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