Discover the extraordinary in everyday histories at Corinium Museum’s free Heritage Open Days events

Visitors can enjoy a programme of free experiences, including curator-led tours of the innovative Salmonsbury Exhibition, a guided exploration of medieval Cirencester and family-friendly craft activities, all designed to reveal the fascinating stories behind the region's rich heritage.

Corinium Museum in Cirencester is inviting visitors to explore the stories of everyday life through a programme of free events and discounted admission as part of this year's Heritage Open Days festival from 11 to 13 September.

The theme of the 2026 festival, Everyday Histories, will be brought to life through curator-led tours, a medieval town walk and family-friendly craft activities, giving visitors the opportunity to discover the rich history of Cirencester and its surrounding area.

The celebrations begin on Friday 11 September with two free curator-led tours of the Salmonsbury Exhibition, taking place at 10.30am and 2.30pm. The exhibition is the culmination of a year-long project that combines art and archaeology, bringing together artists, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and the Corinium Museum in a unique creative collaboration.

At 11.15am, visitors can enjoy a free taster session of the Medieval Cirencester Town Walk, exploring the everyday lives of the people who lived and worked in the town during the medieval period. Over at Trinity Road, Cotswold District Council’s Chambers will be open 10am – 4pm, allowing visitors to see where democracy takes place for our district. While  there, you’ll also be able to look instead Cirencester’s own historic ‘Lock Up’ built in 1804.

On Saturday 12 September, the museum's Winstone Learning Centre will host free drop-in craft activities throughout the day. Inspired by Cirencester's Augustinian Abbey, participants can create their own illuminated initial, just as medieval monks did when decorating biblical texts.

Places for the curator-led tours and the medieval town walk taster are limited and must be booked in advance via the museum website. No booking is required for the drop-in craft activity.

Visitors can also take advantage of discounted museum admission throughout the weekend, with adult and senior tickets available for £5.40, while concessions and children can visit for just £2.

Samantha Fryer Ward, Marketing and Events Manager at Corinium Museum, said: "Heritage Open Days are a wonderful opportunity for people to connect with the stories that have shaped our communities, and this year's theme, Everyday Histories, encourages us to look beyond major historical events and discover the experiences of ordinary people.

“At Corinium Museum, we're delighted to be offering a range of free activities, tours and creative experiences that bring these stories to life. Combined with discounted museum entry throughout the weekend, we hope even more people will take the opportunity to explore Cirencester's remarkable heritage and be inspired by the fascinating lives of those who came before us."

Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture. Organised by thousands of local volunteers and organisations and brought to the public by the National Trust with support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, the festival offers free access to events, experiences and historic sites across England, including many places that normally charge admission.

For further information, opening times and booking details, visit the Corinium Museum website www.coriniummuseum.org or www.heritageopendays.org.uk.