Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations.

Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored and histories brought to life.

It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.

Ormesby Hall

Ormesby Hall, Ladgate Lane, Ormesby, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, TS3 0SR

Home to the Pennyman family, Ormesby Hall, garden and parkland is a green oasis in the heart of urban Middlesbrough. As part of Heritage Open Days 2025, you can visit Ormesby Hall for free on the following dates with no booking required. See Ormesby Hall for more info. 

Friday 12 September: 10.30am – 4pm
Saturday 13 September: 10.30am – 4pm
Sunday 14 September: 10am – 4pm

William Blessley 

Hebrew Prayer House, Ayresome Green Lane, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough TS5 5DW

Architect, Mr William Henry Blessley designed the chapels which once stood in the centre of Linthorpe cemetery. He also designed numerous other buildings in Middlesbrough and the surrounding area. Local historian and member of Friends of the Cemetery has done extensive research into William Blessley’s life and work. The event will be an illustrated talk accompanied by the display of our scale model of the chapels.

The event runs between 11.00am – 1.30pm on Saturday 13 September. No booking required. See William Blessley – architect for more info.

Masonic Hall, Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough Masonic Hall, 62 Roman Road, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, TS5 5QA

Take a free guided tour of the Masonic Hall and hopefully gain answers to any questions you may have. The Lodge Room will be laid out for a ceremony with regalia on display. Refreshments will be available in the hall, provided by the Zetland Ladies’ Club, who are the wives, widows, partners and daughters of Freemasons.

Doors open on Saturday 20 September between 10am – 1pm. No booking required. See Masonic Hall, Middlesbrough for more info. 

St Cuthbert’s Church

Stokesley Road, Marton-in-Cleveland, Middlesbrough TS7 8JU

St Cuthbert’s is a church dating from at least 1150. It was the baptism venue for Captain James Cook and is the final resting place of some of Middlesbrough’s Founding Fathers (such as Bolckow and Vaughn) It is also home to a number of Mousey Thompson pieces. 

The church will be open to explore between 10.00am – 4.00pm on Saturday 20 September. Refreshments will be on sale 10.30am – 2pm. No booking required. See St Cuthbert’s Church Marton for more info.