Eight National Trust sites across the West Midlands you can visit for free this September
Country estates and historic venues are throwing open their doors
This month’s national celebration of England’s heritage will see some of the most historic and iconic estates in the West Midlands open their doors to the public for free.
Several venues listed by the National Trust in the Black Country, Staffordshire and Shropshire will open up their doors during Heritage Open Days to showcase what makes them special, with entrance fees waived by the trust.
These range from sprawling country estates to venues with historic resonance to more quirky and unique places.
Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20. Open each day between 11am and 5pm
The historic manor on the outskirts of Wolverhampton will open for free over the weekend to encourage people to discover the charm of a Victorian family home filled with Pre-Raphaelite art and William Morris interiors.
Exhibits on display include Explore the Rossettis: Siblings and Spouses, which celebrates the artistic and literary legacy of Christina, Dante Gabriel, Maria and William Rossetti, alongside Elizabeth Siddal and Lucy Madox Brown.
Other exhibits will include the story of the Mander family, who owned the manor, with details of their lives, interests and some of the fascinating guests who have visited the manor over the years.
Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13. Open each day between 10am and 5pm
The hall played its part in the English Civil War; it’s where King Charles II hid from Cromwell’s troops after fleeing the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
Visitors can explore the historic rooms where events unfolded, see the bed on which the King slept and the priest hole where he concealed himself, and hear stories from guides and costumed interpreters.
Other features at the hall include the Lace Guild, a history of wool and traditional crafts in the Ccowshed and the historic grounds, with the knot garden, Stablecroft and woodland.
Saturday, September 12, Friday, September 18 and Sunday, September 20. Open each day between 10.30am and 3.30pm
A stroll along the sandstone ridge offers dramatic views across surrounding counties from the ramparts of an imposing Iron Age hill fort.
The dwellings on Compton Road were carved into the red sandstone of the Edge and were lived in by families up until the 1960s - and the three open days on September 12, 18 and 20 will provide plenty of opportunities to hear about the stories of those who lived there.
From Sunday, September 13 to Thursday, September 17 and on Sunday, September 20. Open each day between 10.30am and 4.30pm
Dudmaston combines inspiring art, beautiful gardens, historic interiors and a vast countryside estate and offers a variety of experiences for visitors of all ages, interests and abilities.
Inside the house, nationally important modern art sits alongside historic collections, sharing stories of creativity, innovation and family life.
Outside, visitors can enjoy peaceful gardens, seasonal displays and picturesque views, with plenty of space to pause, relax and take in the surroundings.
Industrious Women at Coalport China Museum and Broseley Pipe Works
From Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13 and from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20. Open each day between 10am and 4pm (booking required)
Visit two of the factories at the heart of the Industrial Revolution to find out about the lives of ordinary working women in the ceramic industries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The event will take place at the Coalport China Museum and Broseley Pipe Works, two very different, world-famous ceramic factories operating in the Ironbridge Gorge in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Visits must be booked online at the National Trust website.
Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19. Open each day between 9am and 5pm
Shugborough is opening its gates for free entry to the garden, Park Farm and Mansion House for Heritage Open Days 2026.
The estate is open for free entry for people to enjoy a day wandering around the Walled Garden, a stop at Park Farm and then onto the Mansion House and formal gardens.
There will also be talks in the Chinese House and the Painted Paradise watercolour exhibition in the mansion.
Saturday, September 12, Monday, September 14 and Sunday, September 20. Open each day between 12pm and 4pm
The hall is a beautiful Tudor family home where the Benthall family have had a seat for more than 1,000 years.
Situated on a plateau above the gorge of the River Severn, this fine stone house has mullioned and transomed windows, a stunning interior with carved oak staircase and decorated plaster ceilings and oak panelling.
The current house was built in 1535 but there have been Benthalls living on this site since the medieval period. During this time the house has been part of many interesting events from the Civil War to the Industrial Revolution.
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