leeds cinemas are offering tickets to see big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long. Just pass us the popcorn now.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
National Cinema Weekend returns for 2026 this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and you can book tickets on the Vue website here.
Emily Sergeant -
10th June 2024 
