Heritage Open Days 2026: Key Events in Leeds
August 10, 2026Discover Leeds’ rich history with a variety of tours and exhibitions
Heritage Open Days returns to Leeds from 11th to 20th September 2026, offering a diverse programme of events that highlight the city’s cultural and historical heritage. This year’s theme, Everyday Histories, encourages visitors to explore the stories behind some of Leeds’ notable buildings, collections, and landmarks. Below are 14 key events taking place during the festival.
1. Northern School of Contemporary Dance
On 20th September, the Northern School of Contemporary Dance will open its historic Chapeltown site to mark its 40th anniversary. Visitors can view displays featuring photographs, archive materials, and artworks.
2. Leeds City Varieties Music Hall
Recognised as Britain’s longest continuously operating music hall, the venue has hosted stars such as Eartha Kitt, Charlie Chaplin, and Harry Houdini. Guided tours will reveal hidden histories and anecdotes, with refreshments available afterwards.
3. Abbey House Museum
In anticipation of its centenary in 2027, Abbey House Museum will present photographs and displays reflecting on its 100 years as a museum. The Alastair Laurence Lecture will take place on 11th September as part of the celebrations.
4. University of Leeds Cultural Collections
The 400 Years of Leeds exhibition will showcase archives and objects including coins, newspapers, rare books, and artworks. The exhibition also explores Leeds’ activist history through alternative newspapers and related items.
5. Hyde Park Picture House
- Silent film screening “Once Upon A Reel” for children
- Guided Projection Room tours
- Screening of “Flight of the Navigator” to mark its 40th anniversary
- M&S Archive screening featuring adverts, training films, and documentaries, followed by a Q&A session
6. Sound Leisure Factory Tour
Sound Leisure, the last manufacturer of classic jukeboxes in the world, offers factory tours to observe the handcrafted production process and view finished pieces in their showroom.
7. The Leeds Library
The UK’s oldest surviving independent subscription library, housed in a historic Commercial Street building, will open its Georgian reading room, spiral staircases, and vault containing rare and first edition books for tours.
8. Historic Pubs Tour
On 17th September, heritage pub enthusiast Jim Brettell will lead a guided tour of Leeds’ historic pubs including Whitelocks, the city centre’s oldest pub, and The Adelphi, with an opportunity to have a drink at each venue.
9. Alternative Heritage Audio Trail
A self-guided audio trail explores Leeds’ alternative heritage, covering music scenes such as Indie, Acid House, and Goth. Participants can collect maps from participating venues or download the trail to their phones to unlock stories through puzzles.
10. Leeds Central Library Tour
Guided tours of the Victorian Leeds Central Library will highlight architectural details, rare books, and areas usually closed to the public, including stories of notable borrowers and previous occupants.
11. Bramley Baths
The Edwardian Bramley Baths, open since 1904, will offer tours detailing its history from the Depression era through World War II to its current role as a community hub.
12. Sunny Bank Mills
Visitors can explore Sunny Bank Mills, known for its historic textile production, now a multi-purpose venue with exhibition spaces, a museum and archive, artist studios, restaurants, bars, and record stores.
13. Harewood Estate Tour
On 14th September, a walking and tractor trailer tour of the Harewood Estate will cover the history of its buildings and recent landscape restoration projects, including access to areas not normally open to the public.
14. Leeds Cathedral
Tours of Leeds Cathedral will focus on its Arts & Crafts architecture, with opportunities to visit the bell tower and attend an organ recital.
Further details and additional Heritage Open Days events in Leeds can be found through local listings and event websites.
