Discover the rich history, heritage and hidden stories of Doncaster this September as Heritage Open Days returns for 2026.
From medieval churches and historic houses to guided walks, exhibitions, backstage tours and hands-on workshops, this year's programme offers a unique opportunity to explore the borough's past in new and engaging ways. Many events are free to attend, with plenty of family-friendly options, giving everyone the chance to step inside remarkable places, hear fascinating stories and celebrate the people, places and traditions that have shaped Doncaster over the centuries.
With even more events now added to the programme, visitors can enjoy special access to historic buildings, heritage talks, archive tours, nature walks, sporting history events and creative workshops taking place across the borough throughout the festival.
Multiple Date and Online Events
• The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (11-20 September)
Location: Doncaster Brewery & Tap, 7 Young Street, Doncaster, DN1 3EL
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Photography exhibition exploring Doncaster's historic buildings, celebrating architectural gems while highlighting buildings at risk and those that have shaped the city's character.
• Doncaster Heritage Art Exhibition (13-20 September)
Location: Doncaster Brewery & Tap, 7 Young Street, Doncaster, DN1 3EL
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: An exhibition celebrating Doncaster's heritage through art.
• Sand House History Podcasts
Location: Online
Type: Online | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: A podcast series exploring the history of Doncaster's lost Victorian marvel, the Sand House.
• Doncaster Civic Trust Virtual Reality Art Gallery and Exhibition Centre
Location: Online
Type: Online | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: A virtual reality gallery and exhibition showcasing some of the achievements of Doncaster Civic Trust over the last 80 years.
• Become a Donny Spotter - An Interactive Family Quiz
Location: Doncaster Tourist Information Centre, 1 Priory Place, Doncaster, DN1 1BL
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: A self-guided family treasure hunt around the city centre, spotting decorative and unusual features on Doncaster's buildings.
• Celebrating 850 Years of St Mary's Church, Sprotbrough
Location: St Mary's Church, Main Street, Sprotbrough, Doncaster, DN5 7RH
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: An exhibition of photographs and artefacts alongside church tours, bell ringing, refreshments and children's activities.
• St Oswald's Church, Kirk Sandall
Location: St Oswald's Church, Pilkington Road, Doncaster, DN3 1EF
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Explore the history of this medieval church and its role as a community hub.
• Historic Cantley Racecourse Walk
Location: Rose Hill Rise, Cantley, Doncaster, DN4 5LE
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Follow the route of the historic Cantley Race Track where the first running of the St Leger Sweepstakes took place.
• Doncaster Rovers Stadium Tour
Location: Club Doncaster Sports Village, Stadium Way, Doncaster, DN4 5JW
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Go behind the scenes with a guided tour of Doncaster Rovers FC's stadium.
• Pop-Up Exhibition: Doncaster Rovers Football Museum
Location: Club Doncaster Sports Village, Stadium Way, Doncaster, DN4 5JW
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Doncaster Rovers Football Museum pops up in its new home for Heritage Open Days.
• William Henry Forman: Iron Master and Benefactor
Location: Doncaster Minster, Church Street, Doncaster, DN1 1RD
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Required
Details: Discover the story of William Henry Forman and explore the richly decorated Forman Chapel.
Booking email: office@doncasterminster.co.uk
11 September 2026
• Open Day at St Mary's Church, Kirk Bramwith
Location: St Mary's Church, Top Road, Kirk Bramwith, Doncaster, DN7 5SW
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Explore this historic Norman church and see if you can spot its 26 mouse carvings.
12 September 2026
• St Mary Magdalene Church, Campsall
Location: St Mary Magdalene Church, The Avenue, Doncaster, DN6 9AG
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Legend suggests Robin Hood was married here when Campsall stood on the edge of Sherwood Forest.
• St Michael & All Angels Church Skelbrooke Farming History
Location: St Michael & All Angels Church, Straight Lane, Doncaster, DN6 8LX
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: A medieval church rebuilt after an 1870 fire, showcasing local farming and quarrying history.
• Heritage of St Laurence's Church and Adwick le Street
Location: St Laurence's Church, Village Street, Doncaster, DN6 7AD
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Explore medieval architecture, artefacts and displays celebrating local history.
• "Sand House" Songwriting Workshop
Location: Flying Scotsman Room, Danum Gallery, Library & Museum, Doncaster, DN1 3BZ
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Required
Details: Work with experienced songwriters to create a new song inspired by Doncaster's historic Sand House.
Book a ticket here
• Barnburgh Dovecote
Location: Barnburgh Hall Gardens, Barnburgh, Doncaster, DN5 7DS
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Explore a well-preserved 16th-century dovecote linked to Thomas More.
• St Peter's "The White Church", Warmsworth
Location: St Peter's Church, 187 Warmsworth Road, Doncaster, DN4 0TW
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: View archived records and exhibits, enjoy a textile exhibition and refreshments.
• Lindholme Hall Heritage Day
Location: Lindholme Hall, Lindholme Bank Road, Doncaster, DN7 6DT
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Discover a hidden island in the heart of Hatfield Moors with guided tours, woodland walks and family-friendly activities.
• Doncaster Unitarian and Free Christian Church Open Afternoon
Location: 60A Hall Gate, Doncaster, DN1 3PB
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Explore this historic building and learn about some of the notable figures connected to it.
• St Wilfrid's Parish Church Open Day
Location: St Wilfrid's Church, Church Lane, Doncaster, DN4 6QR
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Open day at this Grade II listed medieval parish church.
13 September 2026
• Open Door and Back Stage Tour at Bawtry Phoenix Theatre
Location: The Phoenix Theatre, Station Road, Doncaster, DN10 6PT
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Go behind the scenes at the theatre and discover its origins as a former Methodist chapel.
• John the Baptist Church Wadworth Open Day
Location: St John the Baptist Church, Old Church Lane, Doncaster, DN11 9BW
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Visit a medieval church with origins dating back to Saxon times.
• Sports and Recreation: Guided Walk of Hyde Park Cemetery
Location: Hyde Park Cemetery, Carr Lane, Doncaster, DN4 5AA
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Explore stories of sporting stars and popular pastimes from Doncaster's history.
14 September 2026
• St Mary's Church, Wheatley Open Church and Guided Tour
Location: 59 St Mary's Road, Doncaster, DN1 2NR
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Explore the church opened in 1885 and designed by Edmund Beckett, later Lord Grimethorpe.
• Whatcha Hiding Behind There?
Location: City of Doncaster Archives, Chequer Road, Doncaster, DN1 2AE
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Required
Details: A behind-the-scenes tour offering access to archive collections and historical records.
Book a ticket here
• Rail Store Open Day
Location: City of Doncaster Archives, Chequer Road, Doncaster, DN1 2AE
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Required
Details: A rare opportunity to view artefacts from the Doncaster Grammar School Railway Collection.
Book a ticket here
15 September 2026
• Guided Tour of St Catherine's House and Garden
Location: St Catherine's House, Woodfield Park, Tickhill Road, Doncaster, DN4 8QP
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Required
Details: Step behind the scenes to explore elegant rooms, hidden corners and the stunning walled garden.
Book a ticket here
• Backstage Tour
Location: Cast, Waterdale, Doncaster, DN1 3BU
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Preferred
Details: Explore backstage areas, dressing rooms and the inner workings of Doncaster's theatre.
• The Great St Leger: 250 Years of a Racing Classic
Location: Danum Gallery, Library & Museum, Waterdale, Doncaster, DN1 3BZ
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Required
Details: A special talk and tour celebrating the history of the world's oldest Classic horse race.
Book a ticket here
• A Morning with our Stone Masons
Location: Station Road, Hatfield, Doncaster, DN7 6RX
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Meet the stonemasons working on restoration projects and enjoy hands-on demonstrations.
16 September 2026
• Hooton Pagnell Hall Gardens Open Day
Location: Hooton Pagnell Hall, Doncaster, DN5 7BW
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Explore the gardens, tithe barn and summer house while learning about the history of the estate and those who worked there.
• St Helena's Church, Austerfield
Location: St Helena's Church, High Street, Doncaster, DN10 6QU
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: An 11th-century Norman church with Mayflower connections, beautiful arches and rare historic features.
• Guided Walk: Railway Heritage of Potteric Carr
Location: Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, Mallard Way, Doncaster, DN4 8DB
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Required
Details: Discover how the development of the railway helped shape Potteric Carr Nature Reserve.
Book a ticket here
• Tour of Danum Gallery, Library and Museum
Location: Danum Gallery, Library & Museum, Waterdale, Doncaster, DN1 3BZ
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Guided tour of one of Doncaster's key cultural and heritage attractions.
• Sandall Beat Walk: Past, Present and Future
Location: Sandall Beat Environment Centre, Doncaster, DN2 6JP
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Required
Details: Discover the history of Sandall Beat and its role in Doncaster's UNESCO Biosphere ambitions.
Book by emailing: Country@doncaster.gov.uk
17 September 2026
• Things that Yorkshire Gave to the World
Location: St Peter in Chains Church, Doncaster, DN1 2AA
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: An illustrated talk exploring some of Yorkshire's greatest contributions to the world.
• Ancient White Willows - A Unique Living Heritage
Location: Fishlake Village Hall, Pinfold Lane, Doncaster, DN7 5JR
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Professor Ian Rotherham explores the heritage and biodiversity value of Fishlake's ancient willow trees.
• Quirky Churches Talk
Location: St Lawrence Church, Station Road, Doncaster, DN7 6RX
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: An entertaining and informative talk uncovering unusual stories and hidden heritage within local churches.
18 September 2026
• Heritage Walk Around Fishlake
Location: The Old Butcher's Café, Pinfold Lane, Doncaster, DN7 5JN
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Required
Details: A guided walk exploring the history of the ancient village of Fishlake.
Please call Stephen Cook to book a place on +441405815058
• Life in Fishlake During World War II
Location: Fishlake Village Hall, Pinfold Lane, Doncaster, DN7 5JR
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: An exhibition exploring wartime life, rationing, blackout measures and community resilience.
• Palaeography Workshop
Location: City of Doncaster Archives, Chequer Road, Doncaster, DN1 2AE
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Required
Details: Learn how to read and interpret historic handwriting and documents.
Book a ticket here
19 September 2026
• St Nicholas Church Bawtry Open Afternoon and Bell Ringing
Location: St Nicholas Church, Church Street, Doncaster, DN10 6HW
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Explore this 12th-century church, climb the tower and try bell ringing.
• Historic St Wilfrid's Hickleton Church
Location: Saint Wilfrid's Parish Church, Hickleton Road, Doncaster, DN5 7BB
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Explore the beautiful church and churchyard and uncover the truth behind the three mysterious skulls displayed in the lychgate.
• Doncaster Mansion House Open Day
Location: Mansion House, High Street, Doncaster, DN1 1DG
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Visit the Mayor's Parlour and discover the story behind recent restoration work.
• Doncaster Masonic Hall Open Day
Location: Masonic Hall, Priory Place, Doncaster, DN1 1BZ
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Explore the history of Freemasonry in Doncaster and tour the historic hall.
• 200 Years of Methodism in Thorne
Location: Thorne Methodist Church, 64A King Street, Thorne, Doncaster, DN8 5BA
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Displays and talks celebrating two centuries of Methodism in Thorne.
• Tickhill Parish Room Open Day
Location: Tickhill Parish Room, Northgate, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9HZ
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Explore this Grade II* listed building with guides on hand.
• St Mary's Church, Tickhill Open Day
Location: St Mary's Church, St Mary's Road, Doncaster, DN11 9LY
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Visit one of Yorkshire's finest medieval churches.
• St Mary's Bell Tower, Tickhill
Location: St Mary's Church, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9LZ
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Step inside the historic bell tower and discover the heritage of church bell ringing.
• St Peter's Church, Conisbrough Open Day
Location: St Peter's Church, Church Street, Conisbrough, Doncaster, DN12 3HR
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Explore one of South Yorkshire's oldest functioning churches, including archaeological displays and churchyard tours.
19-20 September 2026
• Potteric Carr
Location: Potteric Carr Nature Reserve Visitors Centre, Mallard Way, Doncaster, DN4 8DB
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: Free entry to Potteric Carr Nature Reserve throughout the Heritage Open Days weekend.
20 September 2026
• A Discovery Walk Round Hexthorpe Flatts Park Followed by a Brass Band Concert in the Dell
Location: Hexthorpe Flatts Park, Greenfield Lane, Doncaster, DN4 0JD
Type: In person | Pre-booking: Not required
Details: A guided walk exploring the park's history followed by an open-air brass band concert.
11 Sep 26, 12:00 - 20 Sep 26, 17:00
If you like this, take a look at the other fantastic attractions in Doncaster.
