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Warrington opens its doors for ten days of free heritage discovery

Heritage Open Days returns to Warrington from 11 to 20 September, with historic venues, guided walks, policing history, bell ringing, rugby heritage and rare behind-the-scenes access to Parr Hall.

By THE TEA · 1 September 2026

Warrington Town Hall, one of the town’s historic civic buildings Image: Reading Tom / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0Original source

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Warrington is preparing to open up some of its stories, buildings and hidden corners as Open Days returns from 11 to 20 September.

The annual festival gives people the chance to explore local history for free, and this year’s Warrington programme ranges from churches and historic venues to policing, rugby league and guided walks.

Visitors can find out how drones are being used to tackle crime at the Museum of Policing in Cheshire, join a heritage walk led by one of Warrington’s librarians, learn about bell ringing at St Matthew’s Church in Stretton, and explore the Civil War connections around St Oswald’s Church in Winwick.

There will also be opportunities to mark 150 years of Warrington Wolves Rugby League and visit Walton Hall, where an exhibition will look back at the history of the hall and gardens.

One of the less everyday opportunities comes on Tuesday 15 September, when Parr Hall will run two guided tours behind the scenes of the Grade II listed venue. The hall has hosted performances and events for more than 130 years.

Heritage Open Days is built around the idea that local history does not have to sit behind glass or remain hidden behind closed doors. The Warrington programme gives residents and visitors a chance to look again at places they may pass regularly, while organisations across the borough share the stories attached to them.

Individual activities may have their own times, capacity limits or booking arrangements, so visitors should check the Heritage Open Days programme before travelling.