Heritage Open Days in Dorset

Heritage Open Days return for 2025! Events are running from Friday 12^th September until Sunday 21st September.

Each year in September, thousands of volunteers unite, and doors are opened to hidden places rich in heritage, history and culture.

Where many of the venues that are taking part are often closed during the rest of the year, this is a great opportunity to explore the diverse history and culture within.

Dorset is extremely popular for its historical and cultural roots, and as a result there are so many Heritage Open Days in Dorset to visit.

We'll introduce you to a couple:

Lulworth Castle & Park

Built in the C17th, this magnificent building is steeped in history. Originally built as a hunting lodge to entertain aristocracy and royalty, it was for centuries the family seat of the Weld family, the current owners of the Lulworth Estate. Ravaged by fire in 1929, it has been partly restored in a pioneering partnership with English Heritage. With extensive parkland, woodland walks, a children’s playground, the spacious grounds are yours to enjoy!

Date and time: Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th September

Pre booking not required.

Nothe Fort

Discover a Victorian engineering masterpiece in Dorset, originally built as a coastal defence and now a popular heritage attraction. Meet friendly volunteers for a unique look at how the fort was secretly used during the Cold War.

Nuclear Bunker talks are at 11:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:00pm. Travel back to 1872 and watch the Artillery in period uniforms with musketry and cannon firing demonstrations from 12pm to 3pm.

Explore the Caponier, a three-tiered structure with musket slots and gun ports for three 32-pound guns, and visit the Water Tank jetty, a hidden feature designed to store water during a siege.

Experience Dorset’s history and military heritage at this must-see Heritage Open Days attraction.

Date and Time: Sunday 14 September 10.30am - 4pm.

Pre-booking not required.

World War 2 Decoy Bunker Open Day

Moors Valley Country Park, Ringwood.

Step back in time and follow in the footsteps of the service people whose job it was to try and get bombed. This is an opportunity to take a closer look at the bunker, which is not normally open to the public. Volunteers will explain how the bunker was used and tell the story of its operation. The bunker is a dark, enclosed space, but there is ample daylight from the entrances.

Date 21st September, no booking required.

Many more venues across Dorset are holding open days. Some will already be fully booked, but lots of venues offer a no booking required policy. Take a look.