Heritage Open Days

Are you interested in this history and heritage of canals? Look behind the scenes at our Heritage Open Days.

From free museum entry to blacksmith's forge demonstration, our Heritage Open Days give you the opportunity to explore the fascinating history of our 250-year-old canals and rivers. Look at the events below to find out what's happening near you.

We've included guided history walks so you can take a stroll and see heritage brought to life.

Heritage Open Days events

Heritage Open Day (& Volunteer Recruitment)

To celebrate Heritage Days, the museum is opening its doors to the public for free.

12 September 2026, 10am-4pm

National Waterways Museum South Pier Road Ellesmere Port Cheshire CH65 4FW

Free entry at National Waterways Museum Gloucester

Entry to the Museum is free all day on Saturday September 12 as part of the Heritage Open Days Festival.

12 September 2026, 10am-4am

National Waterways Museum Gloucester

Heritage Open Day plus bookable free Boat Trips

Heritage Open Day at Anderton - Free Boat Trips 13 September. Booking will be available from beginning of September.

13 September 2026, 10am-4pm

Anderton Boat Lift, Lift Lane, Anderton, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6FW

Heritage Open Week-Blacksmith Forge Demonstration Dobson Locks

A practical demonstration in the traditional craft of blacksmithing at our Dobson Locks forge.

16 September 2026, 10am to 17 September 2026, 3pm

Dobson Locks, Apperley Bridge, BD10 0PY

Let's Walk! Historic Canal Walk (5 Weirs Walk)

Join us on a walk along the canal to discover over 200 years of history on the 5 Weirs Walk.

17 September 2026, 11am-1:30pm

Victoria Junction Cafe, Victoria quays, Furnival Rd, Sheffield, S4 7YB

Tardebigge Wharf Guided Local History Walk

Volunteer guides will take you along the current wharf and sites of past quays, quarries, rail tracks, lime kilns and boat lift.

19 September 2026, 9:30am to 20 September 2026, 4:30pm

St Bartholomews Church Car Park. Church Lane (Off High House Lane). B60 3AH.

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More events

Guided walks to wildlife spotting, yoga, paddleboarding and more. Discover exciting events this autumn.

Last Edited: 7 August 2026