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The historic market town of Richmond is preparing to celebrate its rich past as the programme for this year’s Heritage Open Days Festival is officially launched. Running from Friday 12 to Sunday 21 September 2025, the event offers a packed schedule of free tours, talks, walks and family activities – all designed to showcase the town’s fascinating history and culture.

Organised locally by the Richmond and District Civic Society, the festival is part of the national Heritage Open Days initiative, which opens doors to special places across the country, many of which are rarely accessible to the public.

Among the many highlights is the opportunity to climb St Mary’s Church bell tower to see both the historic bells and the newly installed additions, guided by the tower captain and ringers. Visitors can also step inside the rarely opened chapel of Holy Trinity Church and learn about its intriguing history and former uses.

The Georgian Theatre Royal will be offering free guided family tours of the UK’s oldest working theatre still in its original form. Families can also enjoy a special crafts day at Foxglove Covert Nature Reserve in Catterick Garrison, along with guided walks around the reserve and a demonstration of traditional scything. History enthusiasts can take guided tours of Easby Abbey and Easby Parish Church or attend a talk at the Green Howards Museum exploring the quirks and challenges of family history research.

There will also be rare access to the private Aske Hall estate, an illustrated talk on the lead mining heritage of Upper Swaledale at Keld Visitor Centre, and a chance to delve into the history of Richmond Station. Visitors can walk the town’s streets with a costumed Victorian policeman, enjoy a spine-tingling ghost walk, or join a guided walk around Richmond’s historic racecourse to learn about its origins and buildings, including the world’s oldest surviving stone-built grandstand still on its original site.

Colin Grant, Chairman of the Richmond and District Civic Society and event organiser, said:

“Heritage Open Days is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together in celebration of Richmond’s remarkable history and community. Whether you’re exploring a familiar favourite or stepping inside a place you’ve never seen before, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – and every event is completely free.”

The full programme is available online at www.richmondcivicsociety.org and in printed leaflets throughout the town.