All you need to know about heritage open days in Kirklees with 90 buildings to visit for free

People can explore Huddersfield’s heritage for free with the annual Kirklees Heritage Open Days events this month.

Around 90 buildings are involved in this year’s event which runs from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 20.

Every part of the Kirklees district is represented from Birstall to Marsden, Skelmanthorpe to Lindley, Holmfirth to Dewsbury.

This year’s national theme is Everyday Histories and also includes events such as exhibitions walks and talks.

Guided walks include Castle Hill, Beaumont Park, Huddersfield heritage pubs, the mill workers of Longwood, Kirkburton graveyard tours and legacy, Wholestone Moor at Scapegoat Hill, the changing face of Birkby, Woodsome Hall and exploring architect Edgar Wood’s legacy.

Buildings visitors can explore include Huddersfield Town Hall, Tolson Museum, the new Emily Siddon and Daphne Steele buildings at the top of Leeds Road next to Huddersfield ring road, Huddersfield Parish Church, Colne Valley Museum, Scammonden Activity Centre, Providence Methodist Church in Golcar, King James’ School, Lindley Clock Tower and the nearby St Stephen’s Church, High Flatts Quaker Meeting House, Mirfield Masonic Lodge and Oakwell Hall at Birstall.

Huddersfield and District Family History Society members will be talking about their work and giving advice at St John’s Church in Golcar, St Pauls in Armitage Bridge, All Hallows Church in Almondbury and St Paul’s Church in Shepley.

There will be talks on the man who built Huddersfield, Joseph Kaye, and the making of Greenhead Park along with a performance called Baglady by children with additional needs at Shabang at the Old Providence Chapel in Slaithwaite.

Heritage Open Days 2026 is sponsored by the newly created Kirkburton Village Archive.

Sylvia Johnson from the Kirklees Heritage Open Days committee said: “The committee is delighted that so many volunteers across the borough 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 lots of  events to choose from there really is something for everyone, whatever your interests and wherever you live.’’

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/KirkleesHOD2026

Full details of all events in Kirklees and elsewhere, including booking arrangements, can also be found on the Heritage Open Days website at www.heritageopendays.org.uk

The upper Holme Valley has a programme of events around the theme of Hearth & Holme exploring the idea of home in its widest sense, the houses, mills, farms, churches, workshops, streets, stories and gathering places that have shaped life in the valley.

They include displays, walks, talks and open days at sites including Longley Farm dairy and The Tech in Holmfirth.

Steve Davie from Holme Valley Heritage says: “Heritage is about our identity. It’s more than history, it’s about why we are here and why it matters today.’’

Holme Valley events can be found at https://holmevalleyheritage.com/whats-on/