Explore Colchester’s hidden history for free this September!
This year, Heritage Open Days is set to open the doors to over forty historic properties across Colchester for FREE. For ten days from Friday, 6 to Sunday, 15 September, historic venues will be opening their doors to the public across Colchester to join in with the national Heritage Open Days festival organised by The National Trust.
The city of Colchester and the surrounding area have 45 buildings and events of significant historical and architectural interest lined up. From Roman archaeological sites in Colchester to a Second World War airbase at Boxted, there is something for everyone.
We are thrilled to announce that Colchester’s iconic Victorian water tower, affectionately known by locals as Jumbo, will again be part of this year’s prestigious line-up. Jumbo will be opening its doors to the public on Saturday 7 September and will be offering timed talks and tours at 10:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 14:00. Each timed hour-long slot will include a talk, and a chance to take a tour heading up the iconic tower. Places will be allocated in advance by ballot.
To enter the ballot, visitors should contact the Colchester Visitor Information Centre on 01206 282920 or vic@colchester.gov.uk before 23 August, specifying their preferred time slot. Please note, a maximum of two people per household can be entered and participants must be aged 8 or over. Successful entrants will be informed during the week beginning 26 August.
On Saturday, 14 September, Colchester Castle and Hollytrees Museum will also be joining in the celebrations and opening their doors for FREE.
This year, Heritage Open Days is set to open the doors to over forty historic properties across Colchester for FREE. For ten days from Friday, 6 to Sunday, 15 September, historic venues will be opening their doors to the public across Colchester to join in with the national Heritage Open Days festival organised by The National Trust.
The city of Colchester and the surrounding area have 45 buildings and events of significant historical and architectural interest lined up. From Roman archaeological sites in Colchester to a Second World War airbase at Boxted, there is something for everyone.
We are thrilled to announce that Colchester’s iconic Victorian water tower, affectionately known by locals as Jumbo, will again be part of this year’s prestigious line-up. Jumbo will be opening its doors to the public on Saturday 7 September and will be offering timed talks and tours at 10:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 14:00. Each timed hour-long slot will include a talk, and a chance to take a tour heading up the iconic tower. Places will be allocated in advance by ballot.
To enter the ballot, visitors should contact the Colchester Visitor Information Centre on 01206 282920 or vic@colchester.gov.uk before 23 August, specifying their preferred time slot. Please note, a maximum of two people per household can be entered and participants must be aged 8 or over. Successful entrants will be informed during the week beginning 26 August.
On Saturday, 14 September, Colchester Castle and Hollytrees Museum will also be joining in the celebrations and opening their doors for FREE.
Councillor Mark Cory, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Resources, said: “Heritage Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for everyone to explore hidden gems and historic sites that are often closed to the public. It's a rare chance to step inside these unique places and discover the rich history of Colchester in a way you can't usually experience. I invite everyone to take advantage of this free event and see the incredible heritage our city has to offer."
To browse the full list of venues open for 2024, please visit www.visitcolchester.com/HODS2024 or pop into the Visitor Information Centre to pick up a free leaflet detailing all this year’s highlights.
Page last reviewed: 7 August 2024