Discover Uttlesford’s Heritage Open Days 2026 Events

This year, residents and visitors can enjoy a fantastic range of events across Uttlesford, from medieval churches and historic bellringing traditions to windmill heritage and family-friendly cultural activities.

Parish Lives at St Mary’s Church, Stebbing

For more than 700 years, St Mary’s Church has been at the heart of community life in Stebbing. This year’s programme celebrates the people, skills and stories that have shaped the church over the centuries.

Highlights include:

• Saturday 12 September: Ride and Stride welcome stop and Cornerstone Café (10am to 3pm)
• Monday 14 September: Medieval Churches Talk with historian and archaeologist Matthew Champion (1.30pm to 2.30pm)
• Tuesday 15 September: Organ recital by Professor David Rowland (12.30pm to 1.30pm)
• 16 to 18 September: Have a go at stitching a traditional church kneeler and explore the Parish Lives exhibition (9.30am to 4.30pm)

Thaxted Windmill: More Than a Restoration

Discover the story behind one of Uttlesford’s most recognisable landmarks. This exhibition explores the history of Thaxted Tower Mill, the people connected to it and the important role windmills played in the local economy during the Georgian period.

Visit at The Guildhall, Thaxted:

• Friday 18 September: 10.30am to 2pm
• Saturday 19 September: 1pm to 4pm
• Sunday 20 September: 10am to 2pm

The Bells That Brought Him Home: St Mary’s Church, Saffron Walden

Follow the story of Thomas Turner, who is said to have found his way home by following the sound of Saffron Walden’s bells in 1623. Four centuries later, this remarkable bellringing tradition continues.

Visitors can:

• Climb the church tower
• Learn about centuries of bellringing heritage
• Try ringing a bell on the mini-ring
• Explore the largest parish church in Essex
• Enjoy refreshments during their visit

Event times:

• Saturday 19 September: 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4pm
• Sunday 20 September: 2pm to 4pm

Ukrainian Traditions Family Festival at Saffron Walden Museum

Join a local Ukrainian family for an afternoon celebrating Ukrainian heritage through crafts, music, dance and storytelling. The festival offers a welcoming opportunity for families to learn about Ukrainian culture while enjoying free access to the museum.

• Saturday 19 September
• 1.30pm to 4.30pm

There will also be a collection in support of Ukrainian medical aid.

Plan Your Visit

All of these Heritage Open Days events are free to attend, with no pre-booking required. Whether you’re passionate about local history, curious about traditional skills, or simply looking for a family-friendly day out, there’s plenty to discover across Uttlesford this September.

For full event details and more Heritage Open Days activities, visit the Heritage Open Days website.