How to visit attractions in Cornwall for FREE this September
From 12–21 September, Cornwall takes part in the nationwide Heritage Open Days festival.
Each September, thousands of historic sites across the country open their doors for free, including places that are normally closed or charge admission. The programme includes everything from medieval churches and stately homes to archives, gardens and industrial landmarks.
In Cornwall, that means you can step inside mines, manor houses, and military sites, join guided walks and talks, and discover hidden corners of the county’s past without paying a penny!
Dozens of local events run this year, with some offering special tours and exhibitions that are only available during the festival.
Here’s the complete guide to what’s on across Cornwall in 2025.
Torpoint & the Rame Peninsula
Antony House, Torpoint
The National Trust’s Antony House opens for free throughout the festival. Explore the grand house and landscaped gardens overlooking the River Lynher.
Antony House: Vintage Book Fair
Inside Antony House, you can browse second-hand and vintage titles, with plenty of bargains for book lovers.
Antony House: VE-Day 80 walking talk
Take a guided walk and hear stories of Antony and Torpoint during the Second World War, including how locals marked the end of the war in 1945.
Maker Heights
Expert guides lead walks through this extensive military site, covering 300 years of history. From Georgian fortifications to WWII observation posts, Maker Heights is one of Cornwall’s most significant defence landscapes.
Grenville Battery, Maker Heights
On 14 September, join local historian John Manley for a tour of this 18th-century battery, one of the best preserved in East Cornwall.
Defending Cornwall, Maker Heights
A guided tour focusing on WWII defences and bunkers, showing how the peninsula was prepared for attack.
Three Centuries of Defence, Maker Heights
Learn how Maker’s military importance evolved from the 1700s to the 20th century, with guided access to key sites across the headland.
West Cornwall
Levant Mine and Beam Engine, Pendeen
Book a guided tour to see Cornwall’s last working beam engine in steam. The clifftop mine is part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site and one of the most dramatic locations taking part this year.
Trengwainton Garden, Penzance
Enjoy free entry from 14–18 and 21 September (closed Fri/Sat). Special sensory trails encourage you to explore the gardens with sound, touch, and scent as well as sight.
Chysauster Ancient Village, Penzance
On 15 September, expert volunteers lead guided tours of this remarkable Romano-British village of courtyard houses, nearly 2,000 years old.
Lizard Wireless Station, Helston
On 14 September, Marconi’s wireless station opens its doors. Explore early radio experiments, see Titanic-era displays, and enjoy hands-on demonstrations with family activities.
Godolphin, Helston
From 12–21 September, entry is free. Alongside the historic house and gardens, there’s a pop-up exhibition on the Cider House Pottery.
St Gerrans Church, Truro
Open on 20 September, this historic parish church welcomes visitors with exhibitions and refreshments, with volunteers on hand to share its story.
Glendurgan Garden, Falmouth
Multiple free-entry days allow you to enjoy the famous maze, wooded valleys, and family-friendly walks.
CWGC Tours, Penzance Cemetery
On 20 September, join a guided walk uncovering the history of the Commonwealth war graves here. Pre-booking is essential.
CWGC Tours, Falmouth Cemetery
Also on 20 September, free guided tours run at Falmouth Cemetery, focusing on the stories behind local war graves.
North Cornwall
Bude Old Town Tour
Join a guided walk led by The Castle Heritage Centre. Archive photographs help bring the story of Old Bude to life. Pre-booking required.
Hobbacott Canal Incline, Bude
On 12 September, visit the 200-year-old canal incline, once the longest of its kind in the country. Normally closed, this is a rare chance to explore the site.
Mid Cornwall
Bodmin Recycling Facility
On 20 September, tours give a behind-the-scenes look at how Cornwall’s kerbside recycling is processed. A unique modern heritage visit.
St Lawrence’s Parish Church, Bodmin
Known as the “asylum church,” St Lawrence’s opens for tours. You can explore its unusual history and even try out the organ.
Tintagel Old Post Office
On 16 and 20 September, non-National Trust members can enjoy free entry to this medieval building. Tickets must be booked online in advance.
Trerice, Newquay
On 20 September, visit the Elizabethan manor house and gardens for free. Folk group Ryp an Mor perform live music in the grounds.
Vale of Avalon / Arthurian Centre, Camelford
A 14-acre historic site linked to Arthurian legend opens for three days only, offering rare free entry.
Liskeard Unlocked
St Martin’s Church, Liskeard
This 800-year-old parish church opens with displays and volunteers sharing its history.
St Martin’s Freemasons Lodge, Liskeard
On 13 September, explore the Masonic Hall and learn about the charitable work of the Freemasons.
Liskeard & District Museum
Experience an interactive 3D digital scan of Foresters Hall, navigating virtual spaces and learning about its architecture.
Boost House, Liskeard
Once a Barclays Bank, Boost House now serves as a community hub. Explore the vaults and see exhibitions on its transformation.
The Pipewell, Liskeard
Gain rare access to the historic water source, with crafts and interpretation from volunteers.
Trewithan House, Liskeard
Open on 13 September to showcase its restoration, with insight into its former occupants.
Epworth Studios, Liskeard
The former Wesleyan Methodist Church reopens as a cultural space, with a small exhibition of objects uncovered during renovation.
Stuart House, Liskeard
An exhibition of architectural details and a detective trail help you uncover the story of this heritage centre.
Talks and walks in Liskeard
Illustrated talks cover local architects Henry Rice, Richard Coad, and John Sansom, alongside guided walks around their buildings.
Creative events in Liskeard
Take part in “Draw the Town” with cartoonist Nick Brennan, or join the “Discover & Create” morning at the Pipewell.
Online events from Liskeard
Watch recorded talks on the 1872 Children Miners’ Strike, the town’s wool industry, historic food and drink, and photographic tours of houses and gardens.
Redruth & Illogan
Kresen Kernow, Redruth
Cornwall’s archive centre runs exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. See documents including Silvanus Trevail’s architectural plans and designs for Lanhydrock House.
Michell’s Engine House, Illogan Highway
Normally closed to the public, this 19th-century engine house contains Cornwall’s last surviving “whim engine.”
Michell’s Engine House: Catching Copper
Artist Sovay Berriman leads guided walks exploring the industrial and rural landscape around the engine house, linking art with mining heritage.
See all information on the Heritage Open Days website.
Quick facts for 2025 📅
- Dates: 12–21 September 2025
- In-person events: 46 across Cornwall
- Online events: 7 available anytime
- No booking required: 30 events
- Pre-booking essential: Popular sites including Levant Mine, Kresen Kernow, and CWGC tours
