Fantastic programme unveiled for Buxton’s Heritage Open Days Festival 2026
Friday 31st July 2026
There’s something for everyone in this year’s ‘Everyday Histories’ themed heritage festival.
Buxton Civic Association (BCA) is delighted to announce a packed programme of free events for this year’s Heritage Open Days festival, taking place from Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September 2026.
The national festival, England’s largest celebration of history and culture, returns with this year’s theme, Everyday Histories, inviting people to discover the fascinating stories hidden within the places, buildings and landscapes they know best.
This year’s Buxton programme offers something for everyone, with a fantastic mix of informative talks, open days, exhibitions and self-guided experiences hosted by organisations from across the town.
Event hosts include Buxton Civic Association, Buxton Town Team, Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, Creative Heritage Ltd, Buxton Freemasons, Buxton Opera House, Buxton Parish, Trinity Church Buxton and Buxton Museum & Art Gallery.
Dave Green, CEO of Buxton Civic Association, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many organisations working together to celebrate Buxton’s remarkable heritage. Heritage Open Days showcases not only our historic buildings and landscapes, but also the people, stories and traditions that continue to shape our town today. We hope the festival inspires people of all ages to discover something new and appreciate the rich heritage that’s right on their doorstep. BCA have been delighted to co-ordinate everyone’s efforts this year.”
Among the highlights are three fascinating talks exploring different aspects of the area’s heritage.
At Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre, Buxton Civic Association presents The Tyrant of Derby: Sir John Gell and the Plunder of the High Peak, where Simon Fussell tells the dramatic story of the powerful Parliamentarian whose influence shaped the High Peak during the English Civil War.
Local historian Trevor Gilman will reveal the area’s rich industrial heritage in Architectural Metalwork Manufacture in the Buxton Area, hosted by Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust as part of the Made in Buxton project.
Meanwhile, Kate Dickson, Director of Creative Heritage, will explore the traditional building crafts that shaped the town in The Crafts that Built Buxton: Reclaiming the Lost Skills Needed for our Historic Homes, hosted by Buxton Town Team.
Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of free open days and special events throughout the festival.
Highlights include Buxton Museum & Art Gallery’s Treasures of Everyday Life in Buxton exhibition, an open day at Buxton Freemasons, free tours of Buxton Opera House, opportunities to explore the beautifully restored Assembly Rooms, and open days at churches across Buxton and the surrounding area, each showcasing their unique history and architecture.
Those looking to explore outdoors can discover Buxton’s industrial and natural heritage through Buxton Civic Association’s Grin Low: A Landscape Where Nature and Industry Have Become Inseparable audio heritage trail, which takes visitors on a journey through 330 million years of history, from ancient tropical seas to the lime-burning industry that helped shape the town.
All Heritage Open Days events are free to attend, although donations to participating hosts are welcome. Some events, including several talks, have limited places and require advance booking.
The full programme, including booking information, is available on the Visit Buxton website at: https://www.visitbuxton.co.uk/heritage-open-days/
A printed festival leaflet will be available from early August from the Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre and The Pump Room. The leaflet has been funded and produced by Buxton Civic Association (BCA), Buxton’s leading environmental and heritage conservation charity.
