Heritage Open Days returns bigger and better

Heritage Open Days, the annual celebration of the country’s history, architecture and culture, returns next month and for the first time ever will take place over two long weekends.

From September 6-9 and 13-16 there’s the chance to join special openings, guided tours and events exploring hidden gems, local history and culture in the Lancaster and Morecambe Bay area - all for free. 

Pore over an exhibition on the famous past pupils of the Lancaster Royal Grammar School, tour Lancaster’s lost Lune Bank Gardens or take a trip down memory lane with a talk on Lancaster’s old Market Hall.

If you’re looking for something new, special inclusions to the programme include an open day at RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Reserve, Bolton-le-Sands Old Boys School and the chance to enter the old Royal Lancaster Infirmary’s original operating theatre that dates back to the 1890s.

Fancy some history on foot? Bring your walking boots for a historical walk around Greaves Park, discovering the Victorian buildings and areas which were part of the original gardens, or join a city wide tour of Lancaster’s Military History with the Curator of the King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum.

As with previous years you’ll be able to make a weekend of it with regular additions to the programme including tours of the city’s town hall, castle, Priory, Grand Theatre and Friends Meeting House all featuring again.

Coun Darren Clifford, Cabinet member with responsibility for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “Our district is blessed with buildings of every age, style and function and Heritage Open Day will give both local people and visitors a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures.  

“This year’s programme is set to be bigger and better than ever before with a wide-range of tours, events and activities offering something for everyone.”

You can find more information about all venues included in the festival and when they will be open by downloading a copy of the programme (PDF, 2.4MB) or alternatively visit Lancaster or Morecambe Visitor Information Centres or Town Halls to pick up a copy of the programme.

 

Last updated: 22 August 2018