UPDATE: We are very sad to announce that 2021 is the second year that Heritage Open Days cannot take place in Cheshire West and Chester because of the constraints caused by the Covid19 pandemic. 2021 would be the 27th year of HODs. Chester Civic Trust and Chester West and Chester have been involved from the start in this national celebration of local history and architecture. However, we recognise that the volunteers, who would usually open their buildings and give tours of our heritage sites free of charge, must prioritise the survival of their own businesses and activities. We look forward to welcoming you to Heritage Open Days in September 2022.

Heritage Open Days (HODS) is England’s biggest grassroots celebration of our heritage, depending on the help of over 40,000 volunteers. Currently co-ordinated by the National Trust, Heritage Open Days “showcase buildings and hidden histories in our communities” Properties and tours must be offered free of charge. From the very first year, 1994, Chester Civic Trust and the local authority, with other local societies such as the Blue Guides in support, have organised Heritage Open Days, at first in Chester and lately in the wider region of Cheshire West and Chester.
The HODs Committee comprises volunteers from Chester Civic Trust plus representatives of CWAC from Chester History and Heritage, the Museums Service and Northwich Regeneration Team. Our work is to liaise with the owners of notable buildings and the tour guides who volunteer their properties and services to showcase the wonderful heritage of our City, towns, villages and countryside during HODs. If you are interested in joining the HODs team and helping in 2022 please write to the Civic Trust using the contact form.

Chester Heritage Festival 18 – 28 June 2021

Annually Chester Civic Trust and Cheshire West and Chester Council partner with other organisations to tell the story of our city and its people.  This year the Heritage Festival will have a new format with many of the events on-line.

The Festival has a new website https://www.chesterheritagefestival.co.uk/ where details of all events, both physical and virtual, will be given prior to the start of the Festival.  Meanwhile for more information follow us on social media @chesterherifest.