News 4th September 2025

Heritage Open Days in Mid Devon 2025

Every September, Heritage Open Days invites people across England to explore history, culture and community through free events and open doors. From hidden chapels to bell towers, Victorian engineering to peaceful gardens, it’s a chance to step inside places not usually open to the public — or to see familiar sites in a new light.

This year’s festival runs 12–21 September 2025, with plenty happening right here in Mid Devon. We’ve rounded up some of the highlights so you can plan your visits — whether you’re looking for guided tours, hands-on experiences, or simply a wander somewhere steeped in history.

Highlights in Tiverton

St Peter’s Church

  • John Greenway Chapel & Almshouses (18 Sept) – Step inside this Grade II listed chapel and the almshouse site tucked away behind Gold Street. Hear the history of these historic buildings and enjoy refreshments.

  • John Waldron Chapel (12 Sept) – Built in the 1500s, this unique chapel offers a glimpse of Tiverton’s Tudor past.

  • Old Blundell’s (20 Sept) – Explore the Elizabethan former school and discover its fascinating stories and connections.

  • St Peter’s Church & Tower (13 Sept) – Climb to the top of Tiverton’s parish church for splendid town views, plus tower tours, bell ringing and clock demonstrations.

  • Knightshayes – Free entry to this striking Victorian Gothic house, with its garden and parkland to explore.

Cullompton & Uffculme

  • Grantlands, Uffculme (21 Sept) – A rare chance to walk through this unchanged 19th-century private estate, with its Grade II listed buildings.

  • Spiceland Quaker Meeting House (21 Sept) – Discover 200 years of Quaker history and the burial ground dating back to the 1680s.

  • River Culm Heritage Walk (18 Sept) – Join local experts for an evening walk exploring the river’s heritage, wildlife and native crayfish.

Bampton

  • A Tapestry of Buildings (multiple dates) – Guided by the Bampton Heritage & Visitor Centre, trace the story of the town’s architecture, churches and historic buildings.

  • Bampton Open Tower (21 Sept) – Visit St Michael & All Angels Church to learn about bell ringing and even try it yourself.

Killerton & Surroundings

Killerton House

  • Killerton House, Garden & Park (multiple dates) – Explore the fine 18th-century house, landscaped grounds and renowned fashion collection.

  • Clyston Mill (multiple dates) – Step back into the age of Victorian engineering at this working watermill.

  • Columbjohn Chapel & Gatehouse Arch (multiple dates) – Visit the remains of a Tudor mansion site, once featured on Digging for Britain.

  • Exhibitions at Killerton (multiple dates) –

    • The Aclands of Killerton in the 1920s (Devon History Society)

    • A Global Mission of Faith and Freedom – telling the story of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther and Sir Thomas Dyke Acland.

Cadbury

  • Fursdon House, Garden & Tearoom (multiple dates) – Take a guided tour of this historic family home, enjoy its gardens, and relax with cakes and scones in the Coach Hall tearoom.

From bell towers and Tudor chapels to riverside walks and grand estates, Heritage Open Days is the perfect excuse to explore Mid Devon’s rich history. Best of all, every event is free.

Some activities need pre-booking, so check details before you travel, and remember that many sites are only open on specific dates. You can find all this information on the Heritage Open Days website.

Whether you’re curious about hidden corners of Mid Devon, eager to step inside private houses, or looking for a family day out, Heritage Open Days is a chance to connect with the stories that shaped this region.

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