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Looking for free things to do in Hampshire this September? Heritage Open Days returns from 11–20 September 2026, offering the chance to discover historic buildings, fascinating stories and places that aren't normally open to the public – all without paying an admission fee.
Taking place across England each September, Heritage Open Days is the country's largest festival of history and culture. Here in Hampshire, there's a packed programme to discover, from castles and country houses to military forts, historic cities and behind-the-scenes tours.
It's a great opportunity to explore some of Hampshire's heritage while keeping the cost of a day out down. Some experiences require advance booking and additional costs such as parking or transport may apply, so always check individual event information before setting off. And do remember as well that dates may be subject to change.
Here are ten Hampshire Heritage Open Days experiences to put on your list for 2026.
1. Enjoy free entry to Hurst Castle
Make your way along the New Forest coastline to Hurst Castle on Saturday 19 September, when admission to this historic fortress will be free for Heritage Open Days.
Standing at the end of Hurst Spit with views across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight, Hurst Castle was originally established by Henry VIII as part of his chain of coastal defences. Its military role continued for centuries, leaving visitors with plenty to discover as they explore the site.
For Heritage Open Days, military reenactors will help bring the castle's history to life, while volunteers from the Palmerston Forts Society will be sharing their knowledge about its historic guns. There will also be free children's activities and a family history trail.
Getting there can be part of your day out too. Walk the approximately two-mile shingle spit from Milford on Sea to reach the castle or travel across from Keyhaven by regular ferries. Entry to the castle is free on the day, although normal ferry charges apply. Hurst Castle is also dog-friendly.
When: Saturday 19 September 2026.
2. Discover Southampton's Old Town
Step back through centuries of Southampton's history with a day exploring the city's Old Town.
Heritage Open Days is a great opportunity to discover some of the historic buildings hidden amongst Southampton's modern cityscape, including God's House Tower. Dating back to the late 12th century, the building has served a number of purposes over its long history, from part of the town's defences to a prison. Today, it is an arts and heritage venue, and free entry to its permanent Stories Behind the Stones exhibition will be available on selected Heritage Open Days dates.
There are plenty more historic gems to look out for as you explore Southampton's Old Town, including the medieval town walls and King John's Palace, which will be accessible from Blue Anchor Lane on 19 and 20 September.
Head over to the Visit Southampton website to find out more about Heritage Open Days in Southampton and to plan your visit.
3. Explore Winchester during Heritage Open Days
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With more than 2,000 years of history, Winchester is an obvious destination for a heritage day out, and there's plenty happening across the city during Heritage Open Days.
On Saturday 12 September, Winchester City Museum will be free to visit, with three floors exploring the city's past alongside hands-on activities and puzzles.
There are also opportunities to see Winchester from a different perspective. Join a guided walk through medieval Winchester, explore parts of Winchester College that aren't normally accessible to visitors or hop aboard a restored King Alfred bus for a free heritage bus ride around Winchester and the surrounding area.
Many of Winchester's tours and special events have limited spaces, so check the individual listings and book ahead where required.
4. Discover Buckler's Hard Museum for free
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Set beside the Beaulieu River in the New Forest, Buckler's Hard is one of Hampshire's most picturesque historic villages, with a fascinating shipbuilding past.
From 11–13 September, visitors can explore Buckler's Hard Museum for free and discover more about the people who lived and worked in this former shipbuilding village, where vessels for Nelson's Navy were once constructed.
The museum is also home to the HMS Agamemnon – Navigating the Legend exhibition, which tells the story of a ship reputed to have been Admiral Nelson's favourite and the work being undertaken to preserve its wreck.
Special talks will take place during the Heritage Open Days weekend too, covering subjects including HMS Agamemnon and the role of the Beaulieu River during the Second World War.
Quote the HOD26 voucher code at the admissions desk to claim free museum entry. Normal parking charges apply.
When: Friday 11–Sunday 13 September 2026.
5. Step inside Fort Brockhurst in Gosport
Discover one of Hampshire's impressive military landmarks with a free visit to Fort Brockhurst in Gosport.
Built in the 19th century as part of a network of defences protecting Portsmouth Harbour, the fort isn't normally open every day, making Heritage Open Days a great opportunity to step inside.
On 12 and 13 September, Fort Brockhurst will host a multi-period reenactment weekend, with historic camps, displays and activities bringing different chapters of Britain's military past to life.
There will also be activities for younger visitors, making this a good option if you're searching for a free family day out in Hampshire this September.
When: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026.
6. Go behind the scenes at Fort Nelson
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Fort Nelson, on Portsdown Hill near Fareham, is already one of Hampshire's fantastic free attractions, but Heritage Open Days offers an opportunity to venture into an area visitors don't normally get to see.
On 12 and 13 September, special guided tours will take visitors into the Victorian fort's West Tunnel.
Built in the 1860s to defend Portsmouth from the threat of invasion, Fort Nelson later played roles during both World Wars and today forms part of the Royal Armouries, housing the national collection of artillery.
The West Tunnel tours are free, but places are limited to 12 people per tour and advance booking is essential. The tours are recommended for visitors aged 12 and over.
When: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026.
7. Visit The Vyne near Basingstoke
Heritage Open Days is also a chance to explore The Vyne, near Basingstoke, without the usual admission charge.
Once an important Tudor palace, this National Trust property has some impressive connections to British history, including Henry VIII and Jane Austen. Explore the historic house before heading outside for a walk through its gardens, woodland and lakeside setting.
On 12 and 13 September, The Vyne will also be marking the 50th anniversary of the Basingstoke Lace Guild. Watch experienced lacemakers at work, learn about the history of this traditional craft and even have a go yourself.
There's no need to pre-book for the Heritage Open Days event.
When: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026.
8. Discover the Swing Riots at The Great Hall, Winchester
Head back to Winchester for a fascinating look at one of the most turbulent periods in Hampshire's rural history.
The Captain Swing Riots of 1830 saw agricultural workers protest against low wages, difficult working conditions and increasing mechanisation. Many of those accused of taking part in disturbances across Hampshire were subsequently tried at a Grand Assize held inside Winchester's Great Hall.
On Saturday 12 September, the very building in which those trials took place will host a programme exploring the events and people behind the riots.
Throughout the day, talks, music and mini dramas will delve into what caused the Swing Riots, what happened to those involved and the lasting significance of the events.
There's no need to pre-book, making this easy to combine with some of Winchester's other free Heritage Open Days activities.
When: Saturday 12 September 2026.
9. Explore Mottisfont for free
Enjoy a free day out at Mottisfont near Romsey, where admission will be free throughout Heritage Open Days from 11–20 September.
This National Trust property has a history stretching back more than 800 years. Originally founded as an Augustinian priory in the 13th century, it later evolved into a country house, with clues to its medieval past still visible today.
Free guided walks and talks will offer opportunities to learn more about Mottisfont's history, gardens and surrounding landscape. Outside, follow the river walk, explore the walled gardens and look out for the first signs of autumn around the estate.
You can also visit Mottisfont's art gallery during your day out, while younger visitors can burn off some energy in the outdoor Wild Play area.
No advance booking is required.
When: Friday 11–Sunday 20 September 2026.
10. Climb Portsmouth Cathedral's tower
For our final Heritage Open Days pick, how about seeing Portsmouth from a completely different perspective?
Portsmouth Cathedral is offering special tower tours during Heritage Open Days, giving visitors the chance to explore an area of the cathedral that isn't normally accessible.
The experience takes around 50 minutes and includes narrow stairs and ladders as you make your way up through the historic building. It's a more challenging experience than your average cathedral visit but offers a rare opportunity to get a closer look at the tower.
Places are limited to just 15 people per tour and advance booking is required, so book early if you'd like to add this unusual free experience to your September plans.
Find more free Heritage Open Days events in Hampshire
These ten ideas are just a small selection of the historic buildings, special tours and one-off experiences you can discover during Heritage Open Days in Hampshire from 11–20 September 2026.
Whether you want to explore a castle, uncover Hampshire's military history, visit a country house or venture behind the scenes somewhere that's usually off limits, Heritage Open Days is a great way to discover more of the county without spending a fortune.
Browse the full Heritage Open Days Hampshire programme to discover even more free events taking place near you. Remember that although Heritage Open Days events themselves are free, some require advance booking and additional charges for parking, transport or optional activities may apply.
And if you're looking for more ways to make your money go further, discover our free things to do in Hampshire, find inspiration for days out for £10 or less, or take a look at the latest offers and money-saving ideas for days out in Hampshire.
Related
Situated on the south coast, in the New Forest, Hurst Castle offers a fascinating day out. With plenty of open spaces for children to explore and fantastic views of the Isle of Wight, it is a must for visitors to Hampshire.
Escape to the beauty spot of Buckler’s Hard, where history and stunning scenery come together for an unforgettable trip out in the New Forest countryside.Once a bustling shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s Navy were built, the charming village of Buckler’s Hard now a peaceful haven. Relax with a cuppa and a slice of cake, take a ramble beside the Beaulieu River, or delve into the village’s history in the Buckler’s Hard Museum.
Fort Nelson is home to the Royal Armouries national collection of artillery and historic cannon – the big guns – and is a great day out for all the family. Step back in time and explore a fully restored Victorian fort with its high ramparts, original fortifications, massive parade ground and underground tunnels, plus a national museum housing over 700 pieces of artillery from across the world and spanning 600 years of history – each with their own story to tell.
The Vyne is a warm, red-bricked Tudor mansion built in the 16th Century for Lord Sandys, Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain. It later passed into the hands of the Chute family, who cared for the house and estate for over 300 years. The Vyne was remodelled to its present configuration in the mid-17th Century with the addition of a classical portico and summerhouse, firsts of their kind in England.
Great Hall and Sally Port are the only surviving parts of Winchester Castle, also home to King Arthur's Legendary Round Table
