Heritage Open Days, the country’s annual celebration of its rich architectural and cultural heritage, takes place this year between 10th – 13th September.
The nationwide promotion is a great opportunity to visit some of Lancaster’s historic attractions that are either not normally open to the public, or which usually charge an entrance fee.
The Council are fully behind the scheme and have announced a large and varied selection of special openings and related activities will take place across Lancaster district, mostly concentrated on Saturday and Sunday, 12 and 13.
As well as free admission being available to Lancaster Castle, the Grand Theatre, Maritime Museum, Judges’ Lodgings and many of the district’s other well-known historic buildings such as Morecambe’s Winter Gardens, a variety of properties not normally open to the public will also open their doors.
Behind-the-scenes tours of Morecambe and Lancaster Town Halls will provide a rare glimpse into the lesser-known reaches of the city council’s headquarters. The Lancaster tour will be accompanied by a reincarnation of lino magnate Lord Ashton, who gifted the building to the people of Lancaster.
In addition, at 11.00am on the Saturday there will be a Heritage Bike Ride around Lancaster. Meet at the Millennium Bridge for a short, leisurely, guided cycle tour, with frequent stops at interesting historical buildings.
Further afield, the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Ambleside is opening its doors to the public for free, as are venues such as Church Bow Cottage in Kirby Lonsdale and Sizergh Castle & Garden in Kendal.
• Further information on local Heritage Open Days is available from the Lancaster and Morecambe Visitor Information Centres, telephone 01524 582394 or 582808.
• For a full list of Heritage Open Days attractions in the North West visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/region/North%20West