Heritage Open Days 2026: 22 historic places in Blackpool you can visit for free this September
Several of Blackpool’s most celebrated landmarks, including the Winter Gardens and Tower, will be accessible to the public at no cost as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days.
Some of Blackpool's most famous sites, such as the historic Winter Gardens and iconic Tower, are set to participate in the Heritage Open Days festival this September, offering locals and visitors the chance to explore these attractions free of charge.
Running from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 20, 2026, the event showcases the Fylde coast’s rich history and culture, with venues across the area opening their doors for a ten-day celebration.
The nationwide initiative, organised by the National Trust and supported by Postcode Lottery players, aims to encourage people to connect with the heritage on their doorstep. Many Lancashire locations that would typically charge admission will be allowing visitors in for free during the festival.
Showtown, Blackpool’s museum of fun and entertainment, has coordinated Heritage Open Days across Blackpool for the past five years, working with organisations & volunteers across the town to open up its remarkable heritage to the public.
This year has seen the greatest demand yet, reflecting the growing appetite to discover more about Blackpool’s history and the places and stories that have shaped the resort.
Annie Reilly, the National Trust's Audience & Engagement Director, said: "England's largest festival of history and culture is back. Heritage Open Days opens the door to thousands of extraordinary stories, places and experiences on your doorstep."
For a full list of Blackpool events and further information, visitors are encouraged to check the Heritage Open Days website.
Here are the events taking place around Blackpool:
Blackpool Winter Gardens Tour
Where: Winter Gardens, 97 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HL
Dates: Sept 18, 2026
Details: Visit rooms only open to the public at private events and see the history and heritage of this amazing building!
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Little Marton Windmill
Where: Little Marton Windmill, Langdale Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 4PH
Dates: Sept 20, 2026
Details: The chance to see inside the grade two listed, Little Marton Windmill museum.
Blackpool Ghost Tour, "History and Haunts"
Where: Blackpool Town Hall Steps, Talbot Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1AD
Dates: Sept 19, 2026
Details: A walking tour of around a third of the 35 known sites of hauntings and paranormal experiences.
The Imperial Hotel - Heritage Tour
Where: Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 2HB
Dates: Multiple dates available
Details: Visit The Imperial Hotel Blackpool for an opportunity to explore one of the town's most iconic Victorian landmarks.
Blackpool Grand Theatre - Open House and Theatre Tours
Where: Blackpool Grand Theatre, 33 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HT
Dates: Multiple dates available
Details: Blackpool Grand Theatre will be throwing open its doors at selected times to allow everyone to roam the famous theatre tiers with a free 30 minute guided tours also on offer.
Friends of Layton Cemetery - Tour of Blackpool's Victorian Burial Ground
Where: Talbot Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 7BD
Dates: Multiple dates available
Details: Explore Layton Cemetery, Blackpool’s historic Victorian burial ground and discover the extraordinary stories of the people buried there.
Holy Trinity Church
Where: Dean Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1BP
Dates: Multiple dates available
Details: Holy Trinity is a Grade II listed building with stunning stained-glass windows. A church has stood proud on the South Shore skyline for over 140 years.
Yesterday Everyday: Mini Museum of Retro Tech
Where: Aunty Social C I C, 28 Topping Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 3AQ
Dates: Multiple dates available
Details: Explore a selection of analogue & retro technology that was once part of everyday life. From vintage cameras to floppy disks & typewriters.
Lightworks Illuminations Depot
Where: Lightworks, Amy Johnson Way, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 2RL
Dates: Sept 17, 2026
Details: Discover the magic behind Blackpool's world-famous Illuminations on this guided heritage tour.
Fylde Memorial Arboretum - Guided Remembrance Walk
Where: Fylde Memorial Arboretum, Moor Park Avenue, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY2 0LZ
Dates: Sept 17, 2026
Details: Explore the stories behind the memorials at the Fylde Memorial Arboretum on this guided remembrance walk. Discover the significance of the site and learn about Blackpool’s role during the World Wars.
Stanley Park - Cocker Clock Tour
Where: Stanley Park, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 9HU
Dates: Sept 20, 2026
Details: Entry to the Clock Tower to see all the working mechanisms.
War Memorials Walk
Where: Blackpool Cenotaph, Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1RQ
Dates: Sept 18, 2026
Details: A tour of all of the Blackpool Town Centre War Memorials.
Blackpool Central Library Tour
Where: Blackpool Central Library, Queen Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1PX
Dates: Multiple dates available
Details: Central Library has sat in the middle of Blackpool since 1911. Come and learn about how that came about, who paid for it, and how the printed word became available to the everyday people.
A Century of Entertainment: 1926 Museum Tour
Where: Showtown, Bank Hey Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 4TQ
Dates: Sept 18, 2026
Details: Celebrate 100 years of entertainment on this special guided tour.
Blackpool Town Hall Open Day
Where: Blackpool Town Hall, Talbot Square, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1AD
Dates: 19 Sep 2026
Details: Visit the Council Chamber, Mayors' Parlour and all the meeting rooms on the first floor. Guides will be on hand to answer your questions.
Blackpool Tower Tour
Where: Promenade Main Entrance, Blackpool Tower, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 4BJ
Dates: Multiple dates available
Details: Join us for a guided tour of the iconic Blackpool Tower.
St Pauls North Shore
Where: St Pauls North Shore, Egerton Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 2NP
Dates: Multiple dates available
Details: Demolished in 1992, worship continued in the church hall. See the history of St Pauls from Mouse man furniture to artefacts and photos dating back to the opening of the old church in the 1890s.
Saint Stephen on the Cliffs - 100 Years of Blackpool Variety
Where: St Stephen's Church, Holmfield Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY2 9RB
Dates: Multiple dates available
Details: St Stephen's is home of the world famous Actors Chapel and is the spiritual home of Blackpool variety performance. This year there is an exhibition charting 100 years of performance, as well as Choral Evensong, a wine reception and a performance.
Sharing Memories: Celebrating 115 Years of Grundy Art Gallery
Where: Queen Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1PU
Dates: Multiple dates available
Details: Celebrate 115 years of Grundy Art Gallery and join us to reflect, connect and share stories inspired by your visits to the gallery.
Blackpool Masonic Hall
Where: 83 - 85 Adelaide Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 4LU
Dates: Sept 20, 2026
Details: Sited on Adelaide Street, Blackpool. Home to Fifteen Masonic Lodges, Six Royal Arch Chapters, a number of associated Degrees and most recently three Ladies Lodges. Over Four hundred and Fifty members make up the membership.
AudaTours Blackpool Audio Tour: The People Behind the Pleasure
Where: The Comedy Carpet, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1
Dates: Available anytime
Details: A self-guided audio tour of Blackpool, exploring the staff who keep the resort running: landladies, theatre workers, tram drivers and pier hands.
John Hodgsons Belle Vue Strawberry Gardens
Where: 72 Newcastle Avenue, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 9DH
Dates: Sept 20, 2026 In person Pre-booking required