Frequently Asked Questions
Who co-ordinates and runs Heritage Open Days?
Heritage Open Days was set up in 1994 as England’s contribution to European Heritage Days. The programme is directed and co-ordinated by The Civic Trust, Britain’s leading environmental charity dedicated to improving the quality of the built environment.
Is the event organised by English Heritage?
The event is co-ordinated by The Civic Trust. However, Heritage Open Days receives its core funding from English Heritage. English Heritage also offers additional support and advice to Heritage Open Days.
Does the Civic Trust own any of the participating properties?
The Civic Trust does not own any properties. All properties participating in Heritage Open Days are owned by different parties.
How can I participate and open a property as part of the Heritage Open Days programme?
Everybody can participate and register a property with Heritage Open Days, provided that you own or manage the property. If you are a Civic Society, Preservation Trust, Local Authority or other organisation and wish to open properties in your locality which you do not own or manage, please approach the owners of the respective properties and ask for their consent to register the property with Heritage Open Days. In addition, you have to fulfill the following entry criteria:
- Properties included in Heritage Open Days should be of architectural, cultural or historic interest.
- All openings must take place during the dates set by the Civic Trust. Organisers can choose the days they wish to open properties/organise events. You do not need to participate on all days.
- Admission to properties and participation in activities must be free during the chosen Heritage Open Days opening period. Properties that do normally open free of charge should either open an additional part of the property or arrange a special activity.
- Visitors must be offered some explanation or interpretation of the history/architectural merit/function of the property.
For more information visit the Organiser Information section.
Does The Civic Trust give out grants for Heritage Open Days projects?
The Civic Trust is not in the position to give out grants. However, please contact the Heritage Open Days team to discuss different options on how to obtain funding for you project and where to obtain funding from.
Are the participating properties open all year round?
Heritage Open Days takes place only once a year, traditionally on four days including the second weekend in September. Most of the properties are not open to the public at other times of year, with the exception of certain museums, churches or other public buildings.
Does the Civic Trust offer insurance cover to participating properties?
The Civic Trust does offer insurance cover to all participating properties for the duration of the event. For more information visit the section Registration Essentials [set hyperlink]
Is entry to participating properties free?
Entry to all participating properties has to be free over Heritage Open Days. Entry charges to certain parts of participating properties might apply. This is usually mentioned in the event directory entry.
Do participating properties provide disabled access?
Many properties provide full or partial wheelchair access. Icons in the event directory listings indicate whether a property is wheelchair accessible or not and if so, to what degree and whether disabled parking is provided. The event directory also allows you to search for events that are fully wheelchair accessible. If you need more specific information regarding the accessibility of a certain property, please contact the Heritage Open Days team.
Does the Heritage Open Days programme take place every year?
Heritage Open Days takes place annually on and around the second Saturday in September. The event dates for 2008 are 11-14 September. Visit http://www.heritagedays.net for event dates of similar programmes in London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Do you open the properties more than once a year?
Heritage Open Days takes place only once a year in September. Most of the properties are not open to the public at other times of year, with the exception of certain museums, churches or other public buildings.
Does the Civic Trust organise London Open House?
The answer is no. London Open House is organised by the charity Open House. Visit http://www.openhouse.org.uk for more information.
