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Heritage Open Days return to MK’s parks!

Published: 04/08/2026

Heritage Open Days is the nation's largest community-led festival of history and culture, bringing together thousands of volunteers and organisations each year. Every September, people come together to celebrate their heritage, community and local history. Stories are shared, traditions explored, and the past brought to life.

We've put together an exciting programme of free events to help residents discover and learn more about local history. Join us in Milton Keynes' green spaces to celebrate the city's heritage, uncover hidden gems, and hear stories from years gone by. Events include guided walks, cycle rides, workshops, volunteering activities and much more.

Tickets are required for some events. Browse the full programme below.

Heritage Open Days Events

Check out the exciting events taking place for this year's Heritage Open Day celebrations.

View all heritage events

Group of people on a guided walk with almshouses behind

Great Linford Manor Park

Great Linford Manor Park Guided Walk

Discover the historic features of this unique site with local volunteers.

Canal Broadwalk

Heritage Open Days: Timber, Tannin, and Tradition - The Historical Role of Trees

Discover a variety of tree species and explore their historical uses and associations with folklore.

Great Linford Manor Park

Heritage Open Days: Community Volunteering - Heritage Heroes

Be a Heritage Hero and help protect this special corner of our natural heritage for generations to come.

Canal Broadwalk

Heritage Open Days: Gyosei Art Trail Walk

Explore the beautiful and unique Gyosei Art Trail alongside the Grand Union Canal.

Person cycling in Milton Keynes park

Floodplain Forest

Heritage Open Days: Heritage Ride

Celebrate Heritage Open Days with this fun family bike ride.

Floodplain Forest

Heritage Open Days: Wetlands and Weaving Workshop

Join The Parks Trust and Milton Keynes Arts Centre for a wetlands wander.

Floodplain Forest

Heritage Open Days: Discover Old Wolverton Village and the Wetland Arc

Find out about the heritage of this Scheduled Ancient Monument including the motte and bailey castle.

Heritage Open Days: Ancient Woodland Wander

Come for a wander around Shenley Wood, one of MK’s ancient woodlands to explore the heritage of the area.

Heritage Open Days: Discover Bancroft Roman Villa

Learn more about the Roman villa site before seeing the artefacts that were discovered there at MK Mueseum.

Ouzel Valley Park

Heritage Open Days: Orchard Foraging Walk

Amble through the orchard to learn about the apple varieties and get helpful foraging tips!

Heritage Open Days are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the stories, landscapes and communities that make Milton Keynes so special. This year’s programme brings together a fantastic mix of walks, rides, workshops and volunteering activities, all designed to help people discover more about the city’s rich natural and cultural heritage. We’re delighted to offer these events for free and hope they inspire people of all ages to explore their local parks, learn something new and feel even more connected to the green spaces on their doorstep.

Julie Dawes, Events & Community Engagement Manager at The Parks Trust