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. 

Putting Winchester on the Map!

Heritage trail supports indie shops

For this year’s Heritage Open Days, residents and visitors are in for a visual treat. From 11th to 20th September a group of Winchester’s independent shopkeepers will be participating in the Support IndieWinch Trail using their shop windows as exhibition space to interpret ‘Hidden Nature’, the theme for this year’s festival.

Alice Duffield, from Eclectic Hound, who came up with the idea said

"we are excited to put together a trail to celebrate that the independent shops of Winchester are open for business following lockdown. The trail is our way of thanking customers for supporting us through these challenging times."

Independent shops are an important part of Winchester’s heritage and their unique nature adds to the city’s character and individuality. Shopkeepers will use the opportunity to express their knowledge and passion for the products they sell. Visitors can also expect to see some exciting collaborations with local artists.

With most festival events taking place online this year, the trail will be welcomed by those wishing to get out and explore some of the city’s history, its varied shopping areas and interesting side streets.

A printed Support IndieWinch trail map will be available from Eclectic Hound and the other participating shops and an electronic version via a link on the @winchesterindependents Instagram page. Those following the trail are encouraged to share pictures using #supportindiewinch and vote for the best window. 

Looking ahead to 2020

“NEWSFLASH - Further to the December update set out below, we are delighted to share we are now able to produce a printed programme and run a box office this year. More information will be shared soon.”

— Becky & Nicky, 14th February 2020

As many of you know there is no central funding for the festival, and the coordinating team are all unpaid volunteers, consequently Winchester Heritage Open Days has been completely dependent upon the two lead volunteers time and availability, as well as the sponsorship and grants from local organisations. This set up has worked incredibly well for the past four years but, we are sure you will agree, it is not sustainable.

Nicky and Becky are not disappearing!

So for the past eighteen months Nicky and Becky have, alongside running the 2019 festival, also been exploring other options with our key partners. Unfortunately, they have not been able to find a robust solution in time for 2020 and so whilst there will still be events next year they will be fewer in number and they won't be centrally organised or promoted. 

Instead next year they will be turning their attention to fundraising for a much needed festival manager and will be seeking widespread support and help with sponsorship, venues, gala dinners and more. This change of direction is essential if we are to make sure we have a sustainable framework in place for 2021 and beyond.

We will still issue our regular newsletters, and so will continue to keep you posted on our progress as well as events. We will also be keeping our website and social media active although, as we are sure you will appreciate, for one year at least, these will be at a much reduced level. We hope to provide a holding page on our website showing which events will be taking place. In addition, the City Council has offered to list events on their pages in 2020. So still make a note of the dates in your diary!

11th to 20th September 2020

Heritage Open Days 25th Anniversary Party

We had such a wonderful time celebrating Heritage Open Days Silver Anniversary.

Last week’s party took place in the beautiful setting of City Mill, and we were joined by Mayor of Winchester and Heritage Open Days as well as many of our festival event organisers and sponsors including Winchester College, Winchester BID, Shentons Solicitors, Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council and Hampshire Cultural Trust.

To read the full press release click here.