Winchester Heritage Open Days Festival 2026 Returns with a Celebration of Everyday Histories

The Winchester Heritage Open Days Festival returns from 11th to the 20th September this year, bringing together communities, historians, local organisations and artists for a vibrant programme of free talks, workshops, and shared cultural experiences across Winchester and Hampshire. 

A valued part of the region’s events calendar, the festival provides opportunities for organisations to open up their doors, share their stories and showcase the heritage that makes their communities unique. It provides an important opportunity for local heritage organisations, businesses and community groups to engage new audiences and encourage visitors to explore the area. Through a diverse and inclusive programme, Winchester Heritage Open Days (WHODs) celebrates participation, collaboration and the rich history that surrounds us.

Brought to you nationally by National Trust, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and coordinated locally by Hampshire History Trust, the festival brings thousands of visitors to Winchester and the surrounding areas. The local programme features hundreds of free events delivered by a wide variety of organisations, community groups and volunteers. 

This year’s festival shines a spotlight on the theme “Everyday Histories”, celebrating and exploring daily working life through the ages. Events include live performances, hands-on workshops, guided tours, specialist talks and collaborative projects developed with local partners, offering something for all ages and interests.

Visitors can discover the stories of the people behind Hampshire’s historic places and explore questions such as: What was daily life really like? 

Early highlights from the programme include:

• What does that lever do? Army Service Corps Tank Drivers in the First World War - a fascinating talk delivered by the Head of Collections at the Royal Logistics Corps Museum.

• Everyday Histories: poetry wordshop and sharing session at Pilgrims' Hall - Damian Kelly-Basher and Winchester Poetry Festival invite you to turn ordinary stories into magical poems in the evocative setting of Pilgrims’ Hall.

• “The Everyday Histories of Queens" - Dr Ellie Woodacre explores the routines, relationships, and experiences behind royal ceremony and public image in British history.

• Hampshire Regiment Re-enactors - Join the Hampshire Regiment Re-enactment Society at the Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum, and learn what life was like for an ordinary Hampshire regiment soldier during the Second World War.

• Step through time as you enter the Esser-Miles Studio and watch a communal mosaic in progress, be inspired by the artifacts that can be handled, or have a seat and read a good book on this period with a nice cup of tea.

• Explore the history of P&G Wells through the lives of people who owned the business and worked there.

Mesh Kuszyk, Winchester Heritage Open Days Festival Manager, said, “I am so excited to see all the events local organisers are creating to celebrate the every day, and often overlooked, stories of Winchester and Hampshire. This year’s programme shows just how many fascinating stories are waiting to be discovered, and it is shaping up to be a fantastic year.”

Beyond the theme, the 2026 festival will also feature a wide range of places that normally charge for entry, as well as many sites offering something extra specifically for the festival. Visitors can take part in a 2.5 mile guided walking trail with Jane Austen Trails Group, watch a mini-drama on the Swing Riots at The Great Hall, ride on a vintage King Alfred Bus around Winchester, or get hands-on with the Out of The Shadows community initiative. 

This year marks the 11th Winchester Heritage Open Days, while the national Heritage Open Days programme has been connecting communities with their heritage since 1994. Last year, more than 200 events were held across Winchester and Hampshire, attracting over 35,000 visitors to heritage sites, cultural attractions and community venues.

There is still time for local organisations, community groups, businesses, and heritage enthusiasts to be part of this year’s festival. Event registration remains open until 13 August, offering an opportunity to showcase local stories, welcome new audiences and contribute to one of the region’s largest celebrations of heritage and culture. 

Whether you are passionate about local history or looking for a unique day out, Winchester Heritage Open Days offers an opportunity to discover something new. From historic buildings and hidden collections to creative workshops and community events, the festival invites everyone to explore the people, places and everyday experiences that have shaped Hampshire's past. 

Visitors can explore the programme now, with even more events and experiences to be announced over the coming months.

To register an event, sign up for updates, or learn more about Winchester Heritage Open Days 2026, visit winchesterheritageopendays.org. 

Gentian announced as sponsor of Hampshire History Trust’s February Midweek Musings talk and 2026 Heritage Open Days Festival

Hampshire History Trust (HHT), the charity behind Winchester Heritage Open Days, is delighted to announce an ongoing partnership with Gentian, who will sponsor both the Trust’s February Midweek Musings talk and the 2026 Heritage Open Days festival.

Gentian values the cultural heritage and history of Winchester where it  owns and manages several properties on the  High Street and across the city. Their support will help HHT continue delivering high‑quality cultural programming that connects residents and visitors with the stories, buildings, and people that shape the city.

The February Midweek Musings event - “Adventures to the Southern Hemisphere” - features historian and broadcaster Dan Snow alongside local professor Ed Rochead. Their double‑bill talk will delve into remarkable journeys of exploration, the courage behind them, and the lasting impact of these moments in history.

Nick Ekins, Managing Director at Gentian, shared why the company was keen to support this particular event: “I am fascinated by pioneering stories of bravery and resilience and how lessons from them can be translated into modern day life and business. I’m sure Dan Snow and Ed Rochead are going to be very motivational.”

Gentian’s sponsorship also extends to the 2026 Heritage Open Days festival in September, which will once again open doors to Winchester’s most treasured historic spaces. For Nick, the festival holds personal significance: “I grew up in Hampshire and have lived in Winchester for the last 20 years. As a Chartered Surveyor I have an interest in buildings and in particular those that have been sympathetically restored. I’m looking forward to any opportunities to look around historic buildings that are otherwise closed to the public.”

Speaking about the partnership, Nick added: “We’re pleased to be able to partner with the Hampshire History Trust again this year and as part of this support, sponsor both the February Midweek Musings talks and the Heritage Open Days Festival. Gentian values the cultural heritage and history of Winchester and by supporting the Hampshire History Trust we can celebrate our city and contribute towards making it a desirable place for people to live, work and visit.”

HHT welcomed the collaboration, noting that Gentian’s commitment to heritage and community aligns closely with the Trust’s mission to make Winchester’s history accessible, engaging, and celebrated year‑round.

Tickets are now available to purchase on Hampshire History Trust’s Ticketsource page www.ticketsource.com/hampshire-history-trust with discounted prices for Friends of HHT.

Hampshire History Trust’s Popular Lecture Series Midweek Musings Set to Return Next Year

Hampshire History Trust (HHT) is thrilled to announce the return of their much-loved lecture series, Midweek Musings. Running from January to July 2026, the programme promises an exciting season of talks designed to spark curiosity, celebrate Hampshire’s rich history and keep heritage at the heart of the community. 

Next year’s series features an inspiring line-up of speakers headlined by BAFTA award winning historian, broadcaster and HHT patron Dan Snow, who will be sharing his journey to Antarctica in 2022 where he participated in the extraordinary discovery of Ernest Shackleton’s long-lost ship, Endurance. Also joining the programme is Russell Gordon-Smith, former Mayor of Winchester, who will deliver a fascinating lecture exploring French Prisoners of War in Hampshire. 

Over the next six months, these thought-provoking midweek sessions will delve into a wide range of topics from the history of the iconic King Alfred Buses, a beloved symbol of Winchester’s transport heritage, to the daring achievements of pioneer aviator Amy Johnson. 

Chair of Hampshire History Trust, Liz King said: “We are delighted to be reviving Midweek Musings. The series continues to be a cornerstone of our mission to make history exciting and accessible. Next year’s programme is our most diverse yet, and we can’t wait to welcome both returning visitors and new faces.”

Tickets for the first talk of the year, ‘Introducing King Alfred Buses, Then and Now’ by James Freeman,  are now available to purchase on Hampshire History Trust’s Ticketsource page www.ticketsource.com/hampshire-history-trust with discounted prices for friends of HHT. 

For programme details, booking information and other announcements,  visit www.hampshirehistorytrust.com, email info@hampshirehistorytrust.com or follow HHT’s social media channels.

Winchester Heritage Open Days Celebrates Landmark Tenth Year

The 10th annual Winchester Heritage Open Days (WHODs) festival has wrapped up its most ambitious year yet, marking a decade of celebrating local history, culture and community. With over 300 free events, this year’s festival embraced the national theme of Architecture, welcoming thousands of visitors across Winchester and Hampshire. 

Liz King, Chair of Hampshire History Trust, said: “One of the great things about Heritage Open Days is the incredible variety of events, and I’ve enjoyed hearing about the wonderful experiences shared by festivalgoers. Whether it was families making a day of it at museums, attendees meticulously planning their week around talks and tours, or passers-by drawn in by the pink bunting, everyone I spoke to was impressed by the quality of the events. The 10th anniversary of WHODs is a real milestone for us and we’d like to thank everyone who made this year a success.”

From exclusive access to historic buildings and family-friendly workshops to atmospheric guided tours and thought-provoking talks, the festival offered something for everyone. Hidden gems were opened to the public, expert-led tours drew crowds and local creatives and historians brought Hampshire’s rich architectural history to life.

This year’s programme featured exciting collaborations, access to historic buildings and themed events. Highlights included: 

• A headline event from festival organisers Hampshire History Trust, featuring talks from local architects including Hampshire County Council and Design Engine Architects 

• Family-friendly activities at Winchester College and Winchester City Museum

• A walking tour hosted by festival sponsor ADAM Architecture and community group Hyde900, showcasing the historic Hyde area of Winchester

• An exclusive open day at Hampshire Chronicle

• Music magic with a silent disco at Newport Minster on the Isle of Wight

Hampshire History Trust Launches Midweek Musings Series with a Talk on Baroque Architect Thomas Archer

Hampshire History Trust (HHT), the esteemed organisers of Winchester Heritage Open Days festival, is excited to announce the launch of  its new lecture series, ‘Hampshire History Midweek Musings’. The inaugural lecture, presented by Dr. Helen Lawrence-Beaton, will focus on the renowned Baroque architect Thomas Archer (1668-1743). This insightful event will take place at 6pm on Thursday 8 August, at the ADAM Architecture offices on Hyde Street, WInchester. 

Liz King, Chair of Hampshire History Trust, expressed her enthusiasm for the new series, stating: 

“We are thrilled to introduce ‘Hampshire History Midweek Musings,’ which will illuminate the often-overlooked aspects of Hampshire’s rich history. This series represents our ongoing commitment to bringing the past to life and making it accessible to all.” 

Dr. Lawrence-Beaton's lecture will delve into the diverse array of houses, landscapes, and garden buildings designed by Thomas Archer, a key yet frequently overlooked figure in early eighteenth-century English Baroque architecture. Archer's influential career at court provided him with connections to some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals of his time, facilitating many of his significant architectural commissions. The talk will include an exploration of his innovative landscape design and documented works within Hampshire, including his pioneering estate at Hale, where he is buried in the estate church.

Dr. Helen Lawrence-Beaton brings extensive expertise in British architecture and Garden History, with 20 years of experience in writing Heritage Statements, Pattern Books, and Local Character Studies. She has thoroughly researched the history and development of numerous listed buildings, historic estates, farms, towns, and villages across the UK. After studying History of Art, Dr. Lawrence-Beaton joined ADAM Architecture in 2002, earned a Master's degree in Garden History, and completed a PhD on Thomas Archer, establishing her as the leading authority on this prominent Baroque architect.

Tickets for the lecture include a complimentary drink, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and engage with the fascinating history of one of Hampshire's notable historical figures.

For more details and to book tickets, please visit our website: www.hampshirehistorytrust.com.