Heritage Open Days 2026: Historic places in Chorley and Leyland you can still visit for free this September
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These events still have dates available during the Heritage Open Days run.
Astley Hall and St George's Church are two of the Chorley venues opening their doors to the public as part of the Heritage Open Days festival of history and culture this September.
The annual event, which got under way on September 11 and will run until September 20, 2026, sees many of Lancashire’s best-known attractions and destinations opening their doors for free during the event.
Heritage Open Days organised by the National Trust and supported from Postcode Lottery players is a free event, includes access to many Lancashire sites that would usually charge for admission.
Annie Reilly, the National Trust's Audience & Engagement Director, said: "England's largest festival of history and culture is back. Heritage Open Days opens the door to thousands of extraordinary stories, places and experiences on your doorstep.
“With over 6,200 free events across the country, millions can discover the places around them in new and -often-surprising ways. By inspiring curiosity today, the festival helps build a stronger sense of connection, care and action for the future.”
Here are the events taking place in Chorley and Leyland that still have availability.
Chorley events:
Lancashire Latter-day Saint History Exhibition and Performance in Chorley
Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Temple Way, Chorley, Lancashire, PR6 7EQ
Dates: Multiple dates available
Details: A historical exhibition and performance about Latter-day Saints throughout history who lived in England, especially those who were from Lancashire.
Astley Alive
Location: Astley Hall, Coach House and Park, Astley Park, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 1XA
Dates: Multiple dates available
Details: Step into history as it comes to life at Astley Hall.
St George's Church, Chorley
Location: St. Georges Church, St. Georges Street, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 2AA
Dates: Multiple dates available
Details: Visitors will see an early 'Waterloo' or 'Commissioners' Church', an imposing example of architect Thomas Rickman's work, dating from 1825.
St Laurence's Church: Chorley's Oldest Building
Location: St Laurence's Church, Union Street, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 1EB
Dates: Multiple dates available
Details: An opportunity to find out more about the life and times of St Laurence's Church. From beginnings in the 13th century to a thriving, serving hub of Chorley life today. Retro arcade games event, history talks, tours of the bell tower and an organ recital.
Leyland events:
What did my grandparents and parents do for work
Location: Worden Hall, Worden Park, Leyland, Lancashire, PR25 1DJ
Date: Sept 19, 2026
Details: Back in the middle of the 20th Century Leyland and Farington were one of the biggest towns in Lancashire that employed over 34,000 people in various industries, most of which have now disappeared, all that we have left are the workforces memories.
The Evolution of Croston: 1800 to the Present Day
Location: The Old School, Church Street, Leyland, Lancashire, PR26 9HA
Dates: Multiple dates available
Details: The evolution of Croston from a small rural village in the 1800s to a very different but still rural village in the 21st century.
For more details on any of these events, visit the Heritage Open Days website.