Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and 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 hidden places and try out new experiences. And what’s more, it’s all absolutely FREE.

The event returns this year from Friday 6 to Sunday 15 September - and here are just some of the venues you can explore around the region...

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Aldridge Transport Museum - Aston Manor Road Transport Museum, Shenstone Drive, Aldridge, WS9 8TP

Take advantage of free entry to the Aldridge Transport Museum, housed in a former manufacturing unit and featuring buses, smaller commercial vehicles, two-wheeled bicycles and motorbikes. 

For the most part, the vehicles on display were either built or operated in the West Midlands, and visitors can enjoy the exhibits up close. There are a number of buses that you can climb aboard, and if resources allow, short trips around the Aldridge area will run on both of the days.

Sat 14 & Sun 15 Sept | 10.30am-4pm, no pre-booking required

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

Visit the medieval encampment in the grounds of Bromwich Hall, the medieval home of the Lords of the Manor of West Bromwich. 

See the house and grounds come alive with costumed characters from the 1400s. Meet the Lord of the Manor and fine ladies as well as ordinary medieval folk. See archery, cannon and combat displays and take part in knight school, learn about medicine, clothing and medieval food, enjoy medieval music and join in a dance, enjoy the small play and play medieval games. There will also be crafts and trails for young visitors and a chance to look around this medieval house.

Sat 14 & Sun 15 Sept | 11am-4pm, no pre-booking required

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Dudley Zoo & Castle - Zoological Drive, Discovery Way, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4AL

Enjoy a late afternoon at the 11th-century castle in the heart of Dudley Zoo. 
The venue is opening its doors for free, with members of the general public able to access the castle courtyard, keep, undercroft and visitor centre.

Although guided tours aren’t available, the castle’s historian will be happy to answer any questions.

Thurs 12 & Fri 13 Sept | 5pm-7.30pm, pre-booking required

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Galton Valley Pumping Station - Galton Valley Pumping Station, Old Mainline Canal, Off the bridge on Brasshouse Lane, Smethwick, B66 1AQ

Take a walk along the canal and discover Galton Valley Pumping Station, which once regulated the water levels between the old mainline and new mainline canals in Smethwick. It’s now a small museum, telling the story of life and work on the canals and its own role as a pumping station.

Attractions on the day include a guided walk to the Old Engine House, once the home of the Boulton & Watt steam engine. 

No need to pre-book for the tour - just book on site. Free-flow entry to the engine house.

Sat 14 Sept | 11am-3pm, no pre-booking required

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Haden Hill Park - Haden Hill House, Lee Road, Cradley Heath, B64 7HS

Take a fascinating history and landscape tour of the upper part of this historic landscape with local historian John Billingham who has undertaken extensive research to be able to tell you the story of this beautiful parkland.

The park is quite steep in places so please wear sensible footwear and a reasonable level of fitness to keep up with the tour will be required. Booking essential.

Fri 6 Sept | 11am, pre-booking required

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Stourbridge Glass Museum - Stourbridge Glass Museum, Stuart Works, High Street, Wordsley, DY8 4FB

Stourbridge Glass Museum is opening its doors for Heritage Open Day, giving visitors the opportunity to check out two floors of historical and contemporary glass exhibitions, live hot glassmaking and glass engravers demonstrating their skills. 

The main event begins at 2pm, with a live auction hosted by Simon Cottle, chair of the Glass Society. 

Sat 14 Sept | 10.30am-4.30pm (live auction 2-2.30pm), no pre-booking required

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Walsall Leather Museum - Littleton Street West, Walsall, WS2 8EW

To celebrate Heritage Open Days, the Leather Museum will be displaying some of their favourite treasures from the reserve collection which will include the Prince Rupert bit, Jerome K. Jerome's WW1 Medical Orderly's tunic and cap and Sister Dora's sewing basket, cross and writing case.

Sat 7 Sept | 10am-4pm, no pre-booking required

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Wightwick Manor & Gardens - Wightwick Manor, Bridgnorth Road, Wolverhampton, WV6 8BN

Wightwick Manor & Gardens is granting free entry on two Heritage Open Days, inviting families to experience the charm of a home filled with Pre-Raphaelite art and William Morris interiors. The De Morgan Gallery will be open from 11am to 4pm. 

Visitors can walk off their tearoom lunch and ice cream by taking a stroll around the garden, with 19-acres available to explore. 

Sat 14 & Sun 15 Sept | 10am-5pm, no pre-booking required

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For further information on Heritage Open Days across the region, visit heritageopendays.org.uk.