Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history & culture, taking place every September and involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Stories are told, traditions explored and histories brought to life. The festival provides members of the general public with the chance to see usually hidden places and try out brand-new experiences. And what’s more, it’s all absolutely FREE...

The event returns this year from Friday 12 to Sunday 21 September - and here are just some of the venues you can explore around Wolverhampton & Black Country...

Brierley Hill Market
Market Hall, High Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 3AP

Brierley Hill Market once again channels its inner 1920s swagger with a full-throttle Peaky Blinders-themed day, blending heritage with entertainment, fashion and fun.

Visitors are encouraged to come in costume and soak up the atmosphere, with live performances from Gatsby dancers, vintage singer Vanessa Lee, and a guest appearance by the ever-so-dapper Sadlers Peaky Blinders.

Wander the stalls, meet the traders, and discover how markets like this shaped the working lives and social fabric of Brierley Hill for over a century.

Saturday 20 September | 9am - 4pm, no pre-booking required

Bromwich Hall Museum
Manor House, Hall Green Road, West Bromwich, B71 2EA

Travel back 600 years to the late medieval period and the Wars of the Roses, as Buckingham’s Retinue historical interpretation group set up camp in the grounds and bring the site to life. Visitors can see knights and ladies, learn about weapons and armour, take part in knight school, and see medieval soldiers fighting in a special combat display. Medieval dance, cooking displays, a short medieval play, and the chance to try some medieval games also feature in the programme of activities.

Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September | 11am - 4pm, no pre-booking required

Dudley Castle
The Broadway, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 3AS

This Heritage Open Days event sees visitors being able to access the 11th-century Dudley Castle for free on two consecutive evenings.

While on-site, they can check out the castle courtyard and keep, the undercroft and the castle visitor centre. Staff will be on hand to provide information about the history of the castle.

Thursday 18 & Friday 19 September | 5pm - 7pm, pre-booking required

St Michael’s Church
Bell Street South, Brierley Hill, DY5 3EX

As dusk falls, visitors can step into the shadows of St Michael’s Churchyard and uncover the fascinating lives behind the headstones, courtesy of The Graves At Night guided walk.

The atmospheric experience brings local history vividly to life and features carefully researched stories of ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives.

Expect to hear tales of war heroes, industrial pioneers, tragic losses and curious mysteries, all told with warmth and humour in true Brierley Hill fashion.

Tuesday 16 - Thursday 18 September | 7.50pm, pre-booking required

Wightwick Manor and Gardens
Wightwick Manor, Bridgnorth Road, Wolverhampton, WV6 8BN

With free admission on both days, experience the charm of Wightwick Manor & Gardens, a home filled with Pre-Raphaelite art and William Morris interiors.

The De Morgan Gallery, currently displaying an exhibition entitled Look Beneath The Lustre, will also be open.

Head to the orchard and kitchen garden to enjoy Apple Harvest Weekend celebrations, during which you can sample and purchase heritage apple varieties, play apple-themed games, and even pick your own fruit.

Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 September | 10am - 5pm, no pre-booking required

For further information about Heritage Open Days across the region, visit the website at heritageopendays.org.uk

Check out other regions -

BIRMINGHAM

STAFFORDSHIRE

SHROPSHIRE

WARWICKSHIRE

WORCESTERSHIRE