Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community-led festival of history and culture, bringing together thousands of volunteers every September to open up hidden places, share fascinating stories, and celebrate local heritage — and best of all, it’s all free.
In 2025, the festival runs from 12th to 21st September, offering a rich array of experiences — from the insides of historic homes and churches to scenic garden tours and the experience of living museums.
We’ve handpicked some of the standout events happening in and around High Wycombe, each offering something uniquely engaging.
Let us know which ones you’ll be visiting!
Heritage Open Day Highlights
Hughenden: Open Day & Art Exhibition
📍Location: National Trust’s Hughenden Manor, Hughenden (HP14 4LA)
🗓️When: Every day from Friday 12th to Friday 19th September, 10 am–4:30 pm; no pre-booking necessary
🔍 What to Explore:
- Former home of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, featuring his Victorian estate plus the WW2 map-making history in the West Wing, beautiful gardens, and wooded parkland
- Art exhibition in the studybase by the Bucks Visual Images Group, featuring work from over 30 local artists and makers i
- On-site café and National Trust shop with local goods
Pann Mill Open Day
📍Location: Pann Mill, London Road, High Wycombe (HP11 1BJ)
🗓️When: Sunday 14th September 11am-5pm; no pre-booking necessary
🔍 What to Explore:
- Go inside the last working water mill on the River Wye in Wycombe and watch it at work
- Chat with the millers and buy a bag of freshly ground flour
- Explore the beautiful gardens and diverse array of stalls
Marlow Place and the Williams Family
📍Location: Station Road, Marlow (SL7 1NB)
🗓️When: Sunday 14th September 10am-4pm; no pre-booking necessary
🔍 What to Explore:
- A rare open day at Marlow’s only Grade I listed Georgian mansion. Once home to the titled Williams family — the founder known as “the Copper King” — and visited by Hanoverian royals
- Exhibition on the principal floor spotlighting the family’s prominence.
- At 2 pm, a Victorian Marlow guided walk (approx. 1.5 hours, £3/person) departs from the courtyard; advance booking via TicketSource is advised.
Holy Trinity Church, Penn
📍Location: Church Road, Penn (HP10 8NX)
🗓️When: Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September 1-5pm; no pre-booking necessary
🔍 What to Explore:
- A Grade I listed 12th-century church featuring the rare Penn Doom painting from the 15th century, along with church brasses, heraldic shields, and original consecration crosses.
- Memorials of the Howe and Curzon families, a 14th-century tower with six bells (possibly ringing), 19th-century box pews, and a one-handed clock from 1715.
- Village historian on hand — visitors can also explore the graveyard. Refreshments (tea, coffee, cake) provided
Penn House, Amersham
📍Location: Penn Street, Amersham (HP7 0PS)
🗓️When: Friday 12th and Sunday 21st September at various times; pre-booking essential
🔍 What to Explore:
- Ground-floor tours by Earl and Countess Howe focusing mainly on paintings and naval memorabilia. Each tour lasts about 45 minutes; group size capped at 16
Jordans Quaker Meeting
📍Location: Welders Lane, Jordans (HP9 2SN)
🗓️When: Saturday 20th September from 2-5.30pm; pre-booking not required
🔍 What to Explore:
- Part (a): “Walk & Talk” through Jordans Village architecture (Fred Rowntree-designed cottages, early 20th-century village origins) and the origins of the village in 1919. Meet at the village green at 2 pm
- Part (b): Tour of the Meeting House with a short film in the historic 1688 Meeting Room plus a panel display, followed by cream teas from 3:45 pm
Holy Trinity Church, Cookham
📍Location: Ferry Lane, Cookham (SL6 9SN)
🗓️When: Saturday 13th (11am-4pm), Sunday 14th (2-4pm) and Saturday 20th September (11am-4pm); pre-booking not required
🔍 What to Explore:
- A medieval church, recently reopened after renovations removing pews and installing underfloor heating. Built on Norman foundations with possible Saxon remnants
- Features include an anchorite’s cell site, tombs of medieval spice merchants, 10 bells, and links to Sir Stanley Spencer’s work
- Bell chamber tours limited due to narrow stairs; family trails, art from the Friends of Cookham Abbey (Saxon monastery dig), children’s trails, tapestry displays, and school exhibits are all highlights
Cliveden Estate
📍Location: Cliveden Estate (National Trust), Cliveden Road (SL1 8NS)
🗓️When: Monday 15th-Friday 19th September with tours at various times; pre-booking not required
🔍 What to Explore:
- House, sculpture, and garden tours, as well as daily volunteer-led talks. Booking is on a first-come basis on site
- Stunning gardens (Rose Garden, Parterre, Storybook Play Den, maze with over 500 m of hedges, boating along the Thames), plus the Octagon Temple chapel
Why These Events Matter
Heritage Open Days 2025 offers a rare, free glimpse into the history, architecture, and stories of Buckinghamshire.
Whether exploring a grand manor, tracing medieval art in a church, indulging in local art, or enjoying a family day out in beautiful gardens, there’s something for everyone
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