Five National Trust properties across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire will take part in Heritage Open Days this September, giving visitors the chance to explore historic houses, gardens and landscapes, with some normally restricted spaces opening their doors.
The annual festival runs from 11 to 20 September 2026 and is built around a simple proposition: places that can sometimes feel distant or exclusive become temporarily more accessible, allowing visitors to see familiar landscapes differently — or discover somewhere they might otherwise overlook.
For people across Oxfordshire, the programme includes five National Trust properties within the wider region, from the medieval atmosphere of Greys Court to the landscaped grandeur of Stowe.
Stowe Gardens, Buckinghamshire
Stowe will be open for free throughout Heritage Open Week, from Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September, offering access to its 250 acres of landscaped gardens.
The grounds contain a remarkable collection of temples, monuments, lakes and avenues, but the most unusual opportunities come at the weekend.
On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, visitors will be able to look inside the Gothic Temple, normally operated as a holiday cottage by the Landmark Trust. Stowe’s Parish Church, the Temple of Concord and Victory and Dido’s Cave will also be accessible.
The Gothic Temple requires climbing stairs and pre-booking is advised.
Greys Court, near Henley-on-Thames
At Greys Court, Heritage Open Days coincide with an archaeological excavation exploring the site’s medieval history.
The National Trust and South Oxfordshire Archaeology Group will be working on the top lawn, with visitors able to watch the excavation, talk to members of the team and see discoveries as they are made.
The house, gardens and parkland will be free to enter from Monday 14 to Wednesday 16 September, with the archaeological dig running each day from 11.00am to 3.30pm.
It offers a different kind of encounter with a historic property: rather than simply looking at a finished collection or restored building, visitors can watch its history being uncovered.
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Waddesdon Manor will open its house and grounds free of charge over the weekend of Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September.
The Rothschild estate is known for its French Renaissance-style architecture, extensive gardens and collections, but Heritage Open Days also provide access to Windmill Hill, normally closed to the public.
The building houses conservation and environmental work associated with the Rothschild Foundation, offering visitors a glimpse behind the scenes of how a major heritage estate is cared for.
Hughenden, High Wycombe
At Hughenden, visitors can explore the former home of Benjamin Disraeli and learn more about its later role in Britain’s wartime history.
The property was transformed into a Victorian country estate by Disraeli, while during the Second World War Hughenden became a secret map-making operation.
Heritage Open Days also coincide with an exhibition by Buckinghamshire Artists and Makers, bringing together work spanning painting, photography, printing, textiles, ceramics, glasswork, jewellery and sculpture. The National Trust currently lists the open-day event from Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September, from 10.00am to 4.30pm.
Cliveden, near Maidenhead
Cliveden will take part from Monday 14 to Friday 18 September, with a programme designed to explore less familiar aspects of the estate.
Visitors can join history and garden walks, daily talks and selected tours, while special activities will explore the estate’s collections, conservation work, chapel and landscape.
The programme includes a Hidden Cliveden Tour, heritage tree walk and photography walk, alongside family-friendly collections and conservation sessions. Tours have limited places, while some activities require advance contact.
A chance to see familiar places differently
Heritage Open Days can be easy to overlook amid the larger calendar of autumn events, but its appeal is less about a single headline attraction than the cumulative opportunity to explore places that have helped shape the region.
For Oxfordshire residents, the programme also offers an inexpensive way to extend the season of day trips. A visit to Greys Court can become an archaeological afternoon; Stowe offers access to normally private spaces; and Waddesdon provides a glimpse beyond the public face of a major estate.
The wider Heritage Open Days programme extends well beyond National Trust properties, with thousands of free events taking place across England during September.
Heritage Open Days 2026 runs from 11 to 20 September 2026.
For full details, including individual opening times, booking requirements and other participating venues, visitors can consult the Heritage Open Days programme.
