Heritage Open Days 2026: Sussex places you can still visit for free this September
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Venues across Sussex are taking part in the annual Heritage Open Days for 2026 – and there are still plenty of places you can visit for free this month.
England’s largest festival of history and culture see volunteers organise events at cultural spots throughout the country. And right here in our beautiful counties of East and West Sussex we have plenty of places to showcase.
The festival started on September 11 and runs until September 20, meaning there are lots of events happening over the next few days.
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 Sussex locations that would typically charge admission will be allowing visitors in for free during the festival.
National Trust also offers annual membership to all its properties across the UK. To sign up, click here.
For a full list of Sussex events and further information, visitors should check the Heritage Open Days website.
Here are some of the events taking place across the next few days:
East Sussex
Alfriston Clergy House, The Tye, Alfriston, Polegate, East Sussex, BN26 5TL
Friday and Saturday, September 18 and 19, 10.30am to 4.30pm, pre-booking not required
Celebrating the 130-year anniversary since the National Trust bought Alfriston Clergy House – the first property bought by the then newly formed National Trust – a fascinating exhibition looking at the life of our most illustrious tenant Sir Robert Witt. Sir Robert was co-founder of the National Art-Collections Fund (now the Art Fund), Trustee of the National, Tate and Watts galleries and co-founder of the Courtauld Institute of Art along with his wife tenanted the property from early 1900s until the 1950s. The exhibition explores their life in the Clergy House, their much loved holiday home.
Alexandra Park Greenhouse, St Helens Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3EL
Saturday, September 19, 10.30am to 1.30pm, pre-booking not required
Alexandra Park Greenhouse is a 1934 Richardson's teak and cast iron 36m building which has been completely restored with community funding and volunteer support.
Situated in the lovely Alexandra Park Hastings the restored greenhouse now provides horticultural and educational activities and is open to sell community donated plants which provide the running cost funds. Charities, local groups and residents can use or hire this unique building making it the perfect venue to grow together.
Aspects of North Laine - Brighton Old & New – a walk with Geoffrey Mead
St Nicholas Church, Dyke Road, Church Street, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, BN1 3LJ
Sunday, September 20, 2pm to 3.30pm, pre-booking not required
Join local historian Dr Geoffrey Mead for a 90-minute stroll through the streets of the North Laine conservation area looking at aspects of historical and contemporary interest.
Children welcome when accompanied by an adult. This is a circular walk. Geoffrey supports various local environment groups, so cash donations are welcomed if you'd like to help him keep them going.
Note: The Regency Town House coordinates many HODs events across the city. To see our full listings or obtain information about last minute changes, go to https://www.rth.org.uk/hods26
BBC Studio Tours, BBC Studios, 40 - 42 Queens Road, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, BN1 3XB
Friday, September 18, 10am to 11am, pre-booking required
Ever wondered how the BBC works?
Join a behind the scenes peek at the Beeb. The Queens Road studios are the home of BBC Radio Sussex. Broadcasting across the county and into Surrey and north-east Hampshire the station is the BBC's largest outside of London. With around a quarter of a million listeners each week in the south of England and thousands more across the world via the web, the Queens Road studios are easily the smallest rooms in Brighton with the biggest audiences!
Bridge Cottage Heritage Centre, High Street, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1AZ
Saturday, September 19, 10am to 4pm, pre-booking not required
Bridge Cottage will welcome the public for free, featuring light refreshments and small exhibitions along with informative displays throughout the cottage. Each visitor will receive a self-guided leaflet to enhance their experience.
Bridge Cottage is a Grade II listed building, built in c. 1436. It was lived in from then up to the late 1960’s, when the last residents moved out. It then stood unused for some years, and was at one point in danger of being demolished, until the joint efforts of Uckfield Town Council and Uckfield Heritage (or Uckfield & District Preservation Society as it was then known) ensured its preservation. A major restoration in 2016, funded by the National Lottery, means the Cottage can now be used for events such as markets, small social events, concerts and local history talks. The building has underfloor heating, wi-fi and a small kitchen, and it meets current fire and public safety regulations. It also retains many period features. We have meeting rooms which are available for hire by local groups or businesses. Come and have a look at this beautifully preserved Wealden Hall House and learn about local history. Look out for witches marks on the fireplace, too!
Coastguard Cottage, 6 Coastguard Cottages, Cuckmere Haven, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 4AR
Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20, 10am to 3pm, pre-booking not required
Come and have a look inside one of the most famous cottages in England, meet a descendant of the last Coastguard, and see artwork inspired by this very special place.
Perched on the clifftop with the magnificent Seven Sisters as the backdrop, this is one of the most photographed buildings in the country. The Coastguard Station has a rich history, come along and soak up the views, and help raise awareness to safeguard its future.
Duke of York's Cinema Tour, Preston Circus, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, BN1 4NA
Friday, September 18, 10am and 11.30am, pre-booking required
Visit Britain's longest surviving cinema, the Duke of York's, for a tour of this iconic landmark. The Duke of York's opened its doors on 22 September 1910.
After welcoming millions of audience members, witnessing many changes of ownership and surviving numerous threats to its existence and even possible demolition, it was re-born in the early 1980s as an arthouse cinema. It is now a Grade II listed building - Brighton's favourite cinema and the country's most enduring picture house.
Guided Walks of Rye, Rye Heritage Centre, The Old Sail Loft, Strand Quay, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7AY
Friday, September 18, 2pm, pre-booking required
Ready to peel back the layers of Rye’s incredible history? Join our guided walk and discover all the tales you never knew about this fascinating town — from invaders and smugglers to ghostly goings‑on and famous faces.
Your 1½‑hour adventure begins at the Rye Heritage Centre,. From there, our guide will lead you through Rye’s winding streets and ancient alleyways, sharing stories that stretch from before the Norman Conquest right up to the present day.
Lamb House, West Street, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7ES
Friday, September 18, 11am to 5pm, pre-booking not required
Lamb House open for Heritage Open Days Friday 18 September. Visit this Georgian house in Rye, built in 1723; once a mayoral residence that welcomed King George I and later home to writers Henry James and E. F. Benson.
Explore Lamb House, a Georgian Mayor's residence turned artist retreat. Learn all about the lives of Henry James and EF Benson, and hear some of their famous stories including Benson's famed Mapp and Lucia.
Newhaven Museum, Avis Road, Newhaven, East Sussex, BN9 0PR
Friday and Saturday, September 18 and 19, 112am to 4pm, pre-booking not required
Our museum has recently been refurbished - come and see new displays showcasing Newhaven's maritime, industrial, war-time and social histories and explore our wonderful photographic archive.
Nutley Windmill, Crowborough Road, Nutley, East Sussex, TN22 3HY
Sunday, September 20, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, pre-booking not required
Nutley Windmill is a rare example of an open trestle post mill, which is only open on a limited number of days. This special opening for Heritage Open Days gives an opportunity to see this fascinating building.
RNLI Hastings Visitor Centre and Shop, The Stade, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3FJ
Saturday, September 19, 11am to 3pm, pre-booking not required
The RNLI Shop and Visitor Centre gives free entry. For the duration of the Hastings Heritage Open Days Festival visit to learn more about the Lifeboats and work of Hastings Lifeboat Station. Get up close to our Shannon Class All Weather Lifeboat!
Royal Hippodrome Theatre, 106-114 Seaside Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3PF
Saturday, September 19, 10.30am, 11.15am, Midday and 12.45pm, pre-booking not required
You are invited to see back stage for a short tour. In the foyer there will be displays about its History including past performers.
Sheffield Park & Garden, Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QX
Thursday, September 17, 10am to 5pm, pre-booking not required
This Grade I listed garden is a horticultural work of art formed through centuries of landscape design, with influences of 'Capability' Brown and Humphry Repton.
West Sussex
Explore the history of Sullington - Walking Tour
Sullington Manor Farm, Sullington Lane, Storrington, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 4AE
Thursday, September 17 – Sunday, September 20, 2pm each day, pre-booking preferred
Discover manorial buildings spanning 1000 years with additions & changes reflecting every century. In the heart of the South Downs & still a working farm, these buildings have found a 20th c. purpose including a cafe on site and open for HODs.
Pallant House Gallery Open Day, 9 North Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1TJ
Saturday, September 19, 10am to 5pm, book on day
Join us for an art-filled day of discovery and creativity – all for free! Pallant House Gallery will be opening its doors for visitors to explore our collection and experience our current major exhibition 'British Landscapes: A Sense of Place.’
St Mary de Haura Church, Church Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5DQ
Thursday, September 17 – Saturday, September 19, varying times, pre-booking not required
An architectural gem of a church which dates from 1103 with both romanesque and gothic styles. As well as some curiosities, there features from English history will be seen - one from the 12th, one from the 17th and one from 20th centuries.
Standen House and Garden, West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4NE
Friday and Saturday, September 18 and 19, 11am to 4pm, pre-booking not required
Explore Standen and enjoy our exhibition during Heritage Open Days. Discover the fascinating stories of the Beale family through the Benevolent Beales exhibition, celebrating compassion, community spirit and the people who shaped Standen's history.