September is the month of Heritage Open Days

Between 11 and 20 September events will be taking place across the country celebrating our fantastic history and culture. The range of what’s on offer is breathtaking, and it’s all FREE!

Why not take the train and visit some of the amazing events being held along St. Edmund’s Line?

There's so much on offer it's impossible to cover it all here but there are just a few examples below to whet your appetite. For further information including any booking details for these events, and to see the full list, visit https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ - there’s something for everyone!

11 Sep 2026   Discover Cambridge Biomedical Campus – Walking Tour

Explore one of the world’s leading centres for health, science and innovation on a guided walking tour of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

12 Sep 2026   Making Marks: Celebrating Hertha Ayrton and pioneering women scientists

Find out more about Hertha Ayrton (née Phoebe Marks) and other trailblazing women scientists at the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, with songs from The Cambridge First All-Ladies Fire Brigade musical!

12 Sep 2026   Let the bells ring out for Stowmarket at St Peter & St Mary's Church

Experience the sound of the bells from within the tower, watch the bells ringing at close hand and find out what goes on.

16 Sep 2026   Everyday Selwyn: snippets of staff and student college life since 1882

Learn more about everyday staff and student life at Selwyn since the college was founded in 1882, guided by our Archivist, Elizabeth Stratton.

17 Sep 2026   Architectural Oddities

One of a series of talks by architect Stuart Edgar about special architectural features in Suffolk. Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House.

20 Sep 2026   The Hardest Bridge

As a volunteer with the IRA, Pat Magee planted a bomb in the Grand Hotel, Brighton which killed, among others, Sir Anthony Berry MP, father of Jo Berry. They met up in person later in life and this film records their ongoing dialogue.

20 Sep 2026   Bury St Edmunds Guildhall

Enjoy a weekend of re-enactment in an 800-year-old Grade I listed building in Suffolk. Explore the stories of unsung heroes in the WWII Royal Observer Corps Operations Room, and wander in the beautiful walled gardens.

Norman Tower, St Edmundsbury Cathedral (multiple dates)

Visitors will be able to enjoy a brief history of the Norman Tower, find out information about the bells in the Tower and hear about the art of bellringing. This will include a demonstration of bellringing. There are timed visits lasting 45 minutes.

Ipswich Maritime Trust festivities in the Heritage Harbour (multiple dates)

A weekend of maritime events in Ipswich's Heritage Harbour. Explore heritage vessels, look round our displays in the Old Custom House, and take a self-guided walking tour around the harbour.