Heritage Open Days 2023
Heritage Open Days is your once-a-year chance to discover some of Lincolnshire's rarely seen historic treasures, with exciting experiences that bring local history and culture to life, for free!
The festival celebrates England’s architecture and culture by allowing visitors free access to interesting properties that are not usually publicly accessible or would normally charge a fee. It also includes tours, events and activities that focus on and celebrate the local heritage of the area. Heritage Open Days is England’s biggest and most popular voluntary cultural event and is also held in a further 48 countries across Europe.
For the 2023 festival, events will take place over a ten-day period, from Friday 8th to Sunday 17th September:
The Arts of Lincolnshire – Creativity Unwrapped
In 2023 we are celebrating the stories and work of the experts and enthusiastic amateurs who add that something extra to all aspects of our daily lives. So, whether you’re thinking of the Arts with a capital ‘A’ or art in all its lowercase glory – from high-brow literature to slam poetry, Old masters to street art, fashion, architecture and garden design – we want to know your stories!
Want to get involved? We can help!
Thank You for Your Support
Lincolnshire Heritage Open Days couldn't run without the support of dozens of organisers, hundreds of helpers and volunteers, and local councils for Lincolnshire.
In particular, we would like to thank the Heritage Open Days Steering Group, who meet on a quarterly basis to lead on the festival, the Events Development Group, who go out across the country to meet and engage with local organisers, and local authorities whose financial contribution keeps the festival running year on year.
The 2022 festival ran in partnership with:
2021 Festival Statistics
Voices of Lincolnshire - Stories Unheard
In 2021 we celebrated the many voices of Lincolnshire with a particular focus on the amazing stories that many people had not heard.
We wanted to celebrate the many voices of the county that have contributed to its heritage and culture.
Organisers showcased the many ‘unheard voices’ that don’t usually get a lot of attention. Stories from women, children, the working class and agricultural workers, minority groups and even animals who have somehow contributed to the history of Lincolnshire.
The festival ran from Friday 10th to Sunday 19th September 2021.
Headline Figures
93 Events Went Ahead
82% of Visitors Found Their Visit 'Very Enjoyable'
98% of Visitors Found Their Visit 'Very Enjoyable' or 'Enjoyable'
36% of Visitors Were New to HODs
35% Spent over £10 at Events
62% Visited Events Within 5 Miles of Home (showing local impact and take up)
Approximately 12,000 visitors across Greater Lincolnshire