HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 2026
Friday 11th September - Sunday 20th September
Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.
Scroll down for a list of the places in the local area that can be visited as part of Heritage Open Days
Built in 1748 as a purpose-built gaol, the building is now a museum charting the development of Buckingham through the ages.
The main focus during Heritage Open Days 2026 will be on local author Flora Thompson, and local businesses.
Saturday 19th September, 10am - 4pm (pre-booking is not required)
A rare chance to see inside the Gothic Temple, a splendid folly built in 1741 by architect James Gibbs. This is an opportunity to enjoy free entry to both Stowe Landscape Gardens and its Gothic Temple.
Saturday 19th September, 10:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday 20th September, 10:30am - 4:30pm
(pre-booking is advised)
Stowe Landscape Gardens
The scale and beauty of Stowe has attracted visitors for over 300 years. Picture-perfect views, winding paths, lakeside walks and temples create a timeless landscape, reflecting the changing seasons.
Friday 11th September - Sunday 20th September, 10am - 4pm (pre-booking is not required)
Brackley Road Cemetery, Buckingham is the final resting place of ten soldiers and airmen who died for their country during WW1 and WW2. This tour is an opportunity to hear their stories and find out about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s history.
Monday 14th September, 2pm - 3pm (pre-booking is required)
A chance to learn all about the heritage of the Buckingham Canal which was opened in 1801 and speak with our volunteers who will be working on site. Also discover more about the Society’s plan to restore the canal. There is then the option to take a self-guided walk with a leaflet provided by them to explore more of the canal and visit a second site along the route of the canal which is also on part of the Ouse Valley Way footpath.
Visitors can then return using the same route or plan their own circular route back to the start of the walk at Bourton Meadow, Buckingham
Sunday 13th September, 11am - 1pm (pre-booking is required)
