Fantastic line-up of landmark buildings and free events across Kirklees at the 2025 Heritage Open Days
People will have the opportunity to explore more than 100 buildings for free during this September’s Heritage Open Days which is supported by Huddersfield Civic Society.
The ever popular event runs from Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 21 and this year’s national theme is architecture.
At the modern end of the spectrum are the University’s Daphne Steele Building (pictured below), the Accu Stadium 30 years on since it was named the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Building of the Year, two eco-friendly Passivhauses in Kirkburton and Sheepridge and a site visit to see work in progress on Our Cultural Heart at Queensgate, Huddersfield.
Buildings old and new feature in walks in Huddersfield while dozens of churches are opening – many of them on Yorkshire Churches Day which is Saturday, September 13.
Other highlights include a handbell concert at Shelley and a walk around old coal mines in Bradley.
Colne Valley Museum (pictured below) will be open on both weekends from 11am to 4pm and there are tours at Huddersfield Town Hall, the Jo Cox More In Common building at the University of Huddersfield, the Lawrence Batley Theatre and Highfields Apartments which were the former Huddersfield College.
An architectural heritage of Kirklees exhibition will be at the Local Studies Library, 16A Victoria Lane in Huddersfield town centre throughout the festival.
A vintage motorcycle show will be in Ravensknowle Park from 11am to 3pm on Sunday, September 21.
Lindley has several events lined up for Saturday, September 13.
These include a chance to climb the 69 steps of the 83ft Lindley clock tower designed by Edgar Wood from 10am to 2pm; visit Grade II-listed Briarcourt at 28 Occupation Road from 10.30am to 2pm and St Stephen’s Church from 10.30am to 3pm where there will be free sketching sessions.
Lindley Methodist Church will be open from 11am to 4pm with Marsh Ladies Choir giving a short concert at 2.30pm and a heritage walk around Lindley at 12noon.
The upper Holme Valley has a programme of events around the theme Working Lives, including displays, walks, talks and open days at sites including Longley Farm dairy and The Tech in Holmfirth.
The Carding Shed café and classic car garage at Washpit Mills in Holmfirth is hosting an interactive exhibition about the lives of those who worked in Holmfirth’s industrial heartland.
Kirklees Heritage Open Days committee chair David Griffiths said: “I’m delighted that so many volunteers across Kirklees have once again risen to the challenge and put their hard work into this great festival, bringing many imaginative new ideas.
“It’s a splendid advert for the rich and diverse heritage of our towns, villages and countryside. With over 100 events to choose from, there really is something for everyone, whatever your interests.”
Steve Davie from Holme Valley Heritage added: “Heritage is about our identity. It’s more than history, it’s about why we are here and why it matters today. We are proud to launch our first year of Holme Valley Heritage Open Days.”
Kirklees Council Leader Carole Pattison said: “The Heritage Open Days festival in Kirklees is a celebration of our shared history, culture and creativity. Architectural heritage is a vital link to our past, reflecting historical and artistic values of our society.
“There is so much to see and do this year and I hope everyone will come together this September to celebrate and discover the hidden stories, craftsmanship and remarkable places that shape our local identity.”
Most events are open access but some do require advance booking. Many venues offer refreshments and children’s activities. A leaflet listing the Kirklees events is widely available across the district and can also be found online at https://tinyurl.com/KirkleesHOD2025
Additional Holme Valley events can also be found at https://holmevalleyheritage.com/whats-on/
Full details of all events in Kirklees and elsewhere, including booking arrangements, can be found on the Heritage Open Days website, www.heritageopendays.org.uk