Sheffield Heritage Open Days 2025: Architecture, History & Hidden Gems

From Friday 12 to Sunday 21 September 2025, Sheffield opens its doors for ten days of heritage celebration: free tours, walks, talks, exhibitions and building‑openings that bring the past into full view — especially through the lens of architecture.

This year, Sheffield is putting a spotlight on its built environment. With three Grade I listed buildings participating — Sheffield Town Hall, Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, St Mary’s Church Ecclesfield — you’ll get to see buildings of national importance. Also, there are repurposed industrial or commercial spaces like Canada House, Beehive Works and Leah’s Yard, showing how old fortunes are being reinvented.

Whether you’re fascinated by medieval stonework, Gothic arches, classical columns, steel and industrial heritage, or modern sustainable design — there’s something here for you. Churches, chapels, civic halls, museums, green parks and libraries are all part of the mix. And many sites are usually closed to the public or have restricted access, which makes this event special.

What to Know Before You Go

• Free entry for all events, though many require pre‑booking. Check opening times, meeting points, booking requirements.
• Some events have changed or been added since the printed brochure (which was finalised in July 2025) — check the online listings to avoid disappointment.
• Due to infrastructure work, a few University of Sheffield building tours over the weekend of 13‑14 September are now ticketed and limited in number. Meeting points may also have changed.
• Accessibility: many events have accessible toilets, steps / uneven ground, but some sites (especially older buildings) may have limited access. If you have mobility needs, look carefully at the event listing.

Why It’s an Unmissable Festival

These are some of the reasons Heritage Open Days in Sheffield are always special:

• Architectural storytelling — buildings tell stories: who built them, why, how their use has changed over time, what materials were used, what styles are reflected. Architecture gives a physical record of social, economic, religious, industrial change.
• Hidden gems — you get to see behind doors, into basements, down ladders (in some cases), into workshops, vaults, usually‑closed churches and industrial spaces.
• Community and local pride — many events are run by local history groups, volunteers, churches, museums. It’s a chance to connect with your neighbourhood’s past and the people who safeguard it.
• Something for everyone — walks, family‑friendly events, creative workshops, exhibitions. Whether you’re solely interested in architecture, industrial history, social history, or just looking for a good walk with heritage interest, there’s something in the programme.

Full Schedule (Selected Day‑by‑Day Highlights)

Here’s a breakdown of many of the Sheffield events by day. Use this to plan your time, pick what appeals, and map them by location so you can get around efficiently.

Friday 12 September

• A Walk Round Attercliffe — view the industrial history and remnant buildings of the Lower Don Valley.
• Aizlewood’s Mill Tour — guided tours through the historic mill and its milling equipment.
• Ernest Wright Scissor Makers: a Century of Knowledge, Passion & Character — talk by Jonathan Reid, Town Hall.
• Hawley Collection at Kelham Island Museum — trade catalogues, photographs & design documents from the Ken Hawley Archive.
• Loxley Cemetery – The Chapel — visit to a 200+ year old chapel & cemetery in Loxley Valley.

Saturday 13 September

• Little Mesters at Work – Leah’s Yard Heritage Tour — exploring hidden workshops and industrial heritage.
• Sheffield Modernist Society Walking App Launch / Walk — discover modernist and brutalist architecture, guided walk + app launch.
• Ecclesfield Parish Families Exhibition — local photographic / family history exhibition in Ecclesfield.
• Other open churches, chapels, and local heritage walking tours.

Sunday 14 September

• Green Moor Pump House — rare chance to see inside and descend into the well.
• Zion Graveyard, Attercliffe — frontline of local history, anti‑slavery stories.
• Showroom Cinema Projection Booth Tours — behind the screens at the cinema.

Monday 15 September

• St Matthew’s Church, Carver Street — open, exploring its ritualist / Anglo‑Catholic designs.
• Kenwood Mansion Walk — guided walk through George Wolstenholm’s house and grounds.
• Painted Fabrics Ltd Exhibition / Talk — centenary event at Little Norton.

Tuesday 16 September

• Stan Shaw ‘Little Mester’ Illustrated Talk by Andy Kershaw — stories of Sheffield’s famed “Little Mester” knife‑makers.
• The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Handsworth — church, grounds, histories, family displays.
• Other sites open: St Mark’s Church Broomhill & Broomhall.

Wednesday 17 September

• Evening Talk: Behind the Scenes at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet — a twilight look at this nationally significant industrial site.

Thursday 18 September

• Multiple church openings and heritage walks, illustrations & talks, local heritage group activities (e.g. Broomhill Library events; landscape & heritage design talks).

Friday 19 September

• Sheffield Town Hall ‘Behind the Scenes’ Tour — explore chambers, historic interiors, civic spaces in this Grade I listed landmark.
• St Mary’s Church Ecclesfield open for inspection, history & architecture.

Saturday 20 September

• Yellow Arch Studios tour — from its industrial origins to present day music venue.
• Walkley: St Mary’s Church & school, open doors including bell tower.
• Town Hall Treasures — see the Silver Room & civic treasures.

Sunday 21 September

• St Mary’s Church Ecclesfield — final day open 12:00‑16:00.
• Many churches, parks, historic sites have “multiple date” openings (including this day) — chance for late visitors to catch favourite sites.

Suggested Itinerary Tips

• If you only have one or two days: pick a cluster geographically to reduce travel time. For example: Town Hall / Victoria Hall / Cutlers’ Hall in the city centre one day; then a day in Kelham Island, Abbeydale, or Ecclesfield.
• Early booking for popular tours (University buildings, Town Hall) is advisable.
• Mix “walk + building” days with more relaxed site inspections to avoid fatigue.
• Bring good shoes, a camera, note‑taking materials (especially if architecture interests you), and maybe packed lunch for sites that don’t provide refreshment.

Full Daily Planner (Selected Sheffield Events)

book tickets here

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