Visitors will get an exclusive chance to see some of the borough’s most distinctive heritage sites as Hillingdon Council celebrates the Open House Festival 2026 next month.
The free annual event runs from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 September, with events ranging from drop-in visits to exclusive tours and workshops. Visitors will be able to discover historic treasures like the Generator House at the top-secret underground Battle of Britain Bunker, in Uxbridge.
Hillingdon locations and activities
- Hillingdon Museum and Archives Service, Uxbridge: 12 September, 11am to midday. Go behind the scenes with a rare, guided tour of the Civic Centre, admire its striking architecture and art collection.
- Manor Farm, Ruislip: 12 to 13 September, 10am to 4pm (Great Barn 1pm to 4pm on 13 September). Step inside the Tudor Manor House and marvel at the magnificent medieval Great Barn.
- Eastcote House Gardens, Eastcote: 13 September, 10am to 4pm. Enter the usually out of bounds 18th-century, Grade II listed Dovecote set among tranquil gardens.
- Cranford Park: 13 September, 11am to 3pm. Visit the beautifully restored stables, wander the Secret Garden and discover the ongoing conservation of the historic cellars.
- Southlands Arts Centre, West Drayton: 12 to 13 and 18 to 20 September, 10am to 4pm. Enjoy open days, workshops and guided tours at this stunning Queen Anne-era house.
- Battle of Britain Bunker, Uxbridge: 12 to 13 and 19 to 20 September, 10am to 4pm. Explore the Second World War Generator House and Pillbox.
Cllr Wayne Bridges, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents Services, said: “Hillingdon is home to a range of remarkable buildings. Some have impressive architecture, others have intriguing histories linked to the Second World War, with all providing an eye-opening glimpse of life in the borough in days gone by.
“For this year’s Open House Festival, residents will have a fantastic opportunity to explore some of our most distinctive heritage sites, including those areas that are rarely open to the public. It’s a chance to discover more about the borough’s rich history and see some of these fascinating buildings from a different perspective.
“For fans of municipal architecture, we’ve even included a tour of our very own Civic Centre, a striking Grade II listed building of British ‘neo-vernacular’ design.”
The annual Open House Festival is a London-wide event organised by the charity Open City, celebrating the city’s built environment, allowing the public to visit normally inaccessible buildings, heritage sites, workplaces, and private homes for free. The 2026 edition marks its 35th year.
Find out more and see all events at discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/history-events.